Here at DontFlyGo.com we take always take a more globally conscious view toward travelling. That’s not to say we’re preachy or anything, but we do lean toward adventures that help knock down the level of our ever increasing carbon footprints. Previously, in the past, we covered a wide range of overland transport options – some deviating far from the normal path, some quirky as heck.
Cruising, however, is never something we’ve really covered in any level of depth. Which is a shame, because as far as travelling without flying goes, its a pretty stylish way to the see world. And, depending on what liner you go with and what you do while cruising, it’s probably a lot more ecologically friendly too.
That’s why we’re going to come out guns blazing here and talk about what makes cruising pretty special and unique. With handy new tools like Cruise Plotter emerging on the scene too, it’s becoming a much easier thing to do. Still not sold? Check out these reasons, you’ll be planning a cruise in no time.
The Target Demographic is Wide
Bet you thought taking a cruise was solely reserved for the more mature traveller? Not anymore. According to ATBA, the travel consumer watchdog, interest in cruises is three times higher among under-25 travellers than it was a couple of years ago.
Thanks to floating festivals like the Weezer Cruise, and coldwater expeditions like those ran by Quark, interest in them, among younger aged travellers, continues to grow.
Many Destinations
Seeing the world via sea, especially on-board a liner, means you can see a whole heap of destinations on one trip. Couple that with the sudden disappearance of the pain and hassle of constantly having to arrange accommodation and pack your bags all the time, taking a cruise become even more enticing.
Fun On-Board
Due to the sheer size and scale of a liner, it’s often more fun to be on-board than it is on the ground in some destinations themselves. Depending on what type of cruise you opt for, you could have access to a wide range of facilities like swimming pools, gymnasiums, sports pitches and courts, bars, restaurants and even casinos. The range of activities on a cruise can be very wide indeed.
Super Social
Going on a cruise pretty much guarantees you’ll make friends with other passengers and staff on board (unless you’re a hermit or something). Spending most of the day moving from destination to destination, walking around the deck and enjoying drinks with dinner and everything else possible on a liner, it’s possible to get to know a whole bunch of people, perhaps even making friends for life.
Moving Hotel
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that going on a cruise means they’ll have to give up their day-to-day life of internet surfing, Facebook chatting, YouTube watching delight. The fact of the matter is though that most modern day cruise ships are kitted out just like hotels, including all the mod-cons you’d expect from staying at a place in the heart of a thriving city. That includes wi-fi, laundry services, medical centres, theatres and even cinema screens.
Simplicity of Planning
Sometimes the biggest headache of overland travel is making all the logistical arrangements and figuring out where to go, how to get there and then where to stay. Going on a cruise means that all that is pretty much taken care of for you. Just hop online, find a liner you like the look of, that goes to destinations that interest you and then you’re good to go.
Family Friendly
Another strong reason to opt for a cruse when looking to explore more of the world is the fact they they make families, with members of all ages, feel welcome and provide the type of facilities necessary that can help them have a great trip. After all, there’s nothing more excruciating than a board kid stuck on a bus for hours with nowhere to go.
Here at DontFlyGo.com we champion cruising as a great way to see the world without having to go through the stress and struggle of pitchig up at an airport. Hopefully these reasons have helped inspire you.