Why Cruise Ships Are Becoming the Ultimate Hotel Alternatives

When COVID turned the world on its head, cruise lines were particularly impacted. No one was getting into an enclosed space where social distancing wasn’t possible and vaccinations became an even bigger point of contention. 

And, yet, they’ve rebounded in such a big way that it seems like everyone’s poking around online to see what they can get out of a 10-day getaway on board a major liner. What they’re finding is that can get a lot more bang for their buck, have a boatload of amenities at their disposal, and can sit back and relax while the captain and crew gracefully escort them from city to city. 

We must warn you: we’re big proponents of cruises here. So, don’t mind us if we sound like we’re fangirling a little bit. But, it’s our job to bring you the best tips and tricks to help you craft the perfect getaway – and that’s what you’ll find onboard a luxury liner. Let’s explore the ins and outs together. 

You’re Treated Right from the Start

The reception desk at our favorite hotels can be hit or miss sometimes – and no one can blame them for it; they have a tough job. You might be rushed through the check-in process; your room may or may not be ready; they may or may not forget to outline all the amenities at your disposal. 

But, when you book with the right cruise line, you’ll be treated right from the start. A team is there to greet you, take your luggage off your hands, carry it to your room for you, and show you the way to all sorts of amenities while you wait for your luggage to arrive. 

You Can Go Several Places and Only Unpack Once

Have you ever traveled through Europe by train? Maybe you saw London, Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and Basel with a Eurorail pass. It was the trip of a lifetime, wasn’t it? But, at each new destination, you had to haul your bags to a new hotel, unpack, and then repack each and every time. With a cruise ship, you can unpack once and make your way to several different ports of call with ease. Your “home away from home” stays with you wherever you go. 

You Can Pack Lightly

When we’re hotel hopping, there’s no guarantee we’ll be in close proximity to a laundromat. And, the hotel may have laundry services, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny and sometimes the turnaround time is 24 hours. 

On a cruise ship (check before you book), you’ll generally have access to washers and dryers – and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to throw a load in one night. As a result, you can pack lighter, toss in a few detergent sheets to your carry-on, and you’re golden. Traveling light is the best way to take some of the stress out of your journey. To help you get there, here are 11 ways to pack for a week in a carry-on. 

You Can Save on Food

The main dining room and cruise ship buffets are usually included in your fare (at least, they should be). That means, once you’ve booked your vacation, you don’t have to budget for eating out every night if you don’t want to. 

A few specialty items might cost more and the upscale offerings almost always incur an extra fee. But, if you’re not a huge foodie and tend to keep things simple, you can save a lot of money in the food department when you’re onboard a cruise ship.