Pros & Cons of Cruises: Is Cruising Worth It?

If you've never taken a cruise, you may be wondering, “What are the pros and cons of cruises?”

We talked with experienced cruisers to get the best insider tricks and advice. What we ended up with are seven important questions to ask if you’re considering setting sail for the first time.

Use this guide to cruises to decide if a cruise vacation is worth adding to your travel bucket list.

1. Is Cruising Safe?

Cruises are generally very safe. However, you still need to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, just like on any other vacation.

Some of the most common risks on a cruise ship include health risks. Having large groups of people enclosed in one space — the ship — can encourage the spread of contagious diseases. It’s why we often hear horror stories about norovirus onboard and why so many cruise lines took COVID testing as seriously as they did.

Other incidents like slips, cold and flu, or an unexpected heart attack do happen occasionally. Thankfully, cruise lines take health and safety regulations seriously. Not only do they take important steps toward preventing health-related incidents, ships are fully equipped with doctors and medical equipment in sick bay to provide necessary treatment.

It is important to realize that medical care on a cruise ship can be incredibly expensive. A Minnesota man who contracted the flu on a Norwegian Cruise Line was charged $47,638 in medical expenses. Another passenger who received care while cruising the Caribbean was charged nearly $10,000 at the ship’s medical center. And a Michigan couple maxed out their credit card when their cruise line insisted they pay the $2,500 in medical expenses for to treat the man’s seizures before he could be evacuated for urgent care on land.

Most domestic health insurance companies consider cruise ships outside their jurisdiction, meaning that they’re likely to deny a medical claim for an illness or injury incurred on a cruise. Plus, some cruise lines don’t accept “land-based insurance.”

The best way to protect yourself is with travel medical insurance. This protection, which is more affordable than you probably realize, can cover the cost of treatment on your cruise. It’s a small price to pay to avoid maxing out your credit cards or going into medical debt.

Do I need cruise insurance?

While it may not be required to have travel insurance for a cruise, it is certainly a good idea as it can help protect you if you experience the unexpected during your trip.

Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for trip expenses if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip early for a covered reason, provide a refund on items you have to purchase if your luggage is lost or damage, and, like we just said, cover medical expenses if you get sick or hurt while traveling.

Seven Corners can help you figure out if cruise insurance is worth it for your trip.

2. Is Cruising Good Value for the Money?

If you like to get a lot for your money, cruising is a great vacation option. While it varies by cruise line and the upgrades you choose, cruising generally allows you to travel to and experience multiple destinations for an economical price.

That being said, there are a variety of options for cruising, from the very luxurious and, therefore, expensive to something that’s more affordable.

When you’re trying to decide if cruising is a good deal, ask yourself some of these questions:

• What’s your travel style? Do you like deluxe accommodations, or are you more of a budget hotel fan? Cruises offer cabins with different levels of luxury and, accordingly, price.
• Do you prefer to lounge around the ship and check out the free activities on board? Or are you comfortable paying extra for excursions and meal upgrades?
• Is there something for everyone in your party? Disney cruises are particularly wonderful for families since they offer a long list of kid-friendly activities and have efficient security and supervision procedures. But if Grandma is coming, too, will she find enough that she likes to do, too? If someone in your party is miserable, that cruise might not be worth it, no matter how good the price.
• If you were planning a similar trip on your own, say to the Caribbean, how would the cost of that trip, where you’d be paying for flights, hotels, activities, and food, compare to the cost of the cruise?

Most people say cruising is worth it when you consider the expense of getting to the amazing destinations included on cruise itineraries, wonderful food and drink along the way, and great service. You don't have to lift a finger doing much of anything while you're on the ship!

3. Do You Get to Visit Many Places on a Cruise?

One of the most common reasons for loving cruises is that you get to see so many places without having to pack and unpack repeatedly. Even a short cruise will often dock at two or three sites.

When you want a sample of a region or want to see a lot of places in a short amount of time, a cruise can be a great option. Look for itineraries that sail overnight, so that by the time you wake in the morning, you’re already in a new city to explore.

The flip side of this is that you tend to spend little time in each location. If you’re someone who enjoys immersing yourself in a culture, that can be hard to do on a cruise’s quick in/quick out schedule.

One way around this, though, is river cruises. Look for a river cruise itinerary that moves more slowly and takes full advantage of local flavor. Because ships are slower and can access locations off the beaten “path” (or shore?), some cruise lines invite local experts on board and arrange unique, individual excursions that often feel closer to the local culture and more authentic.

Best cruise destinations

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. While an Alaskan cruise is perfect for one person, it might be too cold for the person who dreams of sailing the Greek islands. Still, some top travel destinations to consider include:

• Alaska
• Australia
• Caribbean
• Galapagos Islands
• Hawaii
• France
• Japan
• Mediterranean
• Mexican Riviera
• Norway

While many of these destinations are outside the U.S., there are plenty of others in and around the United States. Be sure to check out our list of best places to cruise without a passport.

4. Is Booking a Cruise Easy?

If you like the idea of someone else handling the itinerary and telling you where to be and when, you’ll probably love the way cruises include all of this in the packaged deal without a lot of work on your part. But if you’re more of a free spirit and like to explore spontaneously on vacation, that could be more difficult on a cruise.

Consider these questions before booking:

• Do you find following a timetable too limiting or stressful? If you book excursions, you need to stick to the schedule. The ship really will leave you behind if you aren’t on board when it’s time to leave port.
• Are you comfortable with a schedule as long as someone else handles the details? Some of us love a good plan ... when we aren’t the one who has to make it.
• Do you like to explore on your own terms? Many cruise lines offer great on-shore activities, but if you’d rather do something on your own or immerse yourself deeper in the destination, this can be difficult.

5. Will I Get Bored on a Cruise?

A cruise can be as active or relaxing as you make it. Do your research before booking your itinerary to make sure you pick one with the types of activities and amenities that best fit your style.

It is possible to find peace and quiet on a cruise. If you’re looking for a more low-key trip, ask these questions:

• Is there a spa on board? This can be a great place to escape the hustle, bustle, and noise of the rest of the ship.
• What kind of cabin fits your travel style? Most people spend little time in their room outside of sleeping and showering, but if you think you’ll stay in your cabin a lot, staring blissfully at the ocean, spring for a room with a large window and a veranda. A private balcony can be a refreshing place to read a book or order room service when you want to get away from other passengers.
• Does the ship have assigned seating at meals? If you like chatting with strangers while you dine, assigned seating can be a great way to meet people. But if you want a little quiet time with just you and your significant other, find a cruise line that lets you dine anytime, even off-peak hours, for more solitude.
• Should you take an adults-only cruise? Adults can still be loud and rowdy, but if it’s the shrill cries of an excited toddler or cannon-balling teenagers at the pool that set your nerves on edge, opt for a cruise with an age requirement.

If you’re the active type and are worried you’ll get bored, ask yourself these questions:

• What types of on-board activities do you want? Does the ship have movies, bands, gameshows where passengers are the participants, classes, theme nights, and other entertainment that interest you?
• Does a themed cruise appeal to you? “My sister-in-law, believe it or not, went on a cruise for sewing enthusiasts,” said Angela Borden, Seven Corners’ Manager of Product and Underwriting. “No joke. They offered needlepoint classes and other sewing activities.” We also know someone who went on a Backstreet Boys cruise. Research cruises that cater to groups or special interests that match yours.
• What amenities does the cruise ship offer? Most have gyms if you want to stay on top of your physical wellness when you travel. You might also find shops. Cruise ships are essentially floating cities.
• What excursions are offered on land? Does the cruise line organize them, or do you arrange them yourself? Excursions can include exploring markets at the port of call, photographing wildlife, taking a hike up a nearby volcano, riding bikes on the beach, sipping the local drink specialty at a café, and everything in between.

Here’s a pro tip from people who have been there, done that. Choose and pay for excursions ahead of time. They can fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out.

If your prepaid excursion is nonrefundable, remember to include it when calculating your trip expenses for travel insurance. That way, you could still be reimbursed if you have to cancel your cruise.

6. Who Will Be On My Cruise?

It’s a common misconception that your cruise will be “full of old people.” However, cruise lines are increasingly offering options that cater to a wide range of ages, from kids up to grandparents and everywhere in between. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that the average age of cruise passengers in 2024 was 46.5 years.

The key is to find the best cruise line for your style of travel. Some cruise lines and trips do cater to older travelers. Others are geared more toward families or solo travelers or younger people who love a good themed trip. We called out some of the best cruise lines for each of these in another blog to help you get started.

Another factor to consider is that, on a cruise, you are going to spend the majority of your time with people, most of whom you will not know. While eating dinner, hanging at the pool, watching the shows, walking around the boat, and participating in the long list of fun ship activities, you will be with people.

Some travelers will find this an exciting prospect. Others are exhausted by the mere thought of it. Start by asking yourself these questions:

• Are you good at sizing up people and choosing fun new travel companions?
• Do you like to people watch? If so, there will be no shortage of views.
• Do you enjoy chatting with strangers, or does the idea of making small talk with someone new at every meal make you sweat? (We see you, introverts.)
• Are you worried about the health risks of being around crowds of people on a ship? Cruise lines are very vigilant about sanitizing surfaces, but there’s always risk.
• If you’re someone who loves to lay by the pool all day, are you prepared to work to find an open deck chair? One person we spoke with confessed she had to fiercely stake out and guard her spot at the pool each morning.

7. What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Cruises?

Some people only decide to take a cruise after they can guarantee that it’s within their budget or they are confident that they can travel safely. You should absolutely lean into your priorities before making a final decision.

Don’t make that decision without first considering how travel insurance for cruises can help. Travel insurance can help you get your money back if you have to cancel your trip. There’s no reason to lose money on the cruise or the airfare and hotels you book before and after you sail just because of an unexpected event.

You don’t have to worry about what happens if you miss a cruise connection or get sick during the trip. Travel insurance can help in these situations, too.

Visit SevenCorners.com or talk to one of our licensed agents for more information. They can help you find the right coverage for your trip so that when you do decide to cruise, it’s nothing but smooth sailing.