How has ocean cruising changed?

Embarking on an ocean cruise is a thrilling adventure that combines the excitement of travel with the comfort of a floating resort. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, knowing what to expect can enhance your experience.

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I don't like to cruise...

I hear this quite a bit, actually. Maybe you were on a booze cruise 25 years ago and did not have a great time? Maybe you were tired of the endless buffets with boring, bland foods? Perhaps you were jostled among the crowds trying to get off the ship? Did you have your fill of shuffleboard and bingo and couldn't wait to get back on land?

Or maybe you remember that show back in the 70's and 80's called the Love Boat. Embedded within the show's often preposterous story lines, you would see people going to meet Captain Stubing for dinner dressed in tuxedos and formal gowns.  Passengers would get off the ship and come back with the tacky souvenirs from a day in a Mexican port. It seems like that would not be the greatest travel experience.

But times have changed!

The good news is that cruising has evolved! Dress codes, dining, shore and ship experiences have all changed in recent years. Some of the larger, more mainstream cruises may have a different experience because they are built for larger crowds and multi-generational cruisers who are looking for a lot of activities to satisfy the variety cravings of travelers - all at an attractive price point.

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Luxury cruising is a bit different in that the ship size is more intimate but many still offer a variety of options to keep you entertained and pampered - albeit on a smaller scale with a high crew to passenger ratio. Let's dive in and debunk some of the misconceptions about luxury cruising.

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What if I don't enjoy dressing up?

Just as our world has evolved to dress more casually, so will you also see this happening on cruise ships. Even aboard luxury cruise lines, you will see passengers dressed casually during the day with smart casual attire in the evening. There may be a couple of nights that are designated as more formal, so you may choose to be a dressier on those nights if you like. 

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What about the culinary scene on the ship?

Gone are the days when you just have two dining options: the formal dining room and the buffet. Today's cruises offer a plethora of dining options for every appetite. Whether you wish to grab a double latte and a homemade croissant for breakfast, enjoy sushi at dinner or a salad by the pool, there are options for everyone. 

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Some cruise lines even offer culinary classes in hands-on kitchens where you get to make dishes related to the region you are visiting and take home recipes to try again with your friends and family when you return. I really enjoyed my experience on Regent Seven Seas Splendor where we happened to be in Greece and Turkey and I went to 3 different classes focusing on different cuisines. Of course, we also had cocktails and wine to pair with our dishes as were cooking and tasting.

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Speaking of drinks, the staff on many sailings includes master sommeliers and mixologists to tantalize your taste buds with new drink concoctions and wines to pair with all the amazing cuisine.

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Will I get bored onboard?

(How do you like that alliteration?) I find that this is where many cruises have really begun to excel. From active endeavors, to educational activities and entertainment, there are plenty of options.

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Besides having relaxing spa treatments and experiences, cruise ships have fitness centers that are equipped with the latest and greatest cardio and strength training equipment, in addition to classes like spin and yoga. There are also personal trainers who can help you keep the pounds off from the culinary indulgences.

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Some cruise ships even have golf clinics, pickleball, and basketball courts so you can get your game on even when you are at sea. I actually learned a lot of helpful tips from the golf pro on my last cruise.

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Broadway-style shows, talented musicians, comedians and other acts abound onboard so there is always entertainment, especially on the middle-sized and larger ships (400+ passengers). Often there are entertainers from the local area who will come on board as well. In Spain, we enjoyed a flamenco guitar and dance performance on the ship.

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If you are more of an intellectual type, there are plenty of enrichment lectures to choose from onboard. Whether you are learning about the history of the area you are visiting or having a discussion of current events, there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained. There may even be a physician onboard giving lectures about health and wellness and a discussion on the benefits of drinking wine (I liked that one!).

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What is it like off the ship?

Cruise lines are going to new destinations all the time. Gone are the days when you pretty much had two options - the Caribbean and Mexico. Now there are a multitude of ports offered in every corner of the globe accessible by sea, with new ones being added every year.

There are also excursions to suit any traveler's taste. For example, you can go halibut fishing and whale watching in Alaska or do a beer hopping tour and crab fest if that is more your speed. Some people go to Italy so they can see the Colosseum and the Vatican in Rome while others may wish to do a market tour and pasta making class at the home of a local "nonna."

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Time to set sail!

Now is the best time to start planning your cruise. Many of the ones we offer have special amenities like onboard credit, a dedicated host and special events as part of our organization.

You may be thinking of that big trip you have always wanted to take but then you become exhausted envisioning the packing and unpacking and moving from city to city to visit all those great places. Remember that you can have your own floating boutique hotel that will leisurely take you from one place to the next while you have your butler bring you that double latte and croissant for you to enjoy on your private veranda...just a thought.

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