Why to Take a Cruise When Having a Vacation

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Analysis
Counterargument
Facts
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

With the rise in the globalization rates, traveling has become increasingly more available to general audiences. As a result, traveling has transformed into one of the key options for a vacation. Specifically, a cruise as one of the ways of exploring other countries has gained quite strong traction among numerous U.S. citizens. Since the concept of a cruise has been shaped to represent a single pricing module and is an up-front cost, it must be recognized as the best way of spending one’s vacation.

Analysis

Among the main reasons to consider cruising as the key means of spending a vacation, one must mention the issue of costs first. As a rule, vacations tend to be extraordinarily expensive due to the need to incorporate both the elements of leisure and the key aspects of one’s daily routine activities. Specifically, the issue of food and lodging must be mentioned first. Apart from the latter, a cruise also implies the provision of three meals on a regular basis, therefore, relieving one of the necessities to search for cheaper options of breakfast and dinner (Resen 89). Therefore, a cruise needs to be seen as the most beneficial option for a vacation in terms of the opportunity to reduce the amount of expenses.

Indeed, the issue of costs as one of the core advantages of cruising has been emphasized multiple times. For instance, a paper by Chua et al. confirms that, during cruising, one receives services that can be assessed based on two dimensions, namely, that one of technical quality ad that one of functional quality. According to Chua et al., “Technical quality refers to ‘what’ the customer receives as a result of his or her interactions with a service firm, such as hotel rooms and meal” (53). The chance to save money by opting for the meals offered by the cruise members or the tourist agency is quite obvious in this scenario. Moreover, the functional aspect of the offered services is not to be overlooked, either: “On the other hand, functional quality refers to ‘how’ the customer gets the product or service” (Chua et al. 53). Therefore, due to the focus on both the technical and the functional aspects of the service quality during a cruise, one is likely to enjoy fascinating and unforgeable experiences.

Another point to be considered when analysing the advantages of cruising as a vacation option concerns the extensive opportunities for traveling across the world within an astonishingly short amount of time. Though ships might seem inert and sluggish due to its enormous size, yet the actual speed that it can develop is incredibly fast (Simonsen et al. 1059). Using nautical terms, it would be fair to claim that a cruise ship can develop a speed of 20 knots per hour, or 23 miles per hour, which is beyond impressive (Simonsen et al. 1059). With the specified dexterity and an elaborately crafted route to follow, a cruise ship can cover a broad range of destinations, thus, providing its passengers with a plethora of unique cultural experiences and offering a vast number of exotic places to visit (Simonsen et al. 1059). Thus, a ship with passengers on board can go as fast as 23 miles per hour, thus, allowing one to visit an enormous number of places in a multitude of cities and countries.

Additionally, the very setting of a cruse ship may encourage one to reconsider the idea of a fast-pace traveling method. Though the capacities of a cruise ship are truly ample, it typically opts to choose a steady pace, which, when contrasted with the present-day fast-paced lifestyle, offers a pleasant relief from the chaotic urban life. Thus, going on a cruise also helps one redefine one’s attitude to life and the pace at which one should manage routine activities. In other words, a cruise incorporates not only multiple opportunities for recreation and the chance to continue experiencing numerous exotic places, but also a chance to redefine one’s attitude toward the pace at which one should consume information.

Finally, the stress-free environment of a cruise is worth mentioning as one of the core advantages of cruising. Indeed, during a cruise, passengers do not have to concern themselves with transportation. In contrast to traveling by car or considering bike touring, where one has to be consistently focused on the process of driving or riding, a cruise relieves its passengers of the necessity to watch the road. As a result, ample opportunities for relaxation are provided. Thus, one can enjoy a completely stress-free environment while letting those at the helm of the cruise process to take charge of the ship navigation and the related issues. Consequently, the vacation becomes significantly more enjoyable.

Furthermore, the fact that one does not have to take the wheel during a cruise implies getting rid of possible accidents that may occur in the scenarios involving one driving or riding to the destination point. In turn, being on a cruise implies a significant increase in safety due to the transfer of the responsibility for transportation to the captain of the ship. As a result, one can enjoy not only excellent services and well-deserved rest, but also a significant relief due to a drop in responsibilities compared to a traditional vacation, where driving remains one of the key tasks to complete prior to reaching the destination.

Counterargument

Arguably, there are several major disadvantages to being on a cruise. First, the costs associated with taking a ship as the means of touring and exploring different countries should be mentioned. Indeed, due to the challenges and expenses associated with taking a large number of tourists on a cruise, including, but not restricted to, the costs for fuel, the scattering services, and entertainment offered on the ship, a cruise typically costs a substantial amount of money, which usually reaches $150-220 per day (Callais). Therefore, the high prices for the tickets and services are the primary reason for people to abstain from participating in a cruise.

Crowds represent another argument against cruising for those who prefer a quiet and fully relaxing environment. Though the setting and the atmosphere on a cruise may vary significantly depending on its variation and the type of the audience on the ship, the general trend is to create an environment that is substantially loud, colourful, and crowded (Liu et al. 398). As a result, those preferring quiet recreation and unobtrusive services are likely to be dissatisfied with the end result. One could claim that a cruise itself implies a rather active vacation due to the focus on continuous movement and the idea of visiting multiple countries and cities within a surprisingly short amount of time. However, due to the focus on the seemingly passive approach to vacation, namely, being taken to specific sights and being entertained on a ship, may lead some people to believe that the environment of a cruise is very mellow and quiet. Therefore, being disillusioned while participating in a cruise will leave many people disappointed and angry.

Finally, when being at the helm of the decision-making process during a vacation, one can stop at any point in order to shop, explore a particular area, or for any other reason. In contrast, on a cruise, the specified option is unavailable since a cruise ship has a rigid schedule and a clear and unchangeable route. Thus, the predictability and inflexibility of a cruise may inconvenience one to a significant degree.

Facts

Nevertheless, a cruise represents a perfect vacation opportunity despite the disadvantages outlined above. Specifically, during a cruise, one can enjoy recreation and the related activities, keeping oneself entertained and communicating with other cruise participants actively. Furthermore, the existing facts about cruises and traveling by ship, in general, indicate that the specified vacation opportunity is quite popular, safe, and exciting. Remarkably, despite the drastic effects of the coronavirus, the cruise industry continues to grow. Specifically, in 2019, a total of approximately 30,000,000 passengers used cruising as their preferred mode of vacationing (“Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Releases 2019 Cruise Travel Trends and State of the Cruise Industry Outlook Report”). The specified trend proves that cruising remains a popular and often-selected option for vacations.

Furthermore, cruising has become available to a larger range of demographics over the past couple of decades. While the specified option used to be available mostly to the members of the upper or upper middle class, representatives of the middle and even working class have recently started exploring cruising as a recreation option (Cerchiello and Vera-Rebollo 146). The described trend is also correlated with substantially increased safety levels for passengers and crew members alike. Namely, due to the influence of the international maritime Organization, also known as SOLAS, standards and guidelines for maintaining safety at sea have been reinforced (Marchant). As a result, traveling by ship has become much safer than it has ever been. Currently, around 270 ships across more than 50 cruise lines have been providing passengers with much-needed recreation opportunities and tourism options (Marchant). Moreover, the specified number is expected to grow in the future, mostly due to the rise in the reasons for people to cruise (Cerchiello and Vera-Rebollo 157). Specifically, apart from curiosity, the rationale behind cruising includes education, health improvement, and other reasons (Cerchiello and Vera-Rebollo 158). Therefore, cruising is expected to become an even greater trend.

Conclusion

Owing to its undeniable benefits that cruising has gained over the past several decades, such as the ample menu options and the chance to gain profound insights into other countries’ cultures, traditions, and lifestyles, cruising needs to be accepted as one of the best ways of spending a vacation. Indeed, cruising presently offers a variety of services, thus, implying a perfect recreation opportunity, while also suggesting a chance to embrace the variety of different cultures and traditions. Thus, cruising represents a perfect combination of learning and relaxation, which is why it must be seen as the best way of spending one’s vacation.

Works Cited

Callais, Tanner. “How Much a Cruise Costs in 2022.” Cruzely, 2021. Web.

Cerchiello, Gaetano, and José Fernando Vera-Rebollo. “From Elitist to Popular Tourism: Leisure Cruises to Spain during the First Third of the Twentieth Century (1900–1936).” Journal of Tourism History, vol. 11, no. 2, 2019, pp. 144-166.

Chua, Bee-Lia, et al. “Investigation of Cruise Vacationers’ Behavioral Intention Formation in the Fast-Growing Cruise Industry: The moderating Impact of Gender and Age.” Journal of Vacation Marketing, vol. 25, no. 1, 2019, pp. 51-70.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Releases 2019 Cruise Travel Trends and State of the Cruise Industry Outlook Report. Web.

Liu, Yang, et al. “Evacuation Strategy Considering Path Capacity and Risk Level for Cruise Ship.” Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, vol. 10, no. 3, 2022, pp. 398.

Marchant, Natalie. “These Startling Pictures Show the Impact of COVID-19 on the Cruise Industry.” Webforum.org, Web.

Resen, Putu Titah Kawitri, et al. “Flags of Convenience in Cruise Tourism: Is It an Opportunity or an Exploitation of Developing Countries?” Soshum: Jurnal Sosial dan Humaniora, vol. 11, no. 1, 2021, pp. 88-99.

Simonsen, Morten, et al.. “Model for Estimation of Fuel Consumption of Cruise Ships.” Energies, vol. 11, no. 5, 2018, p. 1059.

Click Here To Order Now!