For and against cruise ships

In 2026

 For

You can visit four destinations in up to four countries.

 If you cannot drive, and don't want to be stuck on a coach, ideal for the elderly and handicapped.

All entertainment in one place, no need to order tickets and taxis. Free.

No need to find reasonably priced restaurants.

Buffets suit your entire family of picky eaters.

Keeps adults and children amused.

Simple organization. Pay one fee and get the accommodation food and travel all sorted.

Fresh sea air. Not polluted cities.

All inclusive options, meals paid for, in some cases drinks too.

English speaking staff and doctor on call.

You can pick a ship with a swimming pool.

Less trouble with visas.

Against

Awkward stairs.

If there is an outbreak of illness it spreads quickly and you could end up stranded and missing your holiday and getting back home and back to work.

Buffets are so tempting you are bound to put on weight.

If you get back late, the ship could sail off without you.

You could be taken ill at sea miles from a specialist hospital.

Inside and low down cabins and bunk beds can be claustrophobic.

You may have to book a flight to the ship, a day earlier to be sure not to miss the departure. This means more organizing, co-ordinating, time off work, and cost.

How could they improve?

Check temperatures to keep sick people in cabins and away from restaurants.

Hand washing as you enter the dining room.

Hand washing as you exit toilets.

Some supposedly free all inclusive cruises surprise you by asking you to tip staff who look agter your cabin.

The shore excursion could cost more than you want to pay.

You might be stuck with no wifi or have to pay extra.

Alternatives To Cruise Ships

Want to try a short cruise?

1 Short cruises go from Florida.

2 Short cruises go from Singapore.

3 You can take a cruise with no destinations.

Advantages of Overnight Ferries

4 Try an overnight ferry which has on board entertainment. Some ferries from the UK to Spain and back one or two nights, depending on route, day of the week and time of day and year, have lots of on board entertainment. If you like cruising and your family refuse to go on a cruise, this could be your answer, cabin with bunks, all day entertainment, but no swimming pool.

I loved my trips to and from Spain on Brittany Ferries to Santander and back from a different port. (See my previous posts)