Don’t become a disgruntled cruiser
I’m 30, and I love cruising. You don’t hear that often. I consider myself an early adopter. On the last cruise I did, the average age was 51. And I see what older travellers like about them. The first reason is obvious: your hotel room moves each day, delivering you to a new view. I’ve woken up and opened the curtains to icebergs, whales, seals – even a nudist beach.
And I love this next bit. When cruising, the part of your brain that’s in charge of diet and selfcontrol malfunctions.
It’s a holiday, after all – and nobody invited your rational side.
But I’ve also noticed an emerging trend: disgruntled cruisers.
Cruising is more competitive than ever. Some deals can be cheaper than getting a hotel on land. And food is included!
But beware, cruise lines still need to make money so, on many ships, the charges start flooding in once you’re onboard.
We’re talking about alcohol, specialty dining, laundry, wi-fi, room service charges, duty-free shopping, and premium coffee charges. The list is exhaustive. If you’re not careful, you can end up doubling the cost of your cruise.
But there is a way to avoid this. Firstly, pick a cruise that has a lot of onboard sightseeing. For example, some cruises to Alaska spend a day at Glacier Bay.
It’s a stunning tour of seven glaciers that reach down to the ocean, and you’ll see it all without spending an extra cent.
That’s a much better choice than taking an excursion to a glacier once you reach port, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
Secondly, have a digital detox for a week. You’ll save big-time on internet charges. And even consider hitting Dry July early. Alcohol is where many ships make significant money.
My last tip: cruise lines are big carbon emitters. But many are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, and we can all encourage that by choosing wisely.
So, welcome aboard. This issue is dedicated to my favourite way to holiday, with inspiring stories from Alaska to the Aegean.
And if you follow a few simple tips, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favourite ways to unwind, too.