If you’re anything like me, the thought of taking a cruise for the first time makes you uneasy. All kinds of questions pop into your mind: Will I get sick onboard? Will the ship have problems at sea? And what about those tiny rooms?
Despite my concerns about cruising, though, I couldn’t shake my desire for a getaway with my family. And, after researching several options, I concluded that taking a long weekend cruise was the best choice for our busy schedules. It’ll be an experiment, I told myself.
Now that I’ve returned from my trip – a three-day cruise from Florida to the Bahamas and back – a new question has popped into my mind: How soon can I take my next cruise? Although my trip was brief, I would describe the experience as not only problem-free but the ideal mini-vacation for families or couples. Here’s why:
An Affordable Mini-Vacation at Sea
For our family of five, the price for the three-day cruise was approximately $1,400, or less than $300 per person, which included port fees and taxes. Considering everything a cruise ship provides for travelers – staterooms, meals, entertainment, island visits, and more – that’s a deal. Some cruise lines even offer free or discounted fares for kids, with conditions.
But what about airfare and transportation to the embarkation port? For us, that wasn’t cheap, but it still beat going to Hawaii, Mexico, or a Caribbean island for a long weekend getaway. Plus, passports – another big expense for families or couples without them – weren’t required for our cruise to the Bahamas. If you’re within driving distance to an embarkation port, all the better.
Of course, the all-inclusive, always available food (from breakfast to a midnight buffet) made the three-day cruise a great value – especially with three teen appetites to satisfy. Soda and alcoholic beverages are extra. Tipping adds to the expense, too, but altogether it amounted to less than $30 per person. Not bad for a family of five. And even more affordable for a party of two.
Convenient Getaway That Caters to Your Needs
Probably the most attractive feature of a cruise is convenience. When you’re taking a mini-vacation, that’s especially important because you don’t have time for hassles. From start to finish, everything on our three-day cruise ran right on schedule. And with an itemized itinerary slipped under our door each night, planning out our days was a cinch.
But the convenience of cruising isn’t just about schedules. Cruise ships are simply convenient ways to travel. How else would you be able to see several islands in such a short amount of time, eat whenever and whatever you want, and get to a show in a matter of seconds? The ship is always there to cater to your needs – with hundreds of crew members ready and happy to assist.
Never a Dull Moment on a Three-Day Cruise Vacation
For families and couples, especially those with varying interests, cruises offer up a wide range of activities. In fact, taking a three-day cruise can turn into a jam-packed getaway if that’s what you’re looking for. From excursions onshore to rock climbing, casino gambling, group fitness, shopping, basketball, and plenty of nightlife onboard, there’s something for all ages and tastes. And with child and teen centers on many ships, there are peers available for everyone.
On the other hand, if complete relaxation is your goal, a three-day cruise can deliver. A visit to the spa, a soak in the Jacuzzi, or lounging on the deck with a good book are all options. If your travel companions don’t want to do what you want to do on your getaway, it doesn’t matter. No one will get lost on a ship, and you can meet up for dinner or drinks later.
As for my initial concerns about cruising, I found the ship to be in excellent condition and extremely clean (not to mention generously equipped with hand sanitizers). Was the motion noticeable? Yes, but it caused us no discomfort. In fact, after a brief acclimation period, we didn’t think much of it. And the rooms? They’re small but fine for the little amount of time spent in them. For those who need more space, suites are available for booking.
Next time you’re in the mood for a mini-vacation or a long weekend getaway with your family or spouse, consider taking a three-day cruise. If you’ve never cruised before, think of it as an experiment, like I did. You too may be pleasantly surprised. Not only is cruising an affordable and hassle-free way to travel, it’s sure to fill your need for fun, relaxation, or whatever suits your fancy.
And who knows? Your “experiment” may turn into a regular routine. I know mine will.
For information on another great mini-vacation idea for families or couples, see Favorite Minnesota Lake Vacation Spots.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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