Deciding Whether A Cruise Is For You: 4 Considerations

Despite how long they’ve been around for, cruises still grow in popularity year after year. With constant advancements being made to ships across the world, it’s no wonder they remain one of the most common choices for a holiday with travellers from all over.

Whether you’re solo, as a couple or travelling with family, there are plenty of reasons to opt for a cruise. However, if it’s your first time, there are also some important considerations to bear in mind.

Here are just four things to think about before choosing a cruise for your next holiday.

Seasickness

Although you may think it’s common knowledge to avoid a cruise if you’re prone to seasickness, many travellers may still opt to try it out. Unfortunately for some, it’s still an issue whilst on a cruise. The motion of the boat is still there regardless of its scale, meaning you could be hit with frequent bouts of nausea.

If you’re a known sufferer of mal de mer, be sure to find a cure for it before you board – tablets and bands are two common remedies to combat the potential for nausea, often sold on the boat in anticipation. You could also look out to the horizon to naturally rid yourself of any feelings of illness.

It is also said that sea sickness can be diminished through power of the mind, with it only happening if you convince yourself that you’ll be hit with it.

Pregnancy

Many expectant mothers like to take a holiday before their baby arrives. Cruises are a popular choice because they require little in the way of planning. You can relax on deck, enjoy the food and evening entertainment, and explore new places every time the ship docks.

However, you have to time a cruise carefully if you’re expecting. Most ships do not allow pregnant women to board once they reach 24 weeks, and you must have disembarked before you reach this point. Holidaysafe also note the importance of getting medical clearance from your doctor.

The routes on offer

 Nowadays there are countless cruises to consider, all of them as exciting as fulfilling as the next, and it’s highly likely at least one of them will cover the areas you’re looking to visit.

Do some thorough research to see which countries your potential cruise will visit, how close your point of docking is to the places you want to see, and how much time you’ll be given to explore. If the cruise’s schedule doesn’t take your fancy, perhaps wait it out for a new route to be introduced.

What to do on board the boat itself

 There’s plenty to do on a cruise ship, from daytime activities like swimming, cookery classes, cinemas and children’s clubs to evening entertainment like live music.

There’s something to suit every taste, too, from the luxury and grandeur of renowned boats such as the Celebrity Reflection, voted the best overall cruise for this year, to the family fun of cruises such as Norwegian Jade.

Remember: although they’re often filled with things to do, if you simply want to get out there and explore the world, the laidback and relaxed vibe of a cruise may not be exactly suited to you.

All you need to do is board the ship and let the crew take it from there. From food to accommodation, transport to destinations, everything is already sorted. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy the ride.

 Are there any other points you believe are worth raising in regard to cruises? Be sure to leave some considerations in the comments below.