Take Five: Set sail on a cruise

Cruising has long been a popular way to travel and vacation. From the days of the glorious ocean liners of the early 20th century, to the modern amusement parks afloat on the seas, there are a wide variety of options of ship accommodations, itineraries, dining and entertainment and shore excursions in ports of call to satisfy all tastes and styles.

Here are five benefits to booking a cruise for your next getaway.

Unpack once

One of the key selling points for a cruise vacation is the ability and ease of visiting multiple locations. Once on board, guests can unpack and settle in to one cabin for the duration of the trip. This is much better than flying or driving between cities which requires constant packing and unpacking and a different hotel at each stop.

Food is included

While there may be the exception of a fine dining specialty restaurant on board the requires an additional cover charge, for the most part, all food and meals are included in a cruise package. This makes budgeting for a cruise vacation simpler, and in many cases, more affordable. It also eliminates the daily quandary when traveling of “where should we eat?” Plus, since there’s no bill to worry about at the end of each meal, it frees travelers to try new and exotic foods that they might be reluctant to pay for otherwise.

Something for everyone

The massive size of the modern cruise ship means that it is literally impossible to participate in every amenity offered. Whether looking for a spa, teen club, pools, water slides or climbing walls, Broadway shows, fine dining, or kids programs and entertainment, there is something for everyone. A cruise is the ideal way to vacation when traveling with groups of various ages and interests.

Easy to plan

Identify your desired itinerary — Caribbean, European, a river cruise, or even Asia and the Middle East — then select the ship, choose your cabin, and you’re done. Most cruise lines will even arrange airfare between embarkation and debarkation points, and transfers to the airports for you as well. There’s no need to research hotels in each city, while coordinating planes, trains and automobiles, customs or visas to get you between everything and into and out of exotic locations. It’s one-stop-shopping for a fabulous vacation.

Health benefits

While spas and fitness programs are readily available, there are other benefits to cruising that can improve health and well-being. The sea air, serenity of the ocean water, and the spectacular views minimize stress and improve our mental state. The ease of a cruise eliminates the stresses of traveling from place to place — especially when there are housekeepers, dining stewards and deck hands always available to offer the full service treatment. Whether traveling as a couple, or in a large group, cruises offer a multitude of social aspects to meet new people. Interpersonal relationships are key to our well-being, and meeting new and interesting travelers while experiencing new and interesting locations is bound to leave one feeling rejuvenated and enthusiastic about life.