Extended Weekend Getaways Cruises have never really gone out of fashion, but interest in this form of travel did experience a bit of a drop-off around a decade or so ago. Now, however, it seems that cruises are very much back, and there’s an unlikely cause of their revival, too: Millennials and Gen Z. While younger demographics once shied away from cruises, the latest crop of youngsters are leaning towards them, with some 69% of Gen Zers and 59% of Millennials at least somewhat interested in taking a cruise.
Figure Out What You’re Looking For
Given the range of options available, it’s not really correct to say that someone is looking for ‘a cruise.’ That’s a bit like saying someone’s looking for ‘a vacation’ — they can take so many different forms!
So before you begin your search, think about what you’re looking for. Do you want a lively party cruise, or something a little bit more lowkey and romantic? There are also family-focused cruises and cruises for single people. Think about what you’re really looking for from your cruise, then start looking at your options.
Where Do You Want To Go?
Most people envision looking out over the ocean when they’re on their cruise, but you’ll be hitting port fairly regularly; so, what type of destination do you want to visit? There are cruises in all corners of the world, all of which offer a different experience. You might enjoy island hopping in the Caribbean or stopping by some of Europe’s great port destinations. Looking to get as much bang for your buck? Choose a longer cruise that makes multiple stops.
Focus On the Ship
The ship you choose for your cruise is, in our view, more important than the destinations you’ll visit. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time on it! Think of it as having to select a hotel that you’ll stay in for 90% of your vacation. If you like huge ships, then the Ovation of the Seas Los Angeles, which is the largest ship in the region, might be a good option. If you prefer mid-size ships, then the Carnival Ecstasy is worth exploring.
Check Reviews
Finally, and we can’t stress this enough, make sure you read reviews before booking. A cruise will always look good in a brochure, but that doesn’t mean that it’ll be just as spectacular in person. Reading reviews from cruise experts as well as past travelers can give you valuable insights into what you can expect when you’re on board. If a cruise has great reviews and a good price, then you’ll likely have found the cruise that’s right for you.