Why Now’s the Time to Consider a Cruise (Even If You Never Thought You Would)
Everything first-timers should know about cruising in 2025 and beyond
Growing up near the coast in South Devon, I’ve always had a deep love for the sea. Yet, oddly enough, I’d never taken a holiday on the water - until recently. After experiencing travel by both river and ocean, I’m now a complete convert. It’s a wonderfully different way to explore the world.
Common Misconceptions
I used to dismiss cruise travel entirely, mistakenly assuming all ships carried thousands of passengers in crowded conditions. (It might have been from watching the TV series, Love Boat, back in the 1970s!) As it turns out, I wasn't alone in this misconception. What I’ve discovered is that some operators offer smaller vessels with significantly fewer guests. Plus - and this was a major factor for my husband and I as child-free travellers - companies like Viking maintain an adults-only policy, welcoming only guests 18 and over across their entire fleet.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Just like hotels, cruise ships come in all different shapes, sizes and styles. The key is finding one that suits you best, whether you're looking for adult-only luxury, family-friendly activities, budget-conscious options or ultra-premium experiences. You can choose between intimate European river cruises along the Danube, Mediterranean ocean voyages with stunning coastal views or even expedition cruises that take you to remote destinations around the globe, like Antarctica.
Why Consider Cruise Travel in 2025?
I really feel it's time for holidaymakers to reconsider cruising as a holiday option. The industry has evolved dramatically in recent years with more diverse offerings, improved sustainability practices and unique itineraries that land-based travel simply can't match. Below, I list 10 compelling reasons why I suggest that perhaps your next getaway should be on the water.
10 Compelling Reasons to Consider a Cruise
1. Multiple Destinations
A holiday on the water allows you to visit several destinations in a short space of time. It's an opportunity to get a preview of places you may like to return to for a longer stay. And all the planning is taken care of, from your itinerary to your excursions.
2. Wake Up Somewhere New Every Day
It's such a treat every morning either pulling back your curtain or raising your blind to discover where you've travelled overnight, whether that's a cultural capital, coastal town or dramatic wilderness. There really is something magical about waking up every day to a new horizon with breathtaking views just outside your window.
3. Unpack Once
I'd not realised how much I'd love the fact that even though you're visiting different destinations, you only need to unpack once. There's no need to spend time packing and unpacking each time you visit a new city or country.
4. Explore Unique Destinations
Water-based holidays can open the door to places other forms of transport can't reach. It's adventure made effortlessly accessible. You also get exclusive views of cities and landscapes from the water.
5. Grown-Up Spaces, Designed for You
As I mentioned earlier, some ships, like Viking's, are adult-only. That means space to unwind in peace. Perfect for solo travellers, couples and those embracing their child-free freedom.
6. Travel that Teaches
Depending on the operator you choose, you may have access to expert-led talks and insightful presentations giving you deeper understanding of each destination's history, indigenous people, cultural traditions and local way of life. Your learning also continues ashore with excursions led by local guides. The ship itself becomes a cultural extension of your destinations through themed dining experiences featuring local cuisine and sometimes even performances by local musicians brought aboard in port. This immersive approach can transform travel from merely seeing destinations to truly experiencing them.
7. Truly Stress-Free
What's truly wonderful about travelling with a cruise operator is that everything is taken care of for you - seamless transfers to your ship, meticulous on-board organisation, attentive staff, and no meal planning—everything is taken care of. So you can really switch off and relax whilst you're away. The only decisions you may need to make are which restaurant to dine in that evening, which excursion to book and whether to book a spa treatment!
8. Fly Less, Relax More
If you're not keen on flying, some itineraries depart directly from your home country, giving you the freedom to skip airports altogether and begin your voyage the moment you step on board.
9. Slow Travel, Redefined
This is your invitation to pause. With nothing to plan and everything taken care of, you can truly unwind - whether that's with a glass of wine on your veranda, a snooze on a comfortable lounger as the ocean rolls by or simply strolling around the deck breathing in the refreshing sea air.
10. Travel on Your Terms
No pressure. No pace but your own. If you fancy being sociable, there are always people around to chat with. But if you're looking for some alone time, you'll find lots of places to sit and chill. The choice is entirely yours.
Whether you're a curious first-timer or someone who's yet to be convinced, I hope this gives you a fresh perspective on cruise travel. Have you ever been on a river, ocean or expedition voyage? Or are you now tempted to give it a go? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
P.S. Full disclosure - I’ve travelled on Viking on Press Trips and as PR Invites.