The Pros and Cons of Cruising

Pros:

1. Convenience: Cruises are all-in-one vacations with everything you need in one place. Your accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation are all included in the price of the cruise. You don't have to plan anything, other than booking excursions and thinking about how you want to spend your time. 

2. Variety: Cruises have destinations to choose from, so you can have a getaway or sample where you'd like to visit for your next vacation. You have many options to choose from, like a very relaxing beach day, historical and cultural tours, food related excurions, touring with local guides, and our favorite - adventurous experiences. You can visit multiple destinations in one trip, try new activities on the ship and through excursions, and experience different cultures without the hassle of planning and coordinating everything yourself.

3. Value: Cruises can offer good value for money, especially if you book an all-inclusive package that includes meals, activities, and entertainment. Cruise lines will often offer great deals during Black Friday, or during their off seasons (September - November, February - early May) when vacationers might not be able to vacation or have their kids in school.

4. Relaxation: Cruises are very relaxing and a great place for kids to have fun with you relax. With plenty of opportunities to sit back and enjoy the scenery or participate in leisurely activities, you don't have to worry about much.

5. Packing: People underestimate how annoying it is to travel with suitcases, like walking through towns and hopping on and off trains and buses. We love that when you are on a cruise, you have the same bed every night, so you don't need to pack and unpack. All you need to do is unpack once and pack up again when you disembark. Easy!

Cons:

1. Limited freedom: On a cruise, you are limited to the ship and the ports that the ship visits. You may not have the freedom to explore on your own or venture off the beaten path as you would on a land-based vacation. In Rome, you need to take a bus or private car for minimally an hour before you reach the city. You only have between 6-12 hours at each destination, unless your cruise is staying multiple nights at the same port. 

2. Crowded: Cruises can be crowded, especially on popular routes and during peak season. This can make it difficult to find quiet sections on the ship or spots in the pools. We don't have kids yet, so we tend to go to the adults-only section of the cruise, which is generally much quieter.

3. Space: Accommodations on cruise ships can be small, and if you want more space, it is a significantly higher cost. We almost always choose an interior windowless room to save on costs. 

4. Risk of seasickness: Some people may experience seasickness while on a cruise, especially if the ship is sailing in rough waters. You can get sick from being in close quarters to thousands of people for sickness in general.