In defense of cruising

Something tells me that at under $100/night your friend was stuck in an inside cabin down in steerag or got a "deal" because she was a journalist writing about the cruise.. The add ons likely doubled that cost., if not more. Yes, some people love cruising, even in an inside cabin. Others, even those who have tried it, would rather sleep on a bed of nails. Me, I'm in between. If the itinerary is right, and the ship can supply what I want, and isn't a floating amusement park, we will consider it. I've moved past the age where low cost is a driving factor when picking a cruise. You get what you pay for. No matter what the ads say, an entry level ship isn't going to give you 4 star comfort.

We are embarking a cruise in Singapore in about four weeks, so obviously enjoy cruising. That said, I can argue for cruising and against cruising.

While we've enjoyed three Transatlantics that took us to Europe, the time spent in Europe afterwards was just as much a feature as the cruise. I often say if you cruise in Europe you miss out on magical European evenings. I also dispute those who say if you visit on a cruise you know if you want to return. Phooey. How can a day from a tender in Villefranche-sur-mer tell me if I'd enjoy the Dordogne?

Now this upcoming cruise was expensive (for us) at $5200 CAD for our balcony room for 13 nights. Our excursions were mainly booked through Travel authentic Asia and add about another $1000. We will have to pay gratuities onboard and alcoholic drinks, but with a port intensive cruise there won't be much imbibing. Is this a deal? I think it's decent value for money I don't feel ripped off, but nor do I feel I've got a deal.

Now I do feel I got a deal for a 2026 Best of Japan cruise. 3900 CAD for 13 nights. We weren't thinking of Japan but when we found this price we couldn't say no.

Cruise pricing is way up so deals are few and far between, but they are there. I found a fabulous price on a 17 night cruise from Tokyo to the US. Alas nobody I shared it with could take advantage.

EDIT to clarify the prices above were for the both of us, not each.

People who don't know a thing about cruising should not comment. Different strokes for different folks. I have been on numerous cruises and there is no such a thing as an interior cabin in steerage.

Travelers searching for cruises around Europe shall also have a look at the French and German cruise providers. Although the main board language might not be English the staff and enough passengers will be there to talk to. Maybe sometimes it is also relaxing if you do not understand every word.

Large German cruise providers are Aida, Mein Schiff (TUI cruises) and Phoenix.

Another benefit on German cruise ships: the qualities of bread and beer are excellent (enough critical paying quality inspectors on board) and you can likely enjoy a Wiener Schnitzel at one evening.

Btw: Hamburg is more and more developing as cruise port - also for Norway and Baltic cruises. In 2024 around 1.3 million passengers were counted (article in German language).

Good article, and well balanced information. Totally agree to mind the upselling and tally all the things you'll want that aren't included. We have cruised, traveled in Europe independently, and taken RS tours, and enjoyed them all. We found cruising to be a good way to identify places that deserved more than a day trip, and have gone back to stay for days in a number of those cities/towns. My husband loves cruising for lazy days at sea, the need to only unpack/pack once, and many food options. I like the day trip samplers, fancy food, and on-board movies (yay Holland America.) We're currently focusing on land based trips while we can, but when mobility and older age hits, we'll no doubt cruise more. Thanks for sharing this, Mardee.

If you want to know anything there is to know about cruising, look for a British woman Emma on Youtube. It is her life.

And say hello to Captain Hudson.

Seems like just a short time ago that people were predicting the end of cruises, theaters, and buffets too.

Like everything else, it's just not for everyone. I was vehemently opposed to the idea for years, until we actually took one. Then I realized the advantages. For one, it's a great way to travel with a small group or family, because you don't all have to do the same thing all the time. Food and drink is not something you have to research. And not everyone wants to have a cultural learning experience. It's a painless way of having a relaxing holiday. Ethical issues are another topic.

With regards to the reporter, here is a link to her article about a cruise lottery (unlocked). https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/my-high-stakes-gamble-on-a-99-a-night-last-minute-cruise-ec7e84a7?st=DU73Ne&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Another benefit on German cruise ships: the qualities of bread and beer are excellent.

That's something to convince me right there, Mark!

Yes I was going to post about her cruise adventure, she did their version of standby and waited and waited until the last minute until she knew she got on. It didn't really sound like it was worth the stress. My BIL was a commercial pilot and he and his family used to fly standby all the time and man, the stories they would tell.

there is no such a thing as an interior cabin in steerage.

Just an FYI. Steerage simply defines as the lowest category of accommodation in a ship. On most cruise ships those will be on the lowest passenger decks, and will most definitely include interior cabins. Perhaps you just need to explore your ships more. It's one of the first things we like to do when we board a ship we haven't sailed on before.

We will have to pay gratuities onboard

I've spent almost 6 months, over 250 days, in Europe in just over 20 years, and the closest I was to the ocean, I think, was Hanover, about 100 miles. Cruising isn't going to get me close to the places I want to see, so I'm probably not ever going to cruise.

But the question of gratuities has always been a concern for me. Do they add a significant amount to the cost of the trip? Are they optional, or automatically added to your bill? How much do they add to the cost? 5%, 10%, 15%, to the whole fare or just part of it?

I don't think I would ever want to do an ocean cruise, but I might want to do a river cruise in Germany. I'm fascinated by the Main/Danau canal, a canal that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. I think Charlemagne wanted to/tried to build one, as did Napoleon. Ludwig II's father actually built one, but it's only useable in times with lots of water to works the locks. A full time canal was finally built in the end of the 20th century. I looked at cruise from Frankfurt to Nürnberg, but that cruise docks one evening on the west side of the canal and you wake up the next morning on the east side. I wanted to see the actual canal.

"But the question of gratuities has always been a concern for me. Do they add a significant amount to the cost of the trip? Are they optional, or automatically added to your bill? How much do they add to the cost? 5%, 10%, 15%, to the whole fare or just part of it?"

Lee, gratuities are either prepaid, included in the fare, or automatically added to your on board account, depending on the cruise line and type of fare selected. It is a set amount pp/pd and depends on the level of accommodation. For example on Celebrity Cruises it's $18, rising to $23 for suites. This is pooled and split amongst your waiters and stewards. It also makes up the bulk of their pay.

Some cruises sold from the cruise lines Australian or UK websites have the gratuities rolled into the base fare as required by their consumer laws.

But the question of gratuities has always been a concern for me. Do they add a significant amount to the cost of the trip? Are they optional, or automatically added to your bill? How much do they add to the cost? 5%, 10%, 15%, to the whole fare or just part of it?

Celebrity charges $18 per person per day, so that's about 9% of our cruise fare. They'll bill the onboard account. It can be removed, if one wishes. There's always discussion over on cruise critic whether they should just price out cruises with the grats included. Of course some premium lines do exactly that.

Emma , mentioned above, always aims to cruise for £100 or less a night and often gets outside cabins for that.
Steerage is an ancient term from the days of mass ocean travel, normally emigrant travel when steerage was a a very basic experience.
I am surprised to see it used in a derogatory manner here. It is a term no one uses in real life nowadays.
Everyone now gets exactly the same experience whatever deck they are on, inside or outside, or fare paid. You are only in your cabin to sleep.
Whether you choose to pay for upgrade restaurants is your choice. Likewise a drinks package is your choice.
Like me Emma's first choice is an inside cabin. Like me she very rarely uses upgrade restaurants, as the included food is entirely adequate. Like me she rarely does ship excursions. Like me she hardly ever buys a drinks package, not being a significant drinker on board.
In fact I have seen too many people drinking to excess on their packages on board and now cruise to Merchant Naval rules regarding drinking.
In the event of a serious emergency they would impede everyone else.
It does not in the slightest affect my experience deleteriously.
It was not always thus, I have historically drunk heavily on board ship. A certain real emergency situation changed that.
P and O include tips or gratuities in their fare. My own line, Ambassador, charge £7 a night.
There is a whole cruising world out there beyond NCL, Princess, RCCL and Holland America.
I have personally had a number of offers recently as low as £60 a night solo, brilliant cruises. And have cruised the Carribean all in for as low as £40 a night solo.
I have a really hard time turning them down, but simply have too congested a personal schedule.
I can tell the time and plan my own time and activities in the vast majority of ports.

But the question of gratuities has always been a concern for me. Do they add a significant amount to the cost of the trip? Are they optional, or automatically added to your bill? How much do they add to the cost? 5%, 10%, 15%, to the whole fare or just part of it?

I found this article in German language very differentiated and useful for this topic.

DeepL helps translating, also as app or browser plugin.

Celebrity charges $18 per person per day, so that's about 9% of our cruise fare. They'll bill the onboard account. It can be removed, if one wishes.

Andrea, that's good to know. I wondered about whether you would be required to tip if you weren't happy with the service. I do agree (or think) that it would be nice if it was just included in the price. I really like to know the total cost upfront, and anytime I can avoid math, I'm happy. :-)

Phred, I agree with you about the cruise lottery. That would be way too much stress for me.

I also dispute those who say if you visit on a cruise you know if you
want to return. Phooey. How can a day from a tender in
Villefranche-sur-mer tell me if I'd enjoy the Dordogne?

I'm going to take the opposing side on this one. Our first trip to Europe started with a Mediterranean Cruise in 2014 with a stop in Naples. We organized our own tour to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast for the day. It was a whirlwind day but we were mesmerized and it turned into a dream that we finally fulfilled in 2023 with a 2 week stay in Sorrento.

Example #2, not a cruise, but our RS tour in 2019. We spent 30 minutes in Beynac but that was enough for me to fall in love and we spent week there as a base for the Dordogne last Fall.

The article's author's comment that a cruise can be a sampler platter is exactly how I describe cruising to people.

I wondered about whether you would be required to tip if you weren't
happy with the service.

We did remove part of our tip one time on an NCL cruise in 2017 from Venice and back. There was just too much inconsistency and downright rude service by too many crew members. You should have seen the look and attitude of the person when I told her I was removing some of the tip. It was enough to justify my decision. We instead left a little extra for our cabin steward who was not part of the problem and handed it to him personally.

I use the term steerage all the time to refer to when we fly in economy, which is most of our flights :-)

Well, Mardee, not afraid to discuss controversial subjects …….

There isn’t a one size fits all travel solution for land tours and the same is true for cruises. Different cruise lines, different cabins all have slightly different experiences for cruisers. For bargain hunters, like myself, there are still some bargains out there but you have to learn how to search for them.

Some destinations lend themselves to cruising, such as the Norwegian coast line, while others such as Italy are poor cruise destinations. Lately I have been experimenting with combining a land tour or experience with a cruise with very positive results. I did Gate 1 two week tour of Turkey and immediately followed it with a 7 night cruise on Azamara from Istanbul to Athens. 3 days exploring Athens on my own and then home. It was a fabulous trip.

I head to Japan at the end of March where I am starting with a 7 day land tour through Inspiring Vacations which is immediately followed by a 11 day cruise around Japan on Princess with a stop in Busan, South Korea

For those who claim cruises can’t be a good value, this cruise is an example of how they can be. My total cruise fare which includes an oceanview cabin for a solo traveler, prepaid gratuities, internet, special cruise insurance and $1100 credit to use on shore excursions is $2214.91. That means my lodging, food, transportation, onboard entertainment, and a guided shore excursion in every port with admissions comes out to $201.36/day. This is a good value.

Can you spend a lot on a cruise? Sure, but you can also find good values as well.

An interesting topic, Mardee! Cruises can be a good value, just like any travel. It all depends on where you--the traveler--find value. My mom, as she aged, traveled on cruises often as they gave her a more accessible (and relaxing) way to continue to see the world. I enjoy cruising the caribbean for the opportunity to explore a different beach in every port (so relaxing!) The addition of gratuities, wi-fi, etc. don't have to be additional expenses if you look for the deals with included gratuities (or any of the other add-ons.) I have read that Costco can offer some of the best cruise deals around if you are a Costco member. Our most recent cruise had gratuities and wifi included. But like every type of travel, cruising may not be for everyone...and that's ok!

I read this article and it piqued my interest. I have never been interested in taking a cruise, but now I feel like I would definitely consider one if the price — and the place — was right. There are times when a sampler makes sense.

There are times when a sampler makes sense.

Very true. Because it's not for everbody. And it would be a pretty dull world if we all liked the same things.

For those who have not cruised, but are considering it, this would be my advice. Take a seven (but not more than ten) day cruise to a place of interest and see if cruising is for you. It's not everone's cup of tea, but you'll never know until you try. We took a seven or eight day cruise years ago, found we liked it, and have now taken well over 20 of much longer durations. Our initial thinking was that if it wasn't for us, we would not have blown that much time and money.

Aside from the final price tag factor, I would have to weigh the numerous and various variables. The cruise idea was never an important or even a viable option but still I had better be open minded to engaging in a such a travel option. Yes, it depends and it depends.

Taking a French or German cruise (TUI or others I have seen in German travel offices in various cities) is a definite and distinct possibility. Not important to me if I understand everything language-wise. Obviously, the itinerary is going to be paramount too.

Something that hasn't been mentioned in favor of cruises. Here in the Pacific Northwest, cruises are popular as a big floating platform to view the scenery/wildlife on cruises up the West Coast to Alaska. With shore excursions to some of those attractions.

I imagine Norway's fjords (and other places) would be similarly scenic.

Actually there is one big difference between coastal cruises along Norway and Canada / Alaska. Norway has no glaciers directly at the coast. I followed the photos and videos of a friend sailing with Hurtigruten Expeditions from Alaska down to Vancouver and I was astonished to see glaciers flowing into the ocean so far in the south (latitude wise). Anchorage which was the northern end of his cruise is more or less on the same latitude as Bergen (Norway) which is the southern start point of the Norwegian coastal cruise.

Another difference: The Norwegian coastal cruise offers Northern Light in winter and Mignight Sun in summer - the sun stays above horizon at midnight.

For European glaciers flowing into the ocean Iceland, Greenland and / or Svalbard shall be on the cruise schedule. The large mainland glacier Svartisen reaches in winter with a tongue a fjord but this is not approached by cruise ships.

The ice caps and glaciers disappear rapidly - measured at the age of our planet Earth. See the pictures in the article "Photos Taken In Norway 100 Years Apart Highlight The Reality Of Climate Change".

Although Climate change is affecting Greenland, that is a place where you will see glaciers (for now) from the cruise ship, and you will encounter icebergs.
I cruised on the ice Class 1C small 800 pax ship Marco Polo in late July , and we were twice diverted (on the advice of the Ice Pilots) due to icebergs, including one substituted port.

If cruising up there, I would want to know that my ship was at least Class 1C, and probably the smaller the better for being able to access the smaller ports.

The settlements are small in Greenland, and lack the resources which Alaskan ports have to be able to cope with big ships meaning that excursion opportunities are pretty restricted.

Kangerlussuaq was a case in point where every available bus (mainly ancient school buses) was pressed into service for the excursions for my small ship. I think Dudinka (in Siberia) is the only other time I've done cruise excursions on a North American school bus.

I'm glad this topic came up. I've been reading lately about the idea of taking a repositioning cruise. Apparently there are deals to be had and goodness, it seems like a more enjoyable way to get home to the US after a few weeks in Europe. Out of curiosity I googled this type of cruise and the prices I found were definitely not so affordable though, plus I travel solo, so the price would likely hit me harder and I think I would have to have a balcony room or I'd get too claustrophobic-y.

Several years ago a friend and her daughter did a cruise in Norway onboard an actual working cargo ship. The ship provided meals and a room and they stopped all over the place to load and unload, so my friend was able to explore different ports each day. I wish I could remember the details of the ship. I should probably ask her.

I already spend too much time planning and dreaming about vacations lately anyway, so probably shouldn't add looking for amazing deals on cruises to my schedule, but I do find the concept of the repositioning cruises intriguing.

Carol not retired, I think it was one of your threads about your Scandinavian cruise that first got me thinking about cruising. That's why I found this little article interesting.

I do like the idea of it being a "sampler" of places to potentially revisit. And I love the water and boats, so it seems like it would be a great idea. Now to start the process of looking. :) Such great ideas here!

KRS, there is a site that lists cruise deals for solo travelers. Carol now retired posted it on another thread awhile ago, and I bookmarked it. So you might want to check it out: https://www.cruiseplum.com/solo-supplement-deals

I am taking an Alaska cruise in May. My sister is into cruises. Has been on many. Me, never. So I will report back when the time comes. I look to it with trepidation and curiosity. I feel I will be immersed in excessive eating and drinking, and shuffling around with crowds on tours while the ship literally takes over the small ports. I am somewhat embarrassed by even going.
My usual is an independent vacation. I am going to Taiwan the entire month of April. Because I have never been and it is not Europe. So a change of pace. We will travel around by public transport and make all our own arrangements. This is our usual.
Although there are many reasons people take cruise, I believe that one of the main components is the desire for everything to be taken care of for you. It is easy. Quite frankly that is the one word that describes is all, easy. There is no overriding interest by a cruiser in travel and visiting different places or cultures. That is an aside. The main focus is that it is a no brainer. It is easy and a lazy way to go on vacation. You do not have to think.

MarkK,
Those photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

@treemoss,
Thank you so much for explaining to me so succinctly, the motivation of all those damn cruisers. Now I don't have to think either, as you have done it for me.

Your way of doing things is obviously so much better and shows how smart and capable you are.

I am wondering, however, what happens if you actually enjoy yourself? Will you have to put yourself in time out?

There is no overriding interest by a cruiser in travel and visiting
different places or cultures. That is an aside. The main focus is that
it is a no brainer. It is easy and a lazy way to go on vacation. You
do not have to think.

Oh boy, I have to dispute this. I think you have a stereotypical view of cruising that's not shared by all. For me a cruise is simply a different-and convenient method of getting from place to place. I think we've done 5 cruises including 2 in Europe and only once did we book a tour through the ship, and that was only because our port was Livorno and we wanted to get to Florence. Even the RS Guidebook was not clear enough on how to do that from a cruiseship. Overall, we were saved from planning hotels and routes, but we still had to count on ourselves to figure out what to do each day and how to do it. Here's a link to a post I made in 2019 when I was new to this board and was frustrated by the strong anti-cruise sentiment I was finding at the time on this Forum. Thankfully the opinions have gotten tamer in the past 6 years.

I'm amused by this comment I made from my post:

For those of you who complain about mass tourism, honestly, I was oblivious until we got back to Rome for our weeklong stay. We tended to be the first off the ship and wandered on our own, and since we are such planners, we tended to be ahead of the crowd or at spots that other cruisers didn’t visit.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/my-preferred-method-of-travel

And this from a year later;

The only time we took a ship excursion was for a bus from Livorno to Florence, other than that we figured things out ourselves. We have always been planners and so the notion by some that cruisers are not planners is mystifying. Just like any form of travel there is going to be sheep that follow along, but we had read about the crowds and prepared accordingly. Honestly, we experienced larger crowds during our week in Rome than in any Port while on the cruise. In any event, one of they key things that we took away from our cruise is the value of planning ahead.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/how-cruising-helped-us

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. As someone who has been on multiple cruises, I would have to say that TreeMoss’ rather strongly worded opinion is true for some cruisers. They get on the ship and often don’t get off at ports. Their idea of a vacation is to have everything done for them and that is what matters. Really nothing wrong with that if that is how they want to travel.

However, the vast majority of cruisers are interested in exploring destinations and cultures. My last cruise (South Africa) we had 3 different enrichment speakers with daily lectures on culture, history, and wildlife. Local dancers and musicians came on board and there was a special cultural performance in the Feather Market in town. My shore excursions included 3 safari days, 2 wildlife cruises and a visit to a Zulu village. I think I learned a great deal from those experiences.

It is time to stop judging others for travel choices that are different than your own. It is false thinking to believe that anyone can classify people’s motivations for any one type of travel accurately. I love it when I see people out traveling and exploring, no matter how they choose to do so.

It is time to stop judging others for travel choices that are different than your own. It is false thinking to believe that anyone can classify people’s motivations for any one type of travel accurately. I love it when I see people out traveling and exploring, no matter how they choose to do so.

Yes, yes, yes!

“Me, never.” ??’
‘Nuff said.

Its interesting how we think how we travel is the best and only way! Until we decide to just change it up. Takes an open mind. We too thought cruising meant walking over bodies laying all around the decks to get anywhere. Or to be in packed in noisy buffets and crowded tours. To feel rushed or pushed. That can happen..but does not have to. So many more options and possibilities.
Cruising is the “sampler” that is mentioned above for us. We do prefer smaller to mid-sized ships. Cruise numerous lines. Its all about the itinerary for us! Price matters also….so are fine with smaller cabins. We love researching and do both independent excursions and some guided tour excursions. We seldom go to shows or do much of the entertainment. Too tired to stay up late with all our land time! There are quiet places on ship to read or relax without feeling the need to always be social. Also no need for drink packages for us. Or paying extra for specialty restaurants. All the lines we’ve traveled, food has been a treat for us!! Cruising then opens our eyes to return to revisit places independently! Train travel then becomes our mode of travel. So many ways to see Europe which is our passion! I am grateful my husband and I are travel compatible!

Taking a cruise just might reduce the amount of thinking required of me for choosing this travel option. That's another incentive for choosing a foreign language cruise such as a German or French one. Whether I have to think or not is irrelevant as opposed to going normally solo.

Fred, are there really foreign language cruises? That sounds interesting...

Mardee,
Two of the German language cruise companies are AIDA and Hapag Lloyd.
Some of the Hapag Lloyd are bi-lingual and some German only from what I've heard. As far as I know all mid size ships. I've encountered them in Hamburg and various Scottish ports.
I believe Aida are predominantly German language. I've come across them a lot in various ports (twice in Colombia oddly), usually very colourful hulls. Instantly recognisable branding. Tend to be larger, but not mega size ships.
One of the French companies is Compagnie Francaise des Croisieres. They have merged a month ago with the UK Ambassador Cruises. I've been on one of the CFC ships (now withdrawn) when they used to do a few weeks a year for the English CMV line. For those few weeks they were English speaking, but all French signage. Not sure if they still do but CFC also did French speaking river cruises pre Covid.