Cruising Along: Pros and Cons of Booking a Cruise

I don't think I've met a single person who is ambivalent about cruising as a means of travel. Most people fall into one of two categories: they love them and wouldn't travel any other way, or they won't set foot on a ship even if someone paid them to. Like anything, there are downsides and benefits to cruises. Let's take a look at a few.

Pro: You can see a lot of places in a relatively short amount of time.

Cruises are great for exploring major cities and sites. If you are interested in seeing a certain part of the world versus a specific country, a cruise is a very good option because you can get a little taste of a place and then decide if you want to return someday for a longer stay.

Con: You will only have a day in most locations.

Cruises definitely don't allow you to get a full flavor for a place. You will most likely arrive and depart on the same day and have just a few hours to one day at most to explore. (Also note that cruise ships leave port to the scheduled minute; if you miss your departure time you are out of luck!) Some cruises may stay in port overnight, but again, time is limited. You will only have time to see the major sites, and it can be stressful worrying about getting back to the ship in time for your departure. Also, if you happen to land in your dream city on a bad weather day, you don't have any flexibility in terms of changing your itinerary.

Summary: Cruising can be a relatively economical way to briefly visit several locations in one go. If you're pressed for time and want to see more than 1-2 places, a cruise is the way to go. On the other hand, cruising isn't for you if you like to go beyond the tourist sites and dive deeper into the local culture.

Pro: First-class amenities.

Cruises have come a long way in terms of the quality of what's offered on board, from the food to shopping to on-board entertainment. I have had some truly world-class meals onboard ships. The entertainment can be a little corny, but you can also cruise with Broadway stars if you are a fellow theater nerd like me!

Con: You miss out on local experiences.

Again, in most cases you aren't going to have time to have a meal in port, and considering that food costs are a major factor in overall cruising expenses, you may feel like you are "paying twice" for dinner off of the ship or that you're "wasting" a meal that you have already paid for on board. You also aren't likely to have time to see shows or other cultural performances in port, though some cruises offer such experiences as excursions (albeit at an additional cost). Also, the weather can play a part in how much use you get out of onboard amenities. For example, it can be really cold out in the middle of the sea, especially if you're cruising around Europe, making that luxury pool on the top deck fairly useless.

Summary: You are going to get good food and service on a reputable cruise line. If ease and luxury are top priorities for you, cruising is the way to go. If you prefer finding off the beaten path places to sit, eat, and linger and local cultural events to enjoy, you might be disappointed by the limitations of a cruise.

Pro: Convenience.

Again, if you want to see a lot of places quickly, cruising provides the major benefit of doing everything for you. You won't have to do any research on bouncing from place to place, and once you unpack your bags you are set for the duration of your trip, versus having to pack up and relocate. You don't have to worry about whether or not a restaurant is going to be good, and there are plenty of amenities on board if you forget an essential item in your suitcase or need an unexpected item of clothing.

Con: You don't have full control over what you see and do.

One of my favorite parts of travelling is getting from place to place; a cherished travel memory is a train ride we took from Prague to Vienna. We passed through the gorgeous countryside and even glimpsed kids playing in a local schoolyard. You miss out on a local experience by not utilizing local transportation, and in Europe in particular the trains are an experience in and of themselves. Also, excursions may be limited, and you might not have time to visit a museum or go to a concert.

Summary: Depending on your perspective, the built-in convenience of a cruise may or may not be for you. If you like adventure and going it on your own (which has become a lot easier these days thanks to technology such as Waze), you may find cruising to be a little suffocating. On the other hand, if you would rather do just about anything than drive in a new-to-you country or pack up and move locations (especially if you're traveling with kids) then cruising can take a lot of worry and stress out of your trip.

Pro: Bang for your buck.

Cruising can be an economical way to see multiple places. Flying individually from place to place or even taking trains can add up quickly. (Buses are still an economical choice, but it can take a really long time to get from place to place, and they aren't the most comfortable option.) If you have a big appetite and indulging in good food and drink is a priority, than cruising will likely give you more for your money versus eating in restaurants. Finally, time is money, as they say; if you want to spend more time enjoying your trip than planning it than you can't beat the convenience of a cruise.

Con: You pay for what you get.

Like anything, the level to which you enjoy your cruise may depend on how much money you're willing to spend. We are not frequent cruisers. As such, if I'm going to go on a ship than I want a room with a balcony, which is, of course, the most expensive cabin to book. If you cruise often, though, this might not matter to you. Keep in mind that the economical accomodations are going to be in the middle of the ship with no windows.

Summary: Cruises are far from one price fits all; you can spend a relatively modest amount of money for a good but basic experience, or can you spend a ton of money for a more luxurious trip. (And one isn't necessarily better than the other. Again, it depends what your priorities are for the trip overall.)

Pro: There are going to be lots of people on board.

Con: There are going to be lots of people on board.

Summary: This one is totally a matter of preference. Many people choose cruising specifically for the social aspects; many frequent cruisers establish friendships and travel together. Other folks are horrified at the idea of actually spending money to be forced to spend a lot of time in one place with loads of people. (The largest cruise ship currently running, Icon of the Seas, can hold up to 10,000 passengers and crew at maximum capacity.) The big cruise ships do have a lot of space and you can find quiet corners, but overall, cruising is a social experience and may not be the best choice for introverts or couples looking for a romantic getaway.

So which one is for you? It really depends on what you're looking for and what kind of experience you want to have. Travelers who prioritize convenience, ease of travel, and luxury and are happy to dip in and out of places will love cruising. Those who are more adventures, like a DIY trip, and enjoy diving into local culture are probably better suited for a non-cruise option.

Finally, it's worth noting that the information above mostly relates to large, ocean-going cruise ships. There are also lots of "cruises" that are on a much smaller scale; Viking Cruises is a good option for this kind of trip. There will be far fewer people on these boats and the durations tend to be longer with a more customized experience. Not surprisingly, these types of cruises are usually much more expensive.