I absolutely love to cruise! My very first sailing was at age 21 through the Baltic Sea, and it was phenomenal. That trip was a $30,000 prize, and I’ll never forget exploring Russia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Copenhagen, Estonia, and more. It completely changed me and sparked my lifelong love of seeing the world.
My real *cruise addiction* began in 2010, on my 40th birthday, when I organized a Caribbean cruise with 11 girlfriends. What a trip that was! Since then, I’ve sailed on 15 cruise ships across five different cruise lines, visiting the Bahamas, the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and beyond. So why do I love cruising so much? Let me tell you.
Exploring New Destinations
Cruise ships take you somewhere new almost every day. There’s nothing like waking up in a different part of the world, stepping off the ship, and heading out to explore. It’s travel without the stress of constant packing and unpacking.
Dining Delights
Food is one of the highlights of cruising! From full-service dining rooms with elegant menus to casual options like pizza, sandwiches, buffets, coffee shops, and ice cream machines - there’s something for every craving. Specialty restaurants (for a small fee) are also a treat, and yes, room service is always an option.
Outstanding Service
Cruise staff are incredible. They come from all over the world and work so hard to make your trip memorable. From your room attendant and dining staff to the cruise director’s team and behind-the-scenes crew, they go above and beyond. I love hearing their stories and learning where they’re from.
World-Class Entertainment
Some of the best shows I’ve ever seen have been at sea. Picture this: an aqua theater show with high divers leaping into a pool, synchronized swimming and dancing, all to 80s hits while the ship sails at full speed (the Aqua80 show on the RCL - Oasis of the Seas). You'll also find comedians, magicians, live bands, Broadway shows and more - night after night.
Endless Activities
If you love being active, you’ll never be bored on a cruise. Options range from surfing simulators and rock climbing to go-karts, ice skating, escape rooms, water slides, fitness classes, game shows, bingo, and more. And for kids? The activities are endless. Of course, you can also choose to do absolutely nothing at all. Which brings me to the next point.
Peace & Serenity
Despite sailing with thousands of other passengers, you can always find a quiet corner. My favorite ritual is ordering coffee to my cabin in the morning and sipping it on the balcony as I watch the waves roll by. Every ship has hidden spots where you can sit in peace and soak in the endless ocean views. Sea days are often my favorite.
First-Time Cruisers, Don’t Worry
Cruising can feel overwhelming at first, but there are easy solutions for everything - even seasickness. If you’ve never tried it, I encourage you to give it a chance.
And if you’re curious, why not join me? I’m hosting a Travelbug Travel group cruise in April 2026 to Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Grand Cayman Islands. You’ll get all the fun of cruising with a great all-inclusive rate, and the bonus of having me there to guide you, answer your questions, and share my favorite tips along the way. Reach out at lisa@tbtravel.ca
✨ Cruising truly offers something for everyone: adventure, relaxation, great food, entertainment, and the chance to see the world in comfort. I can’t wait to set sail again—maybe with you!