July 2024. Steve and I are cruising on the Norwegian Getaway, a Breakaway class ship by Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL. Interestingly, our stay on board happened shortly after the Getaway paid a visit to the dry dock for some refurbishments. The route? Piraeus, which is the port of Athens in Greece; followed by Mykonos; two days in Istanbul in Turkey or Türkiye; then Kusadasi or Kuşadası for Ephesus; Rhodes; Santorini (Thira or Thera) and back to Piraeus. Oddly enough, the itinerary offered no sea days.  

I asked Gemini, Google‘s AI assistant, what cruising is. Gemini mentioned going on a cruise as in travelling on a ship, it mentioned cruising with a car, showing off one’s automobile and “unfortunately, cruising also has a more explicit meaning, referring to the act of searching for casual sexual encounters in public places. This practice has been associated with certain subcultures.”

Why is that unfortunate? “I apologize for any unintentional offense. My statement that cruising for sex is ‘unfortunate’ was a subjective and potentially harmful oversimplification. The reality is far more complex.Cruising for sex is a social phenomenon with a long history. It’s important to approach this topic with sensitivity and understanding.”

Okay then, apology accepted. Don’t be too prude.

Anyway, I wanted to discuss why there is more than one way to enjoy a cruise. And yes, I do mean cruising on a ship, as in a resort hotel on water. 

What is cruising (on a ship)?

Cruising, as a form of leisure travel, offers a diverse range of experiences. At the core, there’s the traditional ocean cruise, characterised by medium, large and ultralarge, opulent ships that sail across vast bodies of water, stopping at various ports along the way. These cruises often cater to a wide audience, offering a plethora of entertainment, dining, and relaxation options. These ships are as I described, resort hotels on water. 

I only did two river cruises in my life. A cruise on the Nile in Egypt, in 1989, 1990 or 1991. I’m not sure. And in the year 2000 on the Yellow River of Huáng Hé in the People’s Republic of China. But I’m talking about sea cruises.

For the adventurous traveler, expedition cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore remote and pristine destinations. These cruises typically employ smaller, more maneuverable vessels to reach secluded areas, such as the Arctic, Antarctica, or the Galapagos Islands. The emphasis is on exploration, wildlife encounters, and immersive experiences.

Then there are themed cruises, catering to specific interests. Whether it’s music, food, or a particular hobby, themed cruises bring together like-minded individuals for a shared experience. Think of gay cruises. Maybe one day I’ll do one of those. But I’ll doubt it. You’ll understand why soon.

Getting you to places

Sea cruises offer a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. One of the biggest advantages is the convenience of visiting multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking for each stop. 

For me, that’s the number one reason to cruise. My first sea cruise, on Royal Caribbean‘s Serenade of the Seas in 2018, brought me to Helsinki in Finland, Saint Petersburg in Russia, Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia. 

Mu second cruise, on MSC Sinfonia in 2019, brought me to Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, to Santorini in Greece and to Ancona in Italy.

My fourth cruise, on the Majestic Princess in 2020 (just before the COVID-19 pandemic), brought us to Noumea and Lifou (Drehu) in New Caledonia; Port Vila in Vanuatu; and Dravuni Island, Suva, Savusavu, Nadi and Lautoka in Fiji.

All-inclusive

The more or less all-inclusive nature of many cruises, covering accommodation, meals, and entertainment, can be appealing. 

Additionally, cruise ships often boast a wide array of amenities, from swimming pools and spas to theatres and casinos, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The opportunity to unwind and enjoy the sea breeze while being pampered is another significant draw.

Cons of sea cruises

Despite their allure, sea cruises have their drawbacks. The limited time spent at each port can be frustrating for those who prefer to explore destinations in depth. 

Moreover, while many aspects are included in the initial price, additional costs for excursions, specialty dining, and beverages can quickly add up. 

The crowded environment on larger ships may not suit everyone’s preferences. 

Additionally, concerns about the environmental impact of cruise ships have grown, which might influence some travelers’ choices.

Ultimately, whether a sea cruise is appealing depends on an individual’s travel style, priorities, and budget.

Seven questions

The Points Guy compiled seven question to ask yourself if you’re considering a cruise.

1. Do I prefer trips that are heavily planned out in advance or left up to serendipity?
2. Do I enjoy travel experiences that revolve around a single resort that offers lodging, meals and activities?
3. Am I OK with crowds?
4. Am I comfortable touring as part of a group?
5. Is ‘eating local’ critical to me when traveling?
6. How important is being pampered on vacation to me?
7. Do I worry a lot about costs when traveling?

So, you chose to cruise

So, you chose to cruise with one of the major cruise companies: Royal Caribbean, MSC, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Carnival, P&O, Cunard, Virgin, …

Good. So you think you sold your soul to the Devil and the Prince of Darkness will now decide of your schedule on board?

Well… yes and no.

While yes, a lot is decided for you on a cruise and I would definitely advise to not resist the planning and scheduling. All this nudging is done softly, almost invisibly. 

Cruise your way

But even in that context: There’s more than one way to enjoy a cruise. I’m puttting this in bold.

A few days after returning home, Norwegian sent us an email with your expectable survey on how we rate the cruise, the staff, the activities, the entertainment, the food etcetera… 

And it struck Steve and I how little we participated in the Activities. I’m capitalising Activities. 

No-one is forcing you to participate in the popular events, game shows, parties, group classes. You can enjoy your meals with the bubble of your travel group, how small or large that may be. No-one is forcing you to go to the LGBTQIA+, singles, smokers, veterans or other themed gatherings. 

Having cruised with both Steve and Danny, I have cruised with calm people, more inclined to avoid let’s call it fuss than looking for it. If I cruised with Dennis, he would push me to party and participate more. Maybe I should do a gay cruise with him. Although I fear it’s too party hardy for me.

That would be fine. I like to think I’m flexible with these things. Reading this, some friends will roll their eyes. “Yeah, right.”

Not set in stone

My point is: deciding to cruise on one of the big cruise ships does not mean your cruise experience is set in stone. 

Do your research before deciding on which cruise with whom. After booking, watch YouTube videos and / or read up on reviews and reports on the ship you just chose. Once on board, explore the ship and study the ship’s daily programme / journal / newsletter and decide what suits you. 

Don’t have you put off by the image of cruises being directive summer camps where you have to follow the leaders’ instructions. 

2024 Athens – Mykonos – Istanbul – Kusadasi – Rhodes – Santorini – Athens Cruise on the Norwegian Getaway

1. Flying Airbus A320neo with Aegean Airlines from Brussels to Athens return.
2. REVIEW | Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel in Piraeus.
3. GREECE | A modest exploration of Piraeus.
4. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE | Before you sail, online check-in and Embarkation Day.
5. GREECE | Mykonos ft Archaeological Museum, the Windmills and massive crowds.
6. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Balcony Stateroom with included access to the Thermal Spa.
7. ISTANBUL | Beylerbeyi Palace – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar.
8. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Activities – sports – entertainment – common areas.
9. ISTANBUL | Galataport – Sirkeci Railway Station – Hagia Sophia – Topkapi Park.
10. Bars & Lounges on Norwegian Getaway.
11. Ephesus.
12. Restaurants and food on Norwegian Getaway.
13. RHODES | Lindos and its acropolis.
14. Rhodes.
15. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Skipping Santorini to make it a Sea Day.
16. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Disembarkation Day.
17. Turkey welcomed 62 million international tourists who together spent $61 billion in 2024.
18. CRUISE REVIEW | 7 days on NCL’s Norwegian Getaway in the East Mediterranean Sea / Aegean Sea.
19. ATHENS | Revival buildings, Changing of the Guards at Syntagma and the Acropolis.