A multi-destination trip is exciting on paper, but arranging every detail takes a lot of time and finesse. Cruises offer a simple solution in boarding a floating resort that takes you to each destination with no hotel switches being required. However, does this can make one wonder, are cruises worth it? How do they measure up to air and land travel? Ultimately, it depends on your travel preferences. AAA Cruises offers convenient access to various destinations, but sea-bound excursions have unique drawbacks.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros and cons of cruises so you can decide if you’re ready to sail the seas.
Cost of Cruises
Many cruise-curious travelers wonder if it’s a good idea to take to the seas and luckily, there’s a range of options for different budgets. According to Cruise Market Watch, the per-day expense is about $286.05, including onboarding and ticket costs. Luxury cruise lines or upgraded rooms may significantly raise the overall price.
This doesn’t include premium dining expenses, high-cost excursions or travel to and from your departure and arrival ports before and after the cruise. Many cruise ships also have casinos, premium workout classes and luxury spas, which incur additional expenses.
Always double-check what the cruise line does and doesn’t include. Some fleets, like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer unlimited complimentary excursions, while others may only provide a single tour at each port. Read the fine print to get the best value possible.
Pros of cruise costs:
- All-inclusive pricing can simplify your trip’s budget with lodging, transportation between ports, dining and certain onboard activities included in the fare.
- Cruise lines frequently run sales that lower overall costs or add additional amenities.
- Early bookers often discover lower rates and wider cabin options.
- Families can usually save money if multiple travelers share one cabin.
Cons of cruise costs:
- Add-on costs can add up, including service charges, Wi-Fi, specific dining options, gratuities and excursions.
- Budget cruises often charge for even more “extras” and limit complimentary amenities onboard to compensate for the low ticket price.
- Costs usually rise during high season and holidays, which may be challenging for families who travel around the school year.
Travel Schedules on Cruises
Cruise itineraries include a mix of sea days and port days and 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.
This may vary depending on the type of cruise you’re on. For example, a repositioning cruise takes passengers across large swathes of ocean and will likely have more days at sea. Cruisers prefer fewer destinations when seeking a relaxing onboard experience or plan to visit locations after cruising, once they’ve arrived at the final port.
Is a cruise worth it if you won’t see as many cities or countries and spend most days on ocean or river cruises? That depends on your preference and how much you enjoy engaging with onboard activities.
Pros of cruise travel schedules:
- You can visit several destinations in a single trip without dealing with transport or changing hotels.
- Days at sea give cruisers a chance to decompress between shore days while enjoying onboard entertainment.
- The crew plans and maintains the itinerary so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
- Shore excursions are easily booked with your cruise line and keep logistics minimal.
Cons of cruise travel schedules:
- Port stops are limited to day visits and can make it challenging to explore destinations fully.
- Weather conditions can lead to cancellations or less time on land as a protective measure, as a way to keep passengers and crew members as safe as possible.
- Longer cruises likely include more days at sea, which isn’t ideal for those who prefer to spend most of their time at a destination.
Onboard Amenities and Entertainment
A modern cruise ship can feel like a small city with live music, theatrical shows, water parks, gyms, kids’ clubs and adult-centric spaces. Onboard amenities ensure that cruisers make the most of every moment at sea by turning the commute into a destination itself.
Pros of onboard amenities and entertainment on cruises:
- Entertainment options onboard are nearly endless and conveniently located on the ship; no commuting required once you board.
- Cruise ships generally offer activities for all age groups, making them an excellent option for multigenerational family travelers.
- Amenities are set on a convenient schedule for leisurely onboard activities.
- Many onboard amenities and entertainment are included in the fare.
Cons of onboard amenities and entertainment on cruises:
- Some onboard amenities, such as specialty dining and premium activities, may cost you extra.
- Due to the ship's physical limitations, if you’re seeking a specialized amenity, you may not find it onboard.
- Popular cruise activities can get crowded and lines may even form.
Health and Hygiene on Cruises
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.
Crew members regularly disinfect and wash surfaces using CDC-approved disinfectants. Sanitizing increases if there’s any possibility of an illness spreading on a ship in an effort to minimize its effect on passengers.
Pros of health and hygiene on cruises:
- Cruise ships often have medical professionals available 24/7 for any medical emergency, so patients receive immediate treatment in case of an emergency.
- Ships have standard protocols for controlling infections and reporting outbreaks to appropriate channels.
- Pharmacies are often available onboard for convenient access to medication.
- Regular sanitation is implemented to reduce the spread of germs.
Cons of health and hygiene on cruises:
- The larger the ship, the larger the passenger count, which means more exposure to other sick individuals.
- Sea sickness is a challenge for certain travelers, especially on longer cruises or during bouts of bad weather.
- Isolation policies can interfere with your cruise if the staff needs to limit or shut down activities temporarily.
Cruises for Family Travel
Predictable, well-planned activities are best for families and that's precisely what the cruising experience offers. While some cruises are adults-only, there are many options for children. Celebrity Cruises is well-known for its kid-friendly STEM programs and Disney Cruise Line caters its programming to young ones.
Pros of cruises for family travel:
- Cruise ships often offer adjoining rooms or family cabins so loved ones can stay connected during their vacation.
- On ships that allow children, there’s an abundance of activities to try, from an afternoon at the waterpark to children’s shows.
- Both dining rooms and buffets regularly serve kid-friendly foods.
- Many kid-friendly amenities are age-specific, with offerings for small children and teens alike.
Cons of cruises for family travel:
- Cabins may feel tight, especially for parents bringing bulky cribs or strollers onboard.
- Large crowds and long lines may be overwhelming for children.
- Certain cruises don’t include amenities for very young children.
Cruises for Solo Travelers
Cruises are strong options for solo travelers who want to mingle and meet other like-minded adventurers. According to the Cruise Lines International Association’s recent study, in 2024, 12 percent of cruisers sailed solo. This is 6 percent higher than the previous year, showing an increasing trend.
Holland America Cruise Line connects cruisers with the popular Single Partners Program that organizes mixers and meet-and-greets for single and solo travelers.
Pros of cruises for solo travelers:
- Cruises are safe and well-monitored, so solo passengers will likely feel safe during the trip.
- There are plenty of social opportunities, such as activity nights and dance parties.
- Traveling independently may be more cost-effective if the cruise line waives the single supplement fee for individual travelers who stay in a double-occupancy room.
Cons of cruises for solo travelers:
- Many ships still implement a single supplement charge for solo guests to compensate for the cost of booking a double-occupancy room.
- Solo travelers seeking quiet, slow environments may be overwhelmed by groups on larger cruise fleets.
- Forming genuine connections with fellow travelers may be difficult.
Cruises for Couples
Cruises are a good fit for couples, as they often want to balance relaxation with adventure and cruises let them do just that. Couples can seek romantic corners of the ship, book a cozy balcony room or suite and focus on each other while enjoying the bespoke experience. An adults-only river voyage on a fleet like Viking fits the bill for an intimate, refined couple’s vacation.
Pros of cruises for couples:
- Couples can spend their time connecting and relaxing since cruises take care of the itinerary and manage every amenity.
- Since cruise ships are often large, it’s easy to stay close to a loved one or even get some space, letting couples decide how much time they want to stay together during their vacation.
- Spa services and adults-only areas add to the ambience.
Cons of cruises for couples:
- Larger crowds can reduce privacy and intimacy for couples seeking alone time.
- Cabanas, private hot tubs and other couples-friendly amenities may book up fast.
FAQ
Here are some additional questions that can help you decide if cruising is right for you:
Are cruises cost-effective?
Yes, cruises can be cost-effective when you take advantage of affordable cabins, seasonal sales or shoulder-season bookings. You can also opt for a budget cruise line with fewer amenities and lower prices.
When you compare these prices to meals, hotels and transportation expenses, a cruise becomes more accessible, simplistic and streamlined.
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.
What are the risks of a cruise ship?
While unlikely, illness outbreaks may occur during your trip, which can spread fast with large crowds on big ships. Seasickness is another risk of cruising, especially on longer routes. There’s also always a risk that your itinerary will change depending on the weather, which may mean spending an extra day at sea or skipping a port.
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.
Conclusion
In summary, 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 week-long trip (or beyond) if you enjoyed your first sail.
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 helps you decide how to choose a cruise line.
Connect with our team today to start planning your cruise vacation. AAA is here to support you every step of the way.