Are Cruises the Best Vessel for Vacations?

Why I Think Cruises May Be The Perfect Vacation

Somewhere between my first cup of coffee at sunrise as we docked in Puerto Plata and watching a monkey climb onto my wife’s head, I realized something:

The ship itself isn’t really why I love cruising.

After 11 cruises — with a 12th already booked for this summer — I’ve come to believe cruises may be the perfect vacation.

Let me explain how I’ve come to this conclusion.

But before I do, am I getting any credit for my play on words?  

One Ship, A Million Different Options

Where you eat, what you do, and even how you spend your day can be completely different from someone else on the same ship.

There is truly something for everyone, and the buffet is a perfect metaphor for the ship.

Restaurants, bars, entertainment, excursions, quiet spaces, crowded spaces — cruises are built around options.

I have yet to be on a ship where I experienced everything.  You can sail the same ship multiple times and yet have a different experience each time.

Entertainment Galore!

From illusionists to acrobats, musicians to magicians, and everything in between.  

If you are unable to find something to your liking, it may be time for a little self-reflection.

I watch the performers with so much respect and admiration.  The care and attention to each note, to each movement, to each connection with the audience—perfecting their trade for our enjoyment.

Several recent cruises had a dueling piano bar.  Two musicians pounding away at their pianos to songs requested by the audience, sprinkling in improvised lines and banter.  It’s a perfect mix of sing-along classics with tongue-in-cheek comedy.   

Some ships have elaborate Broadway-style shows like Jersey Boys (which I thought was spectacular) or Cats (where I fell asleep).  Others have lesser productions, yet still incredibly entertaining.

Perfect For Multigenerational Family Vacations

I have been on a couple cruises with my kids and grandkids.

Watching my grandchildren experience the sensory overload of a cruise ship is pretty special.

Not having to cook or clean all week isn’t bad, either.

This means more quality time with the family and far less stress for everyone! 

Meet New People

I’m an introvert and rarely go out of my way to meet new people.  But cruises are natural icebreakers.  You start off with something instantly in common—the cruise.

The conversation just flows from there.  Where are they from?  Who are they with?  What do they like best?  What restaurant do they recommend?

Somehow I seem to always find some connection with the fellow passenger.

Strike up a Conversation with the Ship’s Crew Members

Rarely discussed, but the crew is often away from home and their families for 9 months at a time.

These are people, like me and you, trying to provide for their family.  I love to hear their stories.  And they love to tell them.

I’ll ask about home and what it is like there.  Are you married?  Do you have kids?  When did you see them last?  What do you like to do when you get off the ship?  What is your favorite port?

I ask a lot of questions.  Not to pry, but because I care.  They are working hard to make my experience the best it can be. I feel the best way to show my appreciation is to take a sincere interest in them as a person.

Opportunities for New Adventures

On our last cruise we visited a monkey sanctuary in Puerto Plata.  Entering an enclosure with 10 to 12 monkeys, we were greeted by each of them as they hopped and swung from one person to another.  It was well worth the price of admission to see my wife’s reaction to the monkey climbing on her head.  Priceless! 

Every cruise seems to leave us with at least one unforgettable moment.

We rode horses through the surf in Jamaica. 

Floated beside sea turtles in St. Thomas.

Watched a humpback whale breach beside our boat.

And somehow, every cruise adds another story to the collection.

And Some Adventures Involve Food

One of my favorite stories while searching for authentic, local cuisine took place in Cozumel.

I wanted a true Mexican street taco.  Not the kind you find right across the street from the cruise port.  I wanted to go where the locals go.

A shop owner across from the port overheard me ask someone where I could find a real street taco.  He recommended a taco truck a few streets over.  I was concerned about taking my wife this far from the cruise ship, but she shares my sense of adventure.

When we (finally) found it, there were a dozen or so locals in line (that was a good sign).  

The truck had one tire mounted with cinder blocks where the other three tires should have been. 

Though we were foreigners, the group quickly welcomed us with smiles and motioned for us to go to the front of the line.  

As I poured the green sauce on my tacos, they were laughing while trying to tell me something.  I didn’t understand they were trying to warn me the sauce was “muy picante” (very spicy).  I found out quickly what that meant.

For $6, we had six of the best tacos ever and a little heartburn to remember them by.

Simple Pleasures are Everywhere

There are so many moments on a cruise that will bring a smile to your face.  

It could be the full moon’s reflection off the ocean.  

Watching the joy of a child finding a rubber duck hiding in a flower pot (yes, that’s a thing—people hide ducks throughout for children to find).

Eating a slice of pizza from the buffet at midnight.

Are Cruises Perfect?

No.

But the expectation of perfection can be a joy killer.

Sometimes joy is simply paying attention to the moment you’re in.

Good food.
New conversations. Ocean sunrises.
Unexpected memories.
A little heartburn from a taco truck in Cozumel.