Cruising can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Floating cities, endless choices, and unfamiliar routines. But once you step onboard, most cruises offer the same core experiences, just with different flavors.
The choices of cruise lines, ships, and destinations can be overwhelming, especially when trying to book your very first cruise. Most cruise lines will offer variations on the same experiences, while the culture of each may vary drastically. Virgin Voyages, which caters exclusively to adults, will create experiences differently than Disney Cruise Line, which brings their Disney magic to the seas (including on their aptly named Disney Magic).
What You Can Expect on Any Cruise
Relaxation and leisure.
Cruise ships are designed for you to unwind however you like. From pools to pickleball courts, spas to cigar bars, these ships are built to help you enjoy your vacation and relax in any way you see fit. If relaxing for you means a little adrenaline, some ships feature waterslides, high ropes courses that hang over the edge of the ship, and even roller coasters or racetracks. Not every ship has the same amenities, but every cruise offers plenty of ways to unplug from daily life and come home refreshed.
Social opportunities (if you want to).
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with the entire family, there are thousands of passengers for you to meet throughout your journey. Meetups for solos, veterans, and Friends of Bill W. (onboard Alcoholics Anonymous) happen regularly throughout the cruise. You can also meet people naturally at the casino, bar, nightclub, pool, or while waiting in line. There are plenty of opportunities to meet as many passengers as possible, and you’d be surprised how often you will run into the same people. And if socializing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of quiet corners where you can enjoy your solitude.
A taste of new cultures.
Cruises open the door to destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Mediterranean, each offering a snapshot of local culture, history, and daily life. Even if you’re only in port for a day, it’s a chance to explore somewhere new and see the world from a different perspective. One of my favorite parts of cruising is how easy it makes it to experience places I might not otherwise visit.
Non-stop entertainment.
Once you’re onboard, there’s always something happening. Cruise directors and their teams keep the schedule full with live music, games, and activities throughout the day. Pool deck events might include live bands or lighthearted competitions like the Belly Flop Contest or Mr. Sexy Legs. In the afternoons, you’ll find trivia, karaoke, and musicians playing in lounges. Some activities like Bingo or Deal or No Deal cost extra, but many are included. At night, expect Broadway-style shows, comedians, magicians, and crowd-favorite games like Battle of the Sexes or the Newlywed/Not-So-Newlywed show.
Food and lots of it.
Dining is a highlight on any cruise. Buffets are always available for quick meals, and many ships have pizza spots open late for when cravings hit. The main dining room offers a nightly three-course meal that often rivals restaurants back home. If you’re looking to elevate things, specialty dining options (sometimes included, sometimes extra) can range from steakhouses and sushi to teppanyaki and Italian cuisine.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you like to vacation (relaxing, socializing, or indulging) there is a cruise for you. From stunning natural scenery to nonstop entertainment and memorable meals, cruising offers a little bit of everything. If you’ve been on the fence, hopefully this gives you a clearer picture of what life onboard is really like.
I encourage you to keep doing research on the various ships, itineraries, and activities onboard (YouTube is a great resource for cruise reviews). Stay curious, ask questions, and figure out how to make a cruise the best vacation for you. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you onboard someday.
