I’ve Been On 84 Cruises – Here’s Why I Keep Coming Back

I’ve been on 84 cruises so far – and have more planned, booked and paid for!

People often assume I must be bored with cruising by now, and I only cruise because I have to – it’s my business. Nothing could be further from the truth. I absolutely love cruising!

I always have, and I think I always will…

I am well aware that cruising isn’t for everyone, but the reason I keep coming back is that no two cruises or ships ever feel the same. I am excited to explore those differences!

My life revolves totally around cruising, even when I am not at sea. I work in the industry and have created The Cruise Globe, a website and app that allows you to count and track your cruises. I am very proud of it, but it has taken a lot of time and effort to produce.

Have a look at The Cruise Globe here:

These are the reasons I love cruising, and I can never wait to book the next one…

#1. Unpacking Once Makes Every Trip Easier

Unpacking once and staying in the same room for the entire trip removes a huge amount of travel stress and effort.

On a land holiday where you move hotels, you must drag luggage around and constantly pack and repack.

There is always the risk that you will leave something behind, and you won’t be able to go back for it.

I settle into my cruise cabin quickly. This makes the holiday feel calm and stress-free from day one. I only have to worry about repacking once, when the cruise comes to an end.

#2. Seeing The World Without Feeling Rushed

Cruising allows you to visit multiple destinations without planning flights, organising rental cars, or booking hotels.

I love that I wake up somewhere new while keeping the same bed, routine, and belongings.

The travelling part of my holiday is organised by someone else, and is not my concern. This makes travel feel easier and less exhausting.

I just concentrate and research what I want to see in the port when I arrive.

#3. So Much Variety I Never Get Bored

Different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries feel completely different from each other.

A small luxury ship feels nothing like a large resort-style ship, and even ships from the same cruise line can have very different vibes.

For example, I have travelled on P&O’s mega, family-oriented ships, Arvia and Iona, as well as the smallest P&O ship, Aurora.

The two larger ships can accommodate over 5,000 guests, whilst Aurora holds under 2,000.

Aurora is much more of a traditional cruise ship, with teak decks and a tiered aft.

Iona and Arvia are massive ships, far more modern in design and feel. I love them all for different reasons.

This variety is a big reason cruising never gets boring for me.

Have a look at my cruise on P&O’s Aurora here. I was surprised how much I loved her:

#4. Food Included And Endless Choice

It offers great value as all of your food is included and available almost all the time.

No expensive restaurant bills to pay. No worrying about what you can have for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just turn up at a restaurant of your choice, and choose from the wide variety of food available.

There is so much freedom in choosing between casual food, sit-down dining, and snacks without worrying about prices or reservations every day.

This variety of dining options every night makes life more interesting.

I don’t like to be sitting in the same restaurant at the same table with the same people every night, so more relaxed cruises without too much formality suit me best.

Having said that, if I am sailing on a more formal cruise line, I can choose to eat elsewhere – not in the main restaurant every single night.

I can try different restaurants, the buffet – or even room service if I am feeling like it!

Have a look at how I got on with the formality when I sailed on Fred. Olsens Bolette here:

#5. Entertainment Built In Every Night

Cruises include shows, live music, activities, and quiet spaces all in one place.

I love to go to the theatre on land, but it’s expensive. Having the opportunity to see a different show every night of the cruise at no extra cost is something I really look forward to.

I normally go to the evening show after an early dinner, then watch some live music or do some trivia after that.

There is always something happening, but no pressure to participate.

#6. A Holiday With Very Few Worries

Cruising removes most of the logistics that make other holidays stressful.

You don’t have to think about transportation between places, book hotels, or plan your day carefully. It is nice to escape the constant decision-making.

You are delivered to your destination in style, then you can just get off and explore at your own pace.

If I am not particularly impressed by the port, or if I have been there before, I will often choose to take a walk and then return to the ship after a couple of hours to enjoy the facilities onboard.

It is my holiday, and I do as little or as much exploring as I want to…

This allows me to properly switch off from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Find out why cruisers are perfect for nervous or first-time travellers here:

Why Cruises Are Perfect for Nervous First-Time Travellers

#7. Everything I Enjoy In One Place

Cruising combines travel, comfort, food, entertainment, and discovery in one experience.

Very few holidays offer that balance of excitement and relaxation at the same time. This combination suits me perfectly.

#8. Often Better Value Than People Expect

Cruises are not always cheap, particularly if you book a balcony or a suite.

But often, they are actually better value than people assume.

The cost of accommodation, food, entertainment, and transportation adds up.

The price of a cruise often compares very well with other holiday types; once you have added up all the extra expenses you will have on a land-based holiday.

When I took my first proper holiday to America without my family, I was shocked by the hotel prices in Florida.

I quickly realised it would be far cheaper to book an inside cabin on a ship, where all my food and accommodation were covered, than to stay on land.

My boyfriend had never been on a cruise ship, but wasn’t hard to convince! We had a fantastic time on Norwegian Getaway. The cruise certainly ticked all the boxes for us!

#9. Why I Still Look Forward To The Next One

I love researching and planning cruises and am always on the lookout for bargains or interesting, unusual routes.

Planning is part of the fun for me, but I know that once the cruise is booked, I can just relax once I step foot onboard.

Even after 84 cruises, I am still excited to go on the next one. The feeling of excitement when I board a cruise ship never leaves me – and hopefully it never will!.

(I also know that, if I need to, I can get some work done while we sail. The choice is mine.)

It’s the combination of comfort, variety, and ease that keeps me coming back again and again.

Cruising continues to work so well for me – whether I am on a cruise to enjoy time with family and friends – or on a work trip, where I am focused on producing videos and exploring every aspect of the ship.

Have a look at a trip like that that I took, exploring the new Norwegian Ship, Norwegian Aqua.

Although it was a working trip, it had the added bonus that I got to meet up with friends from within the industry and explore this amazing ship together:

Before You Go

People often worry that they will feel lots of movement when they board a cruise ship. Find out if that is true here:

Can You Feel The Cruise Ship Moving When Onboard? 

Find out why cruising is actually good for you here:

5 Ways Taking a Cruise Benefits Your Body and Brain!