PENSION & FINANCIAL WELLNESS

Larry Hartel Chair, Pension & Financial Wellness Committee ARTA

As someone who has travelled on many cruises around the globe, I have some insights and advice that may inspire you to rethink your stance.

Sailing the Ocean Blue

Cruise ships offer a truly hassle-free experience compared with other forms of travel. Once you’ re on the ship, your accommodations, meals, and entertainment are all taken care of, and you only have to unpack once. You can see several locations and experience a variety of cultures without setting up separate travel arrangements.

Cruises also offer a variety of on-board activities, often featuring multiple pools, lounge areas, gyms, spas, casinos, theatres, and restaurants. Some even offer extended activities like waterslides, mini golf, pickleball, and even go-kart tracks. If your cruise is all-inclusive, compare how much these activities would cost separately on a traditional trip. You’ ll see the savings.

Many cruises also cater to families and children, with kids’ clubs and family-friendly entertainment and activities. For those who want to share a trip with their grandchildren, the experience is nearly worry-free.

And finally, you get to enjoy the incredible views from the ship as you travel along the coastlines to your destinations.

On the Other Hand …

Admittedly, there are some cons to cruises as well.

While cruises offer various destinations, you have limited time in each port. I have found it a great way to dip your toes in the water and have returned to many of these destinations on my own.

Large cruise ships can accommodate thousands of passengers, and the crowds experienced while getting on and off the ship can be an unpleasant experience for an agoraphobic traveller.

While a cruise is often considered all-inclusive, many paid add-ons exist. Be sure to check what perks you get with your ticket.

Everybody knows how the cruise ships were affected during the outbreak of COVID-19. Most cruise lines have spruced up their cleaning practices, food handling, and sanitation in all areas, helping to make them much safer.

Cruise ships come with a significant environmental footprint, including potential damage to marine ecosystems and adding pollution to the atmosphere, which some environmentally conscious travellers may not like.

Finally, as with all travel, be ready to experience the unexpected. Changes in your itinerary due to weather, port issues, or other factors can lead to last-minute changes that can sometimes be disappointing. With all of our cruises, we’ ve only had a couple of instances where this has been the case.

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