Cruises offer a simple solution of boarding a floating resort that takes you to destinations with no hotel switches required. However, many travelers still wonder, are cruises worth it?
Cruises are worth it if your travel preferences lead you to value convenience, packaged pricing and entertainment options. However, cruises may not be suitable for some types of travelers. If you’re wondering if trying a cruise is right for your vacation, continue reading our guide with the pros and cons of cruises to decide if you’re ready to sail the seas.
Cost of Cruises: Pros and Cons
Cruises offer a range of options for different budgets. According to Cruise Market Watch, the per-day expense of the average eighth-day cruise is about $286.05, including onboarding and ticket costs. Luxury cruise lines or upgraded rooms may significantly raise the overall price, but can be worth it for a celebration or adult-only experience.
Explore the pros and cons of cruise costs below:
Pros of cruise costs:
- The “one-price” convenience: Your base fare covers transportation between destinations, lodging and 24/7 food.
- High-quality entertainment: Broadway-style shows, live music and deck parties are included.
- No transportation costs on the ship: Save on the additional costs of travel time and logistics, like ride-share or multiple hotels.
- Kids’ clubs for childcare: Most mainstream lines include supervised youth programs with fun daily activities.
Cons of cruise costs:
- Mandatory gratuities: Some lines automatically add service charges (usually $16-$20 per person, per day) to your bill.
- Drink packages cost extra: Soda, specialty coffee and alcohol typically cost extra, especially on budget cruise lines.
- Added cost of cruise excursions: The ship drops you off at the port, but getting off to do an exciting activity often costs extra per person.
Cruise Itineraries: Pros and Cons
Cruise itineraries include a mix of sea days and port days. They typically run on a tight schedule to maximize the experience for passengers. On a seven-day cruise, you can expect about three or four ports of call, with the remaining days spent at sea.
Explore the pros and cons of cruise itineraries below:
Pros of cruise itineraries:
- Visit multiple destinations: You can visit 4-5 different countries or cities in a single week with shore excursions. This is perfect for travelers who want to check out different destinations.
- Logistic ease: You travel between destinations mostly while you sleep. There are no 5:00 a.m. train transfers, no hauling luggage through cobblestone streets and no navigating car rentals.
- Access remote areas: Some itineraries (like the Norwegian Fjords, Antarctica or the Galapagos) are significantly easier and sometimes cheaper to see by ship than by any other means.
- The private island perk: Many cruise lines have private islands. These are essentially curated, perfect beach days, with included food and infrastructure you can't find at a standard public beach.
Cons of cruise itineraries:
- The timing problem: Most ships arrive at 8:00 a.m. and leave by 5:00 p.m. This means you miss seeing a city at sunset, the nightlife and the local dinner scene.
- Port saturation: When a ship docks in a small town, it can feel less like immersive travel with the amount of tourists in the port area.
- The weather gamble: If a storm hits or the seas are too rough, the captain can — and will — skip a port. You might have booked the cruise specifically to see a specific location, but you could end up with an extra day at sea instead.
- Distance from the city: Some ports are misleading. For example, the port for Paris (Le Havre) is a 2.5-hour bus ride away from the city, giving you significantly less time to sightsee.
Onboard Amenities and Entertainment: Pros and Cons
A modern cruise ship can feel like a small city with plenty of things to do. Depending on your cruise line, your cruise ship experience can include live music, theatrical shows, water parks, gyms, kids’ clubs and adult-centric spaces. Additional onboard amenities ensure that cruisers make the most of every moment at sea by turning the commute into a destination itself.
Explore the pros and cons of cruise ship onboard amenities and entertainment below:
Pros of onboard amenities and entertainment on cruises:
- Broadway-caliber productions: Many major lines feature full-length, licensed Broadway shows included in your fare.
- Unique thrills: Modern ships offer amenities you won’t find at a standard resort, including skydiving simulators, ice skating rinks, go-kart tracks and even roller coasters.
- The walkable lifestyle: On a cruise ship, almost everything is walking distance from your room: the gym, the spa, the theater and even any casinos.
- Kids' programming: Most ships have youth staff who run structured activities for kids and teens. Unlike a hotel game room, these are immersive, age-appropriate clubs.
Cons of onboard amenities and entertainment on cruises:
- The sea day scramble: On days when the ship isn't in port, many people are all trying to use the same amenities.
- Premium attractions: Newer experience-based amenities often cost extra, like go-karts or an escape room.
- Sensory overload: Some ships can be loud. Between the poolside DJs, PA announcements and lines, travelers looking for peace and quiet may find the amenities more stressful than relaxing. Consider looking into a booking a less crowded cruise line if you prefer peace and quiet on the high seas.
- The boutique gym trap: While the fitness center is free, most popular classes (like F45, SoulCycle or high-end Yoga) usually cost extra per class.
Health and Hygiene on Cruises: Pros and Cons
Cruise lines are required to report illnesses and outbreaks to the Vessel Sanitation Program run by the CDC. Major cruise lines also house medical staff and dedicated centers, with physicians and nurses onboard and nearby. Still, it’s understandable for people to worry when on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
Explore the pros and cons of cruise ship health and hygiene below:
Pros of health and hygiene on cruises:
- Constant sanitization: You’ll see crew members cleaning handrails, elevator buttons and public tables 24/7.
- Onboard medical centers: Every large ship has a state-of-the-art medical facility with licensed doctors and nurses. If you get sick or injured, help is an elevator ride away.
- High-tech air filtration: Most major lines have upgraded to HEPA-grade or MERV 13 air filtration systems that refresh the air in cabins and public spaces every few minutes.
Cons of health and hygiene on cruises:
- Exposure risk: Illnesses spread quickly in closed environments. If an outbreak occurs, the ship may go into Code Red, where self-service buffets are shut down and guest movement is restricted.
- Isolation policies: If you test positive for a highly contagious illness, you may be confined to your cabin for several days.
- Seasickness: A common health occurrence on a cruise can be seasickness. Even with advanced stabilizers, high seas can lead to nausea.
- Expensive medical bills: While the onboard clinic is convenient, it’s not free. They typically do not accept land-based health insurance, requiring travel insurance instead.
Are Cruises Worth It?
Based on the pros and cons above, going on a cruise is worth it if:
- You want convenience
- You’re looking for good value for the cost
- You want a variety of amenities and entertainment options
- You want predictable base costs
- You’re traveling with a group or family
- You want a taste of multiple places
Alternatively, cruises aren’t worth it if:
- You want to fully immerse yourself in a cultural experience
- You don’t like crowds or small spaces
- You are frustrated with paying for extras or upgrades
- You struggle with seasickness or motion sickness
FAQ
How do I choose a cruise line?
Choosing a cruise line depends on a variety of factors, including budget, desired destinations, ship size, onboard amenities available and who you’re sailing with. Once you know these factors, you can find a line that meets your needs.
When is the best time to book a cruise?
The best time to book a cruise is typically wave season (January through March) when most lines offer their biggest incentives of the year. If you miss wave season, try to either book early (six to 12 months in advance) or last-minute (90 days before embarking).
How much should I budget for a seven-day cruise?
Assuming the average per-day cruise cost is $286.05, you can expect to pay just over $2000 for a week on a cruise ship. These prices vary drastically and can significantly drop if you can take advantage of a cruise line’s sale.
Make sure to budget additional funds if you need to fly to your departure port or plan to spend on premium onboard activities or excursions.
Are cruises fun?
Yes, a cruise holiday removes a lot of friction from travel, giving you set options on where to eat and what to do. It’s important to choose the right line and ship to make sure it has destinations, itineraries, amenities and entertainment that appeal to you.
Is the drink package worth it on a cruise?
To decide if the drink package is worth it on a cruise, ask yourself how much you plan to imbibe on your trip. If you don’t drink alcohol or only plan to have a glass of wine, you’re better off paying à la carte.
A drink package may be a better value for you if you plan to enjoy the beverages onboard or are sailing on a party-centric cruise.
Set Sail With the Help of AAA
Are cruises worth it? They are generally a good value, bundling rooms, food and access to destinations into a straightforward offer for passengers. However, you should consider the pros and cons of your travel style to ensure it’s the right fit.
Consider starting with a shorter cruise itinerary that’s just three or four days long to get a sense of what life on the sea is like. From there, you can experiment with a weeklong trip (or beyond) if you enjoyed your first sail. Book your cruise with a travel agent to get the most out of their expertise and to get quality recommendations based on your travel preferences.
AAA Travel has helped novice and seasoned cruisers find the perfect fit on the water, catering to your availability, budget and preferred destinations. Your AAA membership unlocks discounts, exclusive offers and supports you every step of the way while you plan your vacation.