Mariana Calleja is a Costarican travel writer &
founder at TravelThirst
"Cruising? Hmmm...never thought of it
before."
That was my head talking when I was offered
for the first time a cruising experience. I had never ever thought
of going on a cruise before. Why? No idea. So...why not!
This might have happened to many people out
there. Cruising isn't always a first travelling option since we
think it is always a lot more expensive than the usual air or land
travel. But we never really stop to think on the total (and real)
amount of a trip when it involves flight tickets or any other
transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing just to
mention the basics. Of course we always get to spend more than
this, even if we are travelling on a budget style.
The departure day came and there I was, ready
with my backpack, going into an unknown experience throughout the
southern Caribbean islands, all new for me. Hard to explain the
feeling of imagining the boat, right before getting onto an actual
one!
So an 8-day ride started. Going first through boarding process
where we were given our boarding tickets, room-access keys, tags,
news and offers onboard. Then walking to the bridge and straight
inside. You just got to see the inside
yourself...(sigh).
ONBOARD
After a couple of hours on board and before
departure, all passengers are usually called to assist the
"emergency/safety practice". Let the experiences begin! Between
this and a welcome party for all guests, a cruise simply turns into
a heavenly vacation just getting you started into this
culture.
Culture? Yes, I believe cruising can almost
be considered some kind of culture. It's a complete whole new world
inside a ship. So many nationalities in one and only space sharing
it all: the food, the languages, the music, the destinations. Both
guests and staff are in one amazing tune...I have never experienced
something with such perfection and timing in my travels than while
cruising. And really, I'm not exaggerating this. Those who have
cruised before can confirm my words.
Some might say one day in a port is not
enough time to know a place. True. However it all depends on the
ports or destinations you choose. I believe small destinations such
as islands or seaside towns can definitely give you plenty of time
to discover the place in one day. But remember there is a lot more
to cruising. The entire experience will give you more than only
ports and sightseeing. You will get experiences as simple and
amazing as getting to know a cruise ship room, or how it's like to
sleep on a cruise for several nights, the ship's dancing movement
overseas all the time (unforgettable), the ambience and people's
attitude all over the place. Is all quite diverse, no matter if
someone explains this to you, it will be different and memorable
when you taste it yourself.
Fortunately, there are cruises for all kind
of tastes and ages. You will always find the one for you, whether
it's a friend or family trip, honeymoon, just getting lost or even
a retirement one.
I can assure that cruising is nothing like
anything you have ever experienced before. After trying one, you
will only get thirsty for more and the memories you will get can
never be replaced or erased from your head, not to mention the
people, the good times...there's too much about cruising. On port
or on board, you will have anything you can imagine. They offer a
wide range of unusual experiences even on board, such as visiting
some of the ship's kitchens or any other restricted area for all
those curious travellers like me. I even even bungee jumping with
only sea views while in the air...once again, unique!
Seems like I just got thirsty for more
cruising again and hoping you do too! If you have never thought of
this idea, then get working on it already. I promise you will
remember my advice and you won't ever regret it.
Fancy taking a cruise but need to know more?
Discover Cruises is a one stop shop for great cruise
advice
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