Why I Choose to Cruise

Working in the Travel Industry can sometimes be tougher than you think. Why? When the time comes for booking your personal holidays, it seems to be one of the hardest decisions to make....

You would think working in travel on a day to day basis would make it easier when I look at booking my own holiday. Think again, I struggle more than ever! With so many places to choose from and so many resorts on offer, like everyone else, I want to get the best and the most value for my money. This is why I choose a cruise every time!!

I took my first cruise when I was 17 years old and have never looked back since. This was a Caribbean cruise with Ocean Village (no longer sailing). I realised the value for money was just phenomenal. Not only was my food included throughout the entire cruise, I was able to tour 5 different Caribbean islands in a week.

Since then I have gone on to take a cruise at least once a year and have now completed 9 cruises. 8 being the Caribbean and 1 around the Mediterranean.

I have stayed in a variety of Staterooms from Inside to Suite Categories and I have never had a complaint for any cabin.

My top 5 reasons for cruising:

1. The unbeatable value for money. Cruise lines pride themselves on their food, included 24 hours of the day it really is fantastic value for money. Pretty much all activities are included and also the fitness centres on board the ships are high quality and again included in your cruise price. Food, Service and what the Ship itself has to offer. Dependent on the particular ship and what they have to offer, there is so much to do on board and I never find my self getting board. Even if you wish to just want people doing activities this can sometimes be just as fun as joining in.

2. The fantastic destinations you get to see with unpacking just the once. Most people say "Once you have seen 1 Caribbean island - you have seen them all!" - Not in my opinion. Each port of call has its own story to tell and the locals will be more than happy to let you in on their countries history. You can pick up hand made gifts that you wont find anywhere else - they make great gifts for people and of course supporting local economy. I bought a Hand made bamboo wind chime from an outside beach market in Tobago around 7 years ago. This is still hanging strong and cost just $20.00!

3. I can do as little or as much as I want during a cruise. 99% of activities on board of a cruise ship are included in the price you pay. With more and more being added onto ships these days, you can practice your swing with Golf simulators and even mini-golf courses on board some ships. I took the zip-line on the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship and went over the Boardwalk! Very Scary!!

4. Service with a smile - I can be sure no matter which Cruise line I cruise with, I will always receive the best service on board. Staff on board the ships will go out of their way to ensure you have a fantastic cruise vacation. If they don't have something on the dinner menu, or even the drinks menu, They will always do their very best to get it for you or an alternative. They take care of you from the moment you step on board the ship.

5. Fellow passengers - You can be sure to meet some interesting people from around the world and sometimes make life long friends. Passengers that tend to cruise more than holiday more at an All Inclusive resort seem to stay in touch with fellow cruisers. I have met some wonderful friends from around the world and plan on taking future cruises together. Of course, some people prefer to be alone and on board a cruise, no matter the size, you will always have your privacy.


When passengers have taken a cruise, they are generally pleasantly surprised. People seem to have the perception that cruises are for the older generation with nothing to do on board. This couldn't be any further from the truth. As I pointed out above, I was 17 when I took my first cruise and I haven't looked back since.

Of course they do have the quieter piano bars on board the ships, or cigar bars for that quiet drink in the evening. But, they do have the late nightclubs on board most ships for the younger or more energetic passengers. Some ships will make the top deck of the ship an outside 'Miami-style' nightclub until early hours of the morning.

Shows on board are included in the price you pay of your cruise and are of a very high standard. They don't just have one showing per voyage, they give guests plenty of chances to catch the shows and fit them around their own itineraries.