Why I Love Cruising (And Why You Will Too)

🦋 Cruising- it's like a floating theme park on the open ocean, and it’s a great way to vacation when you’ve got a family of all different ages. Think endless activities, all-you-can-eat food, and the added bonus of traveling to multiple destinations without ever having to worry about carving out travel time. It's a win-win! So, let me share why I’m all about cruising and why you should consider it for your next vacation.

1. Why Cruising is Perfect for Families of All Ages

One of the reasons I’m such a fan of cruising is that it’s perfect for families with kids, teens, and adults alike. There’s something for everyone, and no one feels left out. The kids can go to the kids' club, where they can hang out with others their age, while you, the grown-ups, can enjoy some peace and quiet or even some time at the bar. Meanwhile, there’s food for everyone- no matter what dietary preferences you’ve got. Want pizza, burgers, or sushi? It’s all there, and most of it’s included! And if you want to visit a variety of destinations without the hassle of booking flights and transportation, cruising is perfect. The boat takes you to beautiful places, and you get to stay in the same place, with zero packing or unpacking after each stop.


2. Activities Galore

Cruise ships are like floating resorts- there are so many activities on board! From rock climbing walls and waterslides to Broadway-style shows and trivia contests, there’s never a dull moment. Of course, if you just want to lounge and do nothing, you can do that too. The beauty of cruising is that you can customize your experience based on what you’re in the mood for. Looking for some adult-only time? Many ships have adult-only pools, bars, and even entertainment spaces. Want to get active? There are usually gyms, basketball courts, and even mini-golf. There's always something to do!


3. Food, Glorious Food (And Dining Flexibility!)

Let’s talk about food because it’s one of the best parts of cruising. Some ships offer traditional early or late dining options, but many also have a flexible dining option or a buffet where you can eat when and where you want. No matter your mood, you’ll find something to satisfy you. Want to switch it up? Many ships also offer specialty dining restaurants for a more intimate and personalized experience (though some of these may have an extra charge). If you’re craving something casual, there’s usually a poolside grill for a burger or snack. And don’t forget the late-night snacks as well as the unlimited soft serve ice cream usually located by the pool is it bad they usually know our first names by the end of our trip?!? Seriously, food is available pretty much all the time, and that’s definitely one of the perks of cruising.



4. Adult-Only Areas

Okay, here’s the deal- if you’re looking for a kid-free, peaceful getaway, there are cruise lines that cater just to adults with entirely adult-only cruise line (yay for no crying babies!). On these ships, you’ll have access to adult-only spaces like pools, lounges, and even specialty dining options that cater to a more mature crowd. That said, most cruise lines still have a family-friendly atmosphere, so if you're not a fan of the idea of kids running around everywhere, just make sure to check the cruise line’s offerings. Also if you're like me and enjoy the casino after dinner and show, some lines do not have one.


5. Personal Tips From Me (Trust Me, You’ll Want to Know These!)

  • Lanyards with Clear pockets: This one’s a game-changer. Get lanyards with clear pockets to hold your cruise sea-pass. You’ll need it for everything- ordering food, checking out of the kids' club, buying drinks, and, of course, getting back to your room! Trust me, it's way easier than digging through your bag every time you need it.

  • Drinks Packages: If you’re planning to drink, keep in mind that everyone in your cabin over 21 and needs to order a drinks package. But if you’re not much of a drinker, you might want to skip the package and just pay as you go. It can save you some money!

  • Fun Door Magnets: I know it sounds silly, but bringing fun magnets to decorate your door with is a must. Not only does it make your room easy to spot in a sea of identical doors, but it also adds a little personal flair to your experience. Plus, it’s a fun way to stand out and start conversations with your neighbors.

  • Duck Hiding: Some cruises have a fun tradition where people hide little rubber ducks or other small trinkets around the ship for kids to find. It’s a cute little scavenger hunt that keeps the young ones entertained!


  • Stool Softener for Kids: Okay, this is a bit TMI, but I learned the hard way. If your kids aren’t big on eating veggies, bring a stool softener just in case. I didn’t and ended up with a kid in the ER due to severe stomach pains (yes, really). You’re welcome for that tip!

  • Waterproof Gear: If you’re going to be doing any water-based excursions, bring a waterproof case or GoPro to capture all those underwater moments. You won’t want to miss out on the photo ops when you’re snorkeling or exploring the beach.

  • Excursions: I don’t always book excursions through the cruise line. Sometimes they’re just too expensive, and I prefer to do my own thing. However, if you book an excursion through the cruise line, they’ll wait for you if there’s any delay in getting back to the ship. But if you’re on your own, don’t be late! They won’t hold the boat for you.

  • Magnetic Hooks: This is a bit of a hack: pack some magnetic hooks. Many ships have magnetic walls, and you can use these hooks to hang extra items like hats, bags, or towels. It’s a small space saver that goes a long way!

  • Theme Nights: Check the cruise app to see the theme for each night. Some people really get into the themes, while others don’t bother, but it’s a fun way to plan your wardrobe or just get in the spirit of things. No pressure, but it’s helpful for knowing what to expect.


  • Extra Hangers: Cruise ship closets are usually small, and you’ll want extra hangers to hang up your clothes. Trust me, pack a few more! They come in handy when your closet space is limited.

6. Let’s Talk About Wifi

If your cruise goes to multiple destinations, you might be able to get a better deal paying for the daily rate through your carrier rather than opting for the wifi package on board. Also, fun fact: I found that iMessage works between phones on board, even without wifi or you can communicate through the ship app that also works without wifi. So if you need to communicate with your family or friends, no worries! 

7. Packing for a Cruise

Here’s a little pro tip: cruises usually allow for alcohol allowances like two bottles of wine per passenger, so keep this in mind when packing to save some money. It can really add up if you’re buying drinks on board!

8. Weekend Cruises for First-Timers

If you’re new to cruising and worried about committing to a week-long vacation, why not try a weekend cruise? They’re short and sweet—usually around 2 to 4 days—and give you just enough time to test the waters. You’ll get a taste of everything the cruise has to offer, and if you love it (which you probably will), you can always book a longer one next time.

9. Bonus Cruise Hacks

  • Power Strip: Cruise cabins don’t typically have a lot of outlets, and if you’re traveling with a family, the struggle is real when everyone’s trying to charge their devices. A power strip with surge protection is a lifesaver! Just make sure it’s the kind that’s allowed on the ship (no extra-long cords or anything crazy). You’ll be able to charge phones, tablets, and even cameras without fighting for outlet space.

  • Early Boarding = Extra Time on the Boat: If you can, opt for early boarding when you arrive at the port. Getting on the ship earlier than most passengers means you can explore the ship, check out the amenities, and even snag some prime real estate by the pool or near the buffet. It’s also a great way to get familiar with the ship before everyone else floods in. Keep a small bag of items on hand if you’re checking in luggage because your main suitcase might not make it to your room immediately.

  • Leave Your Suitcase Outside Your Room the Night Before Disembarking: Don’t forget to leave your suitcase outside the room the night before disembarking with the assigned tag. The crew will take it away for you, so you don’t have to worry about lugging it around the next day while you get off the boat. This is especially helpful if you have an early departure time!

  • Sunscreen & Aloe: If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, make sure to pack sunscreen—and aloe just in case you end up with a little too much sun. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you're not used to the intensity of the sun out on the water.

  • Wrinkle-Free Outfit: Cruise ship cabins don’t always have an iron, so pack a wrinkle-free outfit if you're planning to dress up for formal nights. You don’t want to spend precious time waiting in line at the ironing room (if that is such a thing.)

In conclusion, cruising is the vacation I would choose when traveling as a family of all ages, I love the ability to go out and do my own thing and also do things as a family. Whether you're a family of 4, a couple, or flying solo, cruising offers something for everyone. With all the food, activities, and excursions, it's a stress-free way to vacation that gives you the freedom to relax or go full-on adventure mode. Ready to set sail? Because I am! 🌊🚢




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