There are the buffets!
The skydiving and surfing simulators (which are pretty awesome). The casinos.
The all-you-can-drink packages.
The Themed bars.
The ice skating rink.
The carousel.
The rope course, etc.
A cruise ship is your chance for great fun and total indulgence. But why, at the end of the day, are cruises actually amazing? And what is it about them that keeps travelers come back for more?
Hint: It’s actually not the rock climbing wall.
1. The Odd Sense of Freedom / Getting Lost on Purpose
Nothing is quite like wandering around a cruise ship knowing, in effect you cannot actually get lost. You are within some vast, shiny rocking city. This is where worry and confusion are non-existent. So get lost! And do not panic when that hallway looks like the last one, or you thought you had just passed those ping-pong tables. It’s all OK. You will find your way back to your cabin.
Nothing is quite like wandering around a cruise ship knowing, in effect you cannot actually get lost. You are within some vast, shiny rocking city. This is where worry and confusion are non-existent. So get lost! And do not panic when that hallway looks like the last one, or you thought you had just passed those ping-pong tables. It’s all OK. You will find your way back to your cabin.
HEALTH TIP: This is a great way, when cruising to get in your 10,000 steps.
Another Tip: Maybe when you get lost, you’ll bump your future mon amour!
Another Tip: Maybe when you get lost, you’ll bump your future mon amour!
2. Catching up on sleep/the subtle beauty of an inside stateroom
You are literally, being rocked to sleep. Activate you inner newborn and rock-a-bye-baby to a shocking amount of hours of REM. If staying in an inside stateroom – that is to say, without windows – do not be surprised if you wake up at the afternoon’s PA announcement about that event starting any minute (at like 5 o’clock).
You are literally, being rocked to sleep. Activate you inner newborn and rock-a-bye-baby to a shocking amount of hours of REM. If staying in an inside stateroom – that is to say, without windows – do not be surprised if you wake up at the afternoon’s PA announcement about that event starting any minute (at like 5 o’clock).
TIP: If, for some reason, you don’t want to sleep deep into the afternoons alarm clocks still work on cruise ships.
3. Surprisingly Exhilarating Shore Excursions
You have been out on the high seas for a few days. You’re sleeping great. Eating great. You have gone on that simulator thing a few (or 26) times already. Things are right where you want them. And then you dock. This is, psychologically speaking, always a slight rupture in the itinerary at first until you do get out there, visit the local culture and tackle that excursion. Even when things seem like they can’t get any better, get on out there and explore!
You have been out on the high seas for a few days. You’re sleeping great. Eating great. You have gone on that simulator thing a few (or 26) times already. Things are right where you want them. And then you dock. This is, psychologically speaking, always a slight rupture in the itinerary at first until you do get out there, visit the local culture and tackle that excursion. Even when things seem like they can’t get any better, get on out there and explore!
BOOKING TIP: Book with a travel agent and expect to see some excursions completely taken care of through exclusive benefits on select cruises!
4. The host of the ship putting a capital “E” into extrovert
You wonder what Ivy League school this person went to, and what city, state, or country created such a personality. Up seemingly at dawn, asleep seemingly never, the cruise ship host is somehow always casually passing you by saying hello and simultaneously hosing events by the pool, entertaining the masses during nightly shows, and landing jokes endlessly off the cuff. This person is envied, loved, and mythologized, deserved.
You wonder what Ivy League school this person went to, and what city, state, or country created such a personality. Up seemingly at dawn, asleep seemingly never, the cruise ship host is somehow always casually passing you by saying hello and simultaneously hosing events by the pool, entertaining the masses during nightly shows, and landing jokes endlessly off the cuff. This person is envied, loved, and mythologized, deserved.
DARE: Attempt making the host late for something by engaging him or her in conversation. It won’t work. They’re too suave. They will be everywhere at all times. But try anyways.
5. Actual infinity views
The concept of the infinity view has been used somewhat freely when, in fact, it’s only really here – on a cruise – or up there – in the sky – where this view is actually attainable. And whereas in the sky you must lean forward and turn your neck uncomfortably to achieve the true infinity view, here you can be siting casually in your swim trucks with a cocktail, looking straight out into infinity (and beyond)!
6. Piano bars
You know that bar you secretly wish was in your hometown? That quiet place on the corner of Main Street with a resident piano player softly tapping a tune, all while you sip a martini or a little of champagne? Well, cruise ships conveniently have this bar, usually with chaise lounges galore and the kind of dim lighting you always wish you could get in your living room.
You know that bar you secretly wish was in your hometown? That quiet place on the corner of Main Street with a resident piano player softly tapping a tune, all while you sip a martini or a little of champagne? Well, cruise ships conveniently have this bar, usually with chaise lounges galore and the kind of dim lighting you always wish you could get in your living room.
OBSERVATION: In many ways, what with all those futuristic simulators and other ultramodern amenities of cruise ships today, cruises are a perfect example of contrast, wonderfully mixing the old and the new, a vessel not unlike a time machine, whether going backwards or forwards, or both.
7. Ping-pong becomes freakishly fun and oddly competitive
Either because of the extra wind, or increased amount of space, up on a lido deck or promenade, nothing is quite like stretching out the limbs in a competitive match, or tournament, of Ping-pong. Here the spin on the ball has a little extra English, and the issue of balance adds an extra element into what is an already fine game.
Either because of the extra wind, or increased amount of space, up on a lido deck or promenade, nothing is quite like stretching out the limbs in a competitive match, or tournament, of Ping-pong. Here the spin on the ball has a little extra English, and the issue of balance adds an extra element into what is an already fine game.
HEALTH TIP: Table tennis is a sport, which means it’s calorie-burning and healthy. It’s in the Olympics. Like archery. And golf.
8. Staring at those waves created by the Ship’s engine (during the day or night)
There is something undeniably therapeutic about this. You are also encouraged to contemplate life’s greatest questions when looking at this.
There is something undeniably therapeutic about this. You are also encouraged to contemplate life’s greatest questions when looking at this.
9. Feeling worldly
Navigation and sailing the seas is the way of Columbus and Magellan. This was the way to discovery! So sail those high seas, seafarer, and discover the world! You are doing the stuff of legends and getting to your destination the way they used to do it in the old days.
Navigation and sailing the seas is the way of Columbus and Magellan. This was the way to discovery! So sail those high seas, seafarer, and discover the world! You are doing the stuff of legends and getting to your destination the way they used to do it in the old days.
IMAGINE A squinting Columbus saying to you over a frothy pint of American lager, “Airplanes!? In my day, we took to the seas!”
10. The Stars
You can see them. Like – they’re there! In the sky! A cruise ship offers absolutely breath-taking views with a look up at an unpolluted sky twinkling with countless stars.
You can see them. Like – they’re there! In the sky! A cruise ship offers absolutely breath-taking views with a look up at an unpolluted sky twinkling with countless stars.
11. The Names
The Breakaway. The Dawn. The Epic. The Sky. The Spirit. The Bliss. The Esperanza. What is more romantic than a well-named ship?
The Breakaway. The Dawn. The Epic. The Sky. The Spirit. The Bliss. The Esperanza. What is more romantic than a well-named ship?
….and awesome desserts!
12. Something Elegantly supper-clubby about the evenings
Formal dinner wear. Sinatra’s greatest hits. An elegant Broadway-inspired show at night. A walk along the promenade. A few rolls of craps at the casino. A nightcap at the piano bar. Raise a glass to old school elegance and class – Saluti!
Formal dinner wear. Sinatra’s greatest hits. An elegant Broadway-inspired show at night. A walk along the promenade. A few rolls of craps at the casino. A nightcap at the piano bar. Raise a glass to old school elegance and class – Saluti!
OBSERVATION: Frank Sinatra songs seem to seep out from every fringe bar and it – or something like it (Bobby Darin and Billy Joel included) – will become the sort of soundtrack to your cruise, which is, of course, absolutely ring-a-ding-dong.
13. The type of outlier activity allowing you to wear that shirt you always wanted to wear
From family reunion shirts to shirts with witty phrases, this becomes an occasion to essentially become a walking decal. For some reason, the cruise vacation allows for this type of public freedom. You could be who you are and wear it all on your sleeve. You are blessed with the freedom of being in international waters and are now citizen of the world! So wear that gold dress or that sleeveless rainbow-printed tutu! We are all on the same boat. That’s why the latest Louis Vuitton cruise collection are for.
From family reunion shirts to shirts with witty phrases, this becomes an occasion to essentially become a walking decal. For some reason, the cruise vacation allows for this type of public freedom. You could be who you are and wear it all on your sleeve. You are blessed with the freedom of being in international waters and are now citizen of the world! So wear that gold dress or that sleeveless rainbow-printed tutu! We are all on the same boat. That’s why the latest Louis Vuitton cruise collection are for.
NOTE: Conditions apply.
14. Seeing couples raise their hands when the host asks who’s been married for 60-years.
That wildly impressive host will ask this at some time when he or she has a large crowd. “Raise your hands if you’re married twenty year!” Hail the boat will raise their hands. “30 years!” Fewer. “40! 50! 60!” And then a very funny and simple question very quickly becomes somewhat moving, even a bit emotional, and by all means a testament to how wonderful a thing life is, as the ship applauds a smiling white-haired couple of more than sixty years holding hands.
That wildly impressive host will ask this at some time when he or she has a large crowd. “Raise your hands if you’re married twenty year!” Hail the boat will raise their hands. “30 years!” Fewer. “40! 50! 60!” And then a very funny and simple question very quickly becomes somewhat moving, even a bit emotional, and by all means a testament to how wonderful a thing life is, as the ship applauds a smiling white-haired couple of more than sixty years holding hands.
NOTE: Wait until you see them on the conga line.
Set sail on the high seas with your local travel agents. They’ll find the perfect sailing with the ship amenities you seek – whether that be an ice bar, bumper cars, or even skydiving. Plus, on select cruises, you will receive exclusive benefits, such as expedited luggage delivery service, a separate check-in area, exclusive beach areas, and discounts on spa treatments and photo packages.
Contact your local agent today to start planning your next cruise.
Bon voyage!
For invites and collaborations, email us at forurbanwomen@gmail.com
xoxo, Blair
You know what, Blair? Of all the travels I have done, I have not sailed on a luxury cruise yet. How can, right? I need to change this situation and 2018 is a good year to do it!
ReplyDeleteHello Emily,
DeleteYou must try it once! It will be a great experience :)
i missed the chances to get on the cruise because i have comitment to handle, but already naik the cruise in Putrajaya okeylah than not having the experience !
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome! Keep us posted on your next cruise trip!
DeleteWah..i would love to cruise with my lil family someday...
ReplyDeleteIts will be a nice memory for us
Yeah and you can have movies, enjoy the pool, all-in-one package.
DeleteI wanted to try cruising too it seem like vy fun!
ReplyDeleteYey you must Cindy!!!
DeleteI miss cruising with my family! It was a happy moment
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Shini! Hey babe where is your next destination?
DeleteOh My... I wish to have another cruise trip.i have stopped cruise trip since 2015. gotta plan for 2018. I love cruise trip so much as I love to enjoy all the facilities there and swim on the sea (ship)...lolz...
ReplyDeleteHahaha you better plan it this year! High seas is the new it!
DeleteI do really want to try to go on cruise trip. Your photos are so exciting. I really want to experience this kind of adventure. It seems that you really enjoy this kind of trip.
ReplyDeleteYes I do. And I love the sea!
DeleteCruising is always a great way to have fun. There are lot of activities to do in the cruise that can make your trip so much fun and memorable.
ReplyDeleteNorskcasinoguide.com
I agree that's why I love cruising. I find it romantic as well.
DeleteI completely agree that cruising is awesome! I love the feeling of sailing out into the waters and staring at the seas like Magellan. And the formal dinner outfits are also fun. It is always a glamorous adventure.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is more fun to travel with style.
DeleteI need to go on a cruise. It sounds so fun and I want to experience it all!
ReplyDeleteYes it is! This will make you more of a explorer :D
DeleteI haven't been on a cruise yet but is still a dream of mine. I've always loved the ocean and I am just waiting for my chance to get cruising someday. Quite irresistible reasons to get on a cruise sooner :)
ReplyDeleteYou better try it Tamshuk!
DeleteIve been to a couple of cruises and always have a blast. Everything is taken care of and still you have the freedom to do excursions or explore the ports on your own.
ReplyDeleteI agree. And the idea of who you'll going to meet excites me most.
DeleteCruises are really fun. I loved the one I went on a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! Will you be cruising this year?
DeleteLooks like you had a fantastic time! I hope to go on a Cruise some day with my husband. We both enjoy travelling.
ReplyDeleteHello Bismah, you will definitely love it!
DeleteOh, It seems that you really had a great experience there. I always wanted to try Cruise trip.Maybe 2019. Just waiting for my son to grow up. I am really jealous in your photos. So exciting!!
ReplyDeleteThat will be very exciting for you, and your little one.
DeleteI would love to go on a cruise. It sounds romantic.
ReplyDeleteTag you family dear!
DeleteI've never travelled on a cruise but your article is making me curious to try one! The idea of starry skies and infinity views is really tempting :)
ReplyDeleteOh you must try it babe!
DeleteWell, seems like you had a awesome time! I'm happy for you, I'd love to go on a cruise some time. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTake your vacation too Michelle!
DeleteA cruise is definitely a must on my list. I was hoping to be able to go this year but it's not in the cards. Here's to next year and an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteHope next year you will!
DeleteI've never been on a cruise before but would like to go. That would be fun to see the couples raise their hands, I'd never even think of that. Dressing up would be fun on a cruise!
ReplyDeleteYeah, they said cruising is a status symbol for married couple especially those who've been together for many years.
DeleteCruises can be so much fun. My favorite part is the convenience of a floating hotel, no packing and unpacking as you island hop. And waking up in a new port every morning is so exciting!
ReplyDeleteOh that is fantastic right?!
Deletecruises sound like an awesome adventure to get away from the real world just a for a bit
ReplyDeleteI agree and I love it!
DeleteThis was such a fun read! Particularly because I've never been into cruise and then this year randomly decided I have to try it! I've never much liked the idea of being on any type of vessel that extended period of time, even with the shore excursions but you've convinced me that it's time! Just about ready to start researching :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a good news Aisha! Don't forget to share your cruising experience soon :D
DeleteI have never been on a cruise before but after reading your post i would like to go. This is very interesting to me. Thank you for all !
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and thank you for visiting :D
DeleteI'm usually not a huge fan of organized tours including cruises. My main issue was that they do not let me do my own thing at my own pace. But after reading your post, perhaps there are some benefits to going on a cruise, at least as a one time experience.
ReplyDeleteThe good thing of this cruise is that you don't need to go outside, just roaming around the ship. Yeah I don't like organized tours as well. I find it more tiring.
DeleteThe last bit is so cute. Raising your hands when someone asks for a couple over 60. Life on a cruise ship is so elegant as you rightly said and everyone should try it at least once. Cheers to your cruising.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I want to experience that sweet moment with my Amore.
DeleteI've never really been keen on the idea of a cruise. However, the sound of piano bars on board and all that entertainment makes me think twice. I also love seeing the stars too!
ReplyDeleteWhen the sky is clear during cruising, it is very mesmerizing! Enjoy that moment :D
DeleteI've only been on one cruise so far, but it was amazing! You are totally right about being rocked to sleep. And I personally loved never really getting lost! We got a lot of laps in!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marcie!
DeleteI am so with you! I'm a huge cruise fan, and I agree with every one of these reasons. I have two cruises coming up this year, and I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteOMG that is fabulous! Share us your cruising trip soon!
DeleteGreat reasons! I love to take cruises. Usually they have been with a semi big ferry from Finland to Sweden, Estonia or Russia, but I do dream about a trip on one of those huge ferries that visit Caribbean islands. I guess piano bars must be on every cruise ship since I always see them in Finnish cruisers too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. And that moment when you see oldie couples still enjoying the cruise like lovebirds! Very symbolic.
DeleteI love cruising trips! I did twice, one for 3 days and one for 5 hours. Both of them were excellent, and I would love to do it again. Seeing couples raise their hands sounds so lovely by the way <3
ReplyDeleteI know right! That is a sweetest moment :)
DeleteThe only 'cruising' I've done is ferrying across English Channel! Ofcourse the ships are loaded with entertainment, games, shopping & more but nothing compared to proper cruising. I should plan on taking up one. Getting to see the stars at night while you're in a ship, in the middle of the sea - I have feel that!!!
ReplyDeleteYou should take another cruise soon! And bring your family for a more exciting experience.
DeleteI had the opportunity to embark on a luxury cruise when I was a kid, but I very much prefer being able to travel to a foreign city or town and exploring the sights and attractions there to better immerse myself in the local culture and to learn more about the heritage there. That said, cruises are a great way to rejuvenate and unwind, so I wouldn't mind heading on one in the near future as well.
ReplyDeleteWell said Nathan, and thank you for visiting my blog :D
DeleteTravelling in a luxury cruise has been in my bucket list for quite long now. Hopefully 2018 will get me some luck there. You know I feel somehow to best explore the place is actually getting lost. The endless view of sea I can only and only imagine!
ReplyDeleteHave you booked your next cruise?
ReplyDelete