Cruising offers families a fun, affordable way to travel together without stress

Orlando: So, I totally get why cruising is a go-to for family trips. It’s all about keeping things chill and fun, especially with two teenage girls in tow. My partner and I want to relax, not stress over plans. We love just hanging out, playing games, and soaking up the sun without worrying about cooking or cleaning.
Sure, we sometimes think about all-inclusive resorts, but cruising is our jam. We usually hit three to four cruises a year, whether it’s a winter getaway in the Caribbean or exploring Europe. It’s just easier and more enjoyable for us.
Now, you might wonder if cruising is worth it. I say yes! It’s super convenient to book everything online, and there are so many reasons I’m hooked on cruising. Let’s dive into some of the best perks.
First off, cruises are a fantastic value. You get your hotel, transportation, and tons of activities all rolled into one. For instance, on the MSC World America, a family of four can snag a seven-night Caribbean cruise starting at just $689 per person. That’s a steal when you think about all the meals and entertainment included!
Speaking of meals, they’re all included too! Most cruise ships have buffets, dining rooms, and even specialty restaurants. We’re vegetarians, and honestly, the food is usually pretty good. Plus, we’ve scored deals with free drink packages, which is a nice bonus.
Another great thing about cruising is the financial predictability. Once you pay for the cruise and get to the port, you won’t be hit with a ton of surprise costs. Sure, there are tips and optional excursions, but you can plan for those ahead of time. We’ve never come home to a shocking bill after a cruise.
Driving to the cruise port is another win. Unlike all-inclusive resorts that often require flights, many cruise ports are drivable. We usually drive to Port Canaveral for our New Year’s cruise, saving us a ton on airfare. It’s a relief to avoid travel delays during the busy holiday season.
While we don’t always get off the ship in the Caribbean anymore, we love exploring new cultures on other cruises. Last fall, we took a cruise from Athens that stopped in Turkey and several Greek islands. It was an amazing experience, and we learned so much about the local cultures.
Lastly, I rarely pay full price for cruises thanks to credit card rewards. We often use miles for flights and redeem points for cruise fares and excursions. My go-to cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, make it easy to earn and use rewards for travel.
So, are cruises worth it for families? Absolutely! We’ve cruised with different lines and loved every experience. With everything included, cruising feels like a special event. As long as the value stays great and I can use my rewards, I’ll be cruising for years to come.