IT'S NATIONAL PLAN A CRUISE MONTH!! How can you argue with that?

October is National Plan a Cruise Month! If you are looking for a stress free vacation that takes you to different places without having to unpack and repack to move, cruising is the way to go! 

There are many cruise lines to choose from with a variety of different itineraries and lengths. Never cruised before but want to try it? A 3 or 4 night cruise is the way to go to "get your feet wet." Most veteran cruisers tell you the minimum for them is a 7 night, myself being included! But that doesn't mean I won't go on a 3 or 4 night, I just prefer a 7 night. (Actually going on a 3 night in 2 1/2 weeks!) 








​

​Why do a cruise? 

Planning a cruise vacation is a very easy process. You decide when and where you would like to cruise. The ship plans the activities and possible excursions for you to choose from. How's that for service?

For many people, it's for the relaxation. You can do as many activities as you feel like entertaining yourself with or just sitting in a lounge chair reading a book. They offer a variety of activities for all types and ages of people-family activities, spa times, specialty dining, games, themed specific cruises.

Another reason is to be able to experience different places without having to fly from one place to another. The ship takes you there! That's a big plus for those people that do not like to fly (my husband included as he will NOT get on an airplane). He's taken cruises to see Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Johns, Puerto Rico, and Castaway Cay(Disney's private island). We drive to Port Canaveral to have a larger choice of cruise lines to pick from. 

What are the benefits of a cruise over another vacation?

The list is endless, but for those of you that like to try new food items, this is the place to do it. While in the main dining rooms, order 2 appetizers, or entrees to share with others or for yourself. I went on a cruise with my best friend and we both ordered the prime rib, but really wanted to try the duck, our server brought us the duck to split. So glad he did! My husband has a major sweet tooth! Whenever we cruise it is usually very difficult for him to choose one dessert. I told our server that on our first night because Gary couldn't decide. He finally did and the server brought the one he ordered and another to try. This did not only happen on the first night, but every night there after and we never asked for it.

As I mentioned before, there are many activities for all ages to do on a cruise at various times throughout the day. BINGO, movies, games, karaoke, towel folding lessons,  and the list continues. One of our family cruises I asked my daughter to go play BINGO with me. She looked at me as if I had 6 heads and said, "BINGO is for old people!" When I told her that she could play and if she won I'd have to claim the prize money because I was over 18, but I'd give it to her, she came with me. Now it is a family activity that is a MUST do on our cruise! 

A cruise can be a social event for making new lifelong friends. Now, I'm sure you are wondering how would you do that. On some cruise lines you sit with people other than your family at dinner. While this may seem nerve wrecking, it may surprise you at how you much you have in common with your table mates.  Some cruise lines have Facebook pages for specific cruise dates that you can connect with prior to sailing and discuss your experiences or post questions that you may have. I am currently an administrator for 2 different cruise groups and I've made friends from all over our country and the world. My first experience with a Facebook cruising group happened for my June 2014 cruise. I joined the group and saw that the Administrator for the page was from the same town I lived in. I sent her a message and we found out we lived 5 miles from each other. Instant friends that have now been on 3 cruises together with our families.

Caribbean cruises are what many people like to do, but there are so many more to choose from-Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia, the Middle East, Panama Canal, and River Cruises. 

So if you are looking for an enjoyable, less stress vacation for everyone in your family to enjoy, try a cruise! I'd love to help you plan one. Spotted Bow Travel Company not only specializes in Disney Cruises, but can book all cruise lines now! Winter getaway, Spring Break, graduation, hooray to Summer Vacation, or just to treat yourself to some relaxation- all good reasons for a cruise! Contact me today to help you book this amazing vacation!

---