For decades, cruising has offered travelers an “at sea” adventure, complete with beautiful and exotic destinations, exquisite cuisine and more. Unfortunately, this industry, like many others in the hospitality business, took a big economic hit during the pandemic. Dreams of cruising again seemed to fade away as each month went by over the past year. Recently, I started receiving brochures in the mail from multiple cruise lines for 2022 sailings. Enticing? Yes. But would I take that leap? I began to muse about what I truly missed, and didn’t miss, about taking a cruise. And I came up with 5 things that I miss the most about cruising, and a few things that I don’t. But first, let me give you some insight into my cruise history.
I boarded my first cruise ship in January 1988.
A few years out of college, I was at a career cross roads. After working in retail marketing for a couple of years, I realized this career path wasn’t for me. A hiring event for the reservation department at a major airline caught my eye. So, along with several thousand other hopefuls, I attended the event, interviewed and got the job.
This new job came with one major perk — discounted travel! And this lady was ready to take advantage of this. So as soon as my travel perks kicked in, a co-worker and I planned our first trip — a visit to Disney in Florida. And why not add a cruise, my friend asked? A three day one would be perfect. She had cruised before and loved them. So, why wouldn’t I?
I remember the first glimpse of my very first cruise ship, the Oceanic, bobbing in the water at Port Canaveral.
Storm clouds were brewing overhead as palm trees swayed. What was I in for? The first evening at sea was a difficult one for many on board. Rough seas resulted in many seasick passengers. Empty seasick bags were placed along the handrails in the corridors as a precautionary measure. But luckily, my motion sickness pill did its job. And at the end of the cruise, I was hooked. I loved everything about cruising.
Fast forward to the 21st century.
Since that first cruise, I have taken over a dozen cruises — as a singleton with friends, for my honeymoon, with my hubby alone and with our kids. And through the years I have seen changes in this industry — some good, some maybe not so good.
For example, “bigger is better” seems to be the goal of the major cruise lines. It’s a competition to see who can design and build the biggest and flashiest ship. Cruises are now designed for the masses. Nowadays, few ships (mostly the older ones) accommodate less than 3000 passengers.
And in some cases, these older ships have been “stretched,” rather than dismantled, to accommodate more people. They have also been relegated to shorter cruises — 3 to 4 days.
I have fond memories of my honeymoon cruise ship, “Song of America” and the beautiful “Norway,” two classic ships, that are no more. Very sad!
So what continues to be the appeal of this travel option? Read on to learn the top 5 things that I miss about cruising starting with its…
DINING OPTIONS
Who doesn’t appreciate being served exquisitely prepared 3-course meals for every meal, if you choose? From the main dining room options, casual buffet stations, specialty restaurants to room service, the endless food options on a cruise just don’t compare to our refrigerator.
And that’s not dissing my hubby who is a wonderful cook. It’s just really nice to not have to worry about food shopping and preparing meals. On a cruise, it’s all taken care of for you.
And that leads me to the…
GREAT SERVICE
From your ship’s captain, to your room steward, all the waiters and bartenders who always serve you with a smile, each and every one of these men and women make the cruise what it is.
At home, there is no nightly turn down service or towel animals that greet you when you turn in for the night.
It’s these little things that make cruising so special. And I have to say that I have never come across an employee on these floating resorts that is not amazing.
Of course, you’re taking a cruise to visit…
MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS
My cruise history started with a 3 day Bahamas cruise. Since then, I have cruised to Bermuda, multiple ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada.
These floating resorts usually dock at one or more destinations. This perk offers its passengers the opportunity to explore multiple places without having to figure out how to get from place to place. Your cruise ship is your transport.
Nassau, Bahamas 
Bermuda 
Costa Maya, Mexico
The last cruise I took was in August 2019. My daughter surprised me with a mother/daughter getaway. Click here to read all about it:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=4592
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT
One of the most wonderful things about cruising is the variety of entertainment. From Broadway hits to one of a kind shows, cruises provide something for everyone. And I mean that. You want to see a professional Cirque de Soleil production or a Broadway show, cruises provide it. Adults can enjoy late night comedy shows, cigar bars or just relaxing with a drink at a piano bar.
And if you have little ones, cruises offer amazing “kid camps” and baby sitting services that give mom and dad a bit of a break.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Cruises are consummate professionals when it comes to scheduling and planning onboard activities. Upon return to your cabin each evening, an activity schedule for the next day will be placed on your bed. Join in on every activity or do nothing. It’s up to you!
A Tour of the Captain’s Bridge on Celebrity 
A View from The Eye on Anthem of the Seas 
Some towel art with an activity schedule
Pool deck activities, bingo, trivia games, and even a tour of the bridge with your captain can be part of the fun! And now, many mega cruise ships offer rock climbing walls, rope courses, golf, bumper cars and more. When we sailed on the Anthem of the Seas, we took “The Eye” which rose in the air above the ship to provide you with a 360 degree bird’s eye view. Just beautiful!
Now, with the good comes the bad.
The things that I don’t miss about cruising include..
CABIN SPACE
Cruise cabins are quite small. A very select few of us can afford the cost of an expansive suite. At home, you’re used to having space to stretch out. We don’t have to walk sideways to access our closet. For all the cruisers out there, you know what I mean. A small price to pay for everything else you get in a cruise.
But honestly, how much time do you really spend in your cabin anyway?
And than there’s the increase in…
UNRULY PASSENGERS
I have to say that my husband and I really saw the change in passenger behavior over the years. And it is not a pretty picture. Unfortunately, unruly behavior is everywhere — on airplanes, school board meetings, shops and restaurants. But when you’re out a sea and passengers are drunk, unruly, uncooperative with staff, it’s a bit scary. Manners and common decency seem to be lacking, to say the very least.
But none of this will stop me from the enjoyment I get from being “at sea.”
Honestly, how many travel options offer you:
- the ability to unpack and stay in one place,
- enjoy endless food options,
- enjoy amazing entertainment,
- all while visiting multiple places?
I believe one of the main reasons I have always enjoyed cruising is because…
Cruises are like a road trip on the water, without all the planning.
So, get onboard, unpack your suitcases and start enjoying!
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Ahoy and All Aboard!
