When I first boarded the Celebrity Cruise ship, I was clueless about what to expect. It was my maiden voyage as an adult, and I had absolutely no idea what to pack or how to spend my downtime. If you’re in the same boat, wondering whether cruising is for you, here’s what I found out.
Cruising can become addictive. I spoke with countless passengers, and every single one of them had been on multiple cruises before. They all told me that cruising is incredibly addictive, with most having sailed at least five or six times previously.
Many North Americans on the cruise found it an excellent way to see as much of Europe as possible within a limited timeframe.
Cruising can be exhausting, but it’s up to you how active or relaxing your trip is. To make the most out of your cruise, prepare for long days filled with sightseeing. Cruises usually dock in a new place daily, which is often the main attraction—seeing as much as possible. You’ll likely want to disembark to explore.
The cruise company offers various excursions and tours, along with transfers to major towns or cities. Excursions can be fantastic since local guides show you the main attractions in limited time. However, daily tours can be tiring, so choose your excursions wisely and balance them with more relaxed days.
Traveling alone on a cruise is uncommon. I was technically on a work trip and traveled alone, which seemed to surprise many people. The majority of passengers were couples or groups of friends. Despite this, cruising is very sociable; I only had dinner alone once. People were eager to share their cruise experiences and make friends, so solo travelers will soon find companionship.
There’s a plethora of evening entertainment options. You’ll never get bored with the variety of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options available. Whether you fancy a jazz club, nightclub, comedy show, theater performance, movie, or a quiet drink on the deck, there’s something for everyone. You could also relax in the library with a good book and some fresh cookies.
It’s easy to gain weight on a cruise. The food is abundant and delicious, and it’s tough to resist when it feels like it’s already been paid for. Over a few weeks, this indulgence becomes noticeable.
Thankfully, there are plenty of health and fitness activities available. If you enjoy desserts or those irresistible cookies like I do, you’ll be happy to know that most cruises offer a well-equipped gym, various fitness classes, a running track, spa treatments, and multiple swimming pools. Combining this with all the walking from day tours should, in theory, keep you fit.
Cruising can offer great value for money. It’s not exactly cheap, but when compared to other holidays that cover as many countries, it’s clear that cruising is a good deal. You’re paying for the convenience of an unpack-once-and-relax holiday while visiting numerous destinations.
Waking up in a new country each morning was one of my favorite aspects of cruising.
Not everyone on a cruise is old. Cruise ships aren’t just for pensioners. While I was among the youngest onboard, most passengers were around 55 years old. There were plenty of younger couples too, mostly people who loved to travel luxuriously without the hassle of trains, buses, and planes.
It was amusing to hear that some of my girlfriends who went on a cruise this summer claimed it to be their best vacation ever. It was supposedly a family trip, but they joined my friend’s parents and had an amazing time.
The ship itself can feel like a bustling city. This was a surprise to me. Each night, I’d explore new bars, clubs, live music venues, hidden booths, a library, an art gallery, and designer shops. Like in a city, you should make reservations for restaurants and spa treatments.
You’ll need some formal clothes. Every trip, I pack a formal outfit “just in case,” and never use it. Naturally, the one time I didn’t pack it, I needed it. Saturday nights on cruise ships are usually formal nights. Not everyone dresses up, but you wouldn’t be out of place in a long dress or tux. And, given the short distances to walk, you can bring those killer heels!
Lastly, never call it a ‘boat.’ It’s a ship. I learned this the hard way when I mistakenly said ‘boat’ during dinner, earning shocked looks from everyone at the table. Oops.