Deciding Whether A Cruise Is For You: 4 Considerations

Quick answer: When deciding whether a cruise is for you, think about four things: how prone you are to seasickness, whether you’re pregnant (most ships won’t carry women past 24 weeks), whether the routes on offer cover the places you want to see, and whether the onboard lifestyle suits the way you like to travel.

Despite how long they’ve been around, cruises still grow in popularity year after year. With constant advancements being made to ships across the world, it’s no wonder they remain one of the most common holiday choices for travellers from all over.

Whether you’re solo, a couple or travelling with family, there are plenty of reasons to choose a cruise. If it’s your first time, though, there are some important considerations to bear in mind.

1. Seasickness

You might think it’s common knowledge to avoid a cruise if you’re prone to seasickness, yet many travellers still give it a try. Unfortunately for some, it remains an issue: the motion of the boat is there regardless of the ship’s size, so you could be hit with frequent bouts of nausea.

If you’re a known sufferer of mal de mer, find a remedy before you board:

• Tablets and bands are two common remedies, and they are often sold on board in anticipation.
• Looking out to the horizon can naturally help ease feelings of sickness.
• Some say seasickness can be diminished through power of the mind, as it is more likely to strike if you convince yourself it will.

2. Pregnancy

Many expectant mothers like to take a holiday before their baby arrives, and cruises are a popular choice because they require little planning. You can relax on deck, enjoy the food and evening entertainment, and explore new places every time the ship docks.

However, you have to time a cruise carefully if you’re expecting. Most ships do not allow pregnant women to sail once they reach 24 weeks, so you must have disembarked before you reach that point. Holidaysafe also notes the importance of getting medical clearance from your doctor.

3. The Routes on Offer

Nowadays there are countless cruises to consider, each as exciting and fulfilling as the next, and it’s highly likely at least one will cover the areas you want to visit.

Do some thorough research before you book. Check:

• Which countries the cruise will visit
• How close each docking point is to the places you want to see
• How much time you’ll be given to explore on shore

If the schedule doesn’t take your fancy, it may be worth waiting for a new route to be introduced.

4. What to Do on Board the Ship

There’s plenty to do on a cruise ship, from daytime activities like swimming, cookery classes, cinemas and children’s clubs to evening entertainment such as live music.

There’s something to suit every taste, too, from the luxury and grandeur of renowned ships such as the Celebrity Reflection, which was voted the best overall cruise for this year in 2017, to the family fun of ships such as Norwegian Jade.

Remember, though: even with so much to do, if you simply want to get out there and explore the world independently, the laid-back, relaxed vibe of a cruise may not suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get seasick on a big cruise ship?

Yes. The motion is there regardless of the ship’s size, so bring tablets or bands and look out to the horizon if you feel unwell.

Can you go on a cruise while pregnant?

Usually, but most ships won’t let pregnant women sail once they reach 24 weeks, and you should get medical clearance from your doctor.

Is a cruise a good first holiday choice?

It can be, as everything is organised for you, but check the routes and time ashore to make sure the cruise suits the way you like to travel.

Conclusion

If a cruise is for you, all you need to do is board the ship and let the crew take it from there. From food to accommodation and transport to destinations, everything is already sorted, and all that’s left is to enjoy the ride.

Are there any other points you believe are worth raising in regard to cruises? Be sure to leave some considerations in the comments below.