What’s a travel agency without a blog on cruising?

by Vinnie Bravdica

I’ve tried to research this subject in order to best present the options you can face when cruising. Honestly, the information is so vast, it could be either a long read, or more precisely, the solution would be to break this into numerous posts, hoping to get you the right information. My feeling is this. Barbie and I attend numerous networking events. Our “elevator pitch” is this simple set of questions; “How many of you have ever taken a trip?”, followed by, “How many of you have ever gone on a cruise?” The first question usually gets about 99% raised hands, whereas the second question only has about 30% response.

It’s amazing how many haven’t cruised, and what’s more amazing is the reasons why. Plus, all the reasons why are really quite amazing to hear. Yet, the answers are redundant in that most who answer, almost always give the same reasons. From our point of view, there are really some awesome reasons, almost all of which we can overcome with really easy solutions. When we offer these opportunities, it always amazes us to see those wheels turning in peoples heads, too. Because nearly all of the reasons offered are almost always overcome by simply providing a little more accurate information. Specifically information that flips the thoughts of why not go on that cruise.

It’s sort of like the fear of flying. The Wright brothers performed the first flight in 1903, over 100 years ago. yet today, almost 40% of people still have a fear of flying. Whereas, the first automobile was invented only 20 years before the first flight, Here’s an amazing statistic, nearly two thirds of people are anxious about automobile travel. Less than 30% of people fear cruising, and travel by boat was estimated to begin nearly 50,000 years ago. What we come to realize from all of this is simply, people actually fear traveling, though there really isn’t evidence enough to substantiate those fears. The numbers really don’t lie either, as Automobile travel is the least safest method, followed by aviation and lastly by cruising.

So why do so few actually enjoy cruising?

The top answer may surprise you. It is because of the environmental impact cruise ships have, polluting the ocean with sewage, grey water and other waste. Although in 2024, almost all of these issues have been completely addressed, it still effectively turns many possible travelers away.

The second most offered reason is CROWDS. Obviously, it’s advantageous for the cruise lines to provide cabins to travel as many passengers as they can. Transporting literally thousand of passengers at a time, is advantageous, but also profitable.

Oddly the third most provided reason was, you guessed it, COST. Cruising is expensive was the response almost all gave. While a world cruise can be costly, providing a value to the cruise is really almost never taken into consideration, and something we will look at as we begin to break down each of these reasons. Basically, cost is a major consideration of all modes of travel. Budgeting for travel is always foremost in all of our minds, and with the help of a travel professional (that would be me, of course), can be manageable.

The cruise line itinerary comes in fourth for a couple of reasons. Mainly, the itinerary is usually underwhelming. People like to experience a vacation, and 12 hours in a city or port offers little time to do things, is the main complaint. Others simply say that this is too much time in port, placing the cruise line into a catch 22 position of who would be most pleased between the two groups. I think you can probably figure out the side the cruise line took, and the side you’re on.

At the bottom of the top five list is the fear of mishaps. Nobody like a sinking ship, after all. While numbers are actually inconsistent, it was last assumed that less than 1000 people reported injuries aboard cruise ships over the past three years. When compared to the number of people that have cruised, that equates to less than 1/10 of 1 percent of cruise passengers. Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) has estimated that over 31 million people average have cruised each year in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Though, this number plays huge in the determining factor of sailing or not.

Overall numbers demonstrate that this is, by far, the safest method of traveling. Now let’s begin to break down each of these reasons specifically to see how things can be for your decision to cruise.

Environmental impact of cruising

Fuel efficiency is the number one concern of the cruise lines in 2024. Many have converted to Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as the main source of fuel mainly because it offers a cleaner burning fuel compared to the traditional diesel fuel used in the past. Fewer emissions offers many advantages, and LNG is also less costly to use. While only 6% of today’s ships utilize this power alternative, the number will continue growing annually. All new cruise ships are set to sail using the LNG fuel. And it’s anticipated that by 2028, two thirds of the cruise ships will utilize LNG according to CLIA.

Those numbers are believed to be accurate as the conversions to the cleaner fuel is real. Besides offering cleaner burning of the fuel, the efficiency of it outweighs the diesel fuel of the past. For example, CO2 emissions are 20%-30% less than maritime diesel fuel. When comparing the CO2 emissions of 2023 to 2028, the carbon footprint is mind boggling. Cleaner air is a number one goal for environmental impact, however, there are some things to consider using LNG.

Though cleaner burning, LNG is not as efficient as once considered as maritime Diesel. Simply meaning, we can’t get the same miles per gallon, so to speak. LNG will then require a larger storage capacity to meet the same efficiency of the fuel it is designed to replace. It also produces higher levels of methane, or greenhouse gas than Diesel. Even though the carbon footprint is much lower, there are still situational environmental impacts that need to be recognized.

With that all said, storage of the LNG is a major concern that comes into mind. Since efficiency is less, this will also require larger storage capacity not only on board the ship, but also in storage facilities on land. Fuel is a major component of travel in every aspect, efficiency is the number two consideration, unfortunately. This is a prime example of environmental impact, and a valid reason for cruising concerns. An engineering development that will be monitored for decades to come, I am sure. To be comfortable knowing that the Cruise Lines are aware of this is comforting, in the least. However, though the solutions may seem completely inadequate, we can actually see that progress is being made to address each step of the way.

How many people are on a ship?

Numbers are revealing that the average size of capacity is only about 3000 for a cruise ship. However, this number might be a little misleading. Why, you may ask. Simply put, the average River Cruise Ship only entertains about 150 passengers, and those numbers are used in determining the average capacity. With that information, one can easily assume that the average ocean cruise ship host many more passengers then the average capacity noted above.

That’s a fact, in that the larger cruise ships actually carry over 5000 passengers, or nearly double the overall average. As seasoned cruisers ourselves, this is always something that we consider too. It brings many considerations into the mind when you looking for the right cruise. It’s very understandable that this consideration of cruising plays into the top 2 reasons. Though, we always seek a slightly smaller vessel when on a cruise, these considerations are valid, and maybe sometimes, invalid. Let’s talk about why.

Obviously boarding and disembarking are the primary concern. Having to get on and off the ship at the same time the other few thousand people are trying to do the same can present a problem. Yet, I must admit, we’ve not personally encountered this issue. Specifically because the cruise lines really have experience handling this issue, making it seem easier than you thought it may be. Whether docked or tendered, you’ll have ample time to accomplish your desired activities ashore..

Considerations are also well calculated by the cruise line to assure everyone is on board prior to sailing, and everyone gets off the ship after the cruise has completed. Again, this is an issue we have personally have not experienced any issues with. You’re usually given an embarkation time, and a disembarkation time to ensure you’re provided the best experience. And this exercise is experienced at each and every stop. All passengers are considered in the organizational process, and the only thing that would make the experience uncomfortable, would be the passengers that feel they need to create their own itinerary outside of what the cruise line has built in for you (and them).

I really do feel that the cruise line actually takes those individuals into consideration also, though. Priority is always given to those who have booked excursions on board, and second to those that have booked private excursions. Next, then, would come the leisure cruiser that simply wishes to just experience the port. Following the ships protocol sure makes for a fun event each and every port.

This way, too, you really don’t experience the crowd. There’s not really any cumbersome lines to deal with, and if you’re trying to get to an event, you’re going to get there in plenty of time. If you’re just wanting to disembark to go have lunch, explore, and then return, it’s actually a very leisure event, and thus a very fun experience. Others, however, never even disembark, only making it easier for the majority.

The main point I’m trying to put here is that crowds are only a perception of your mind. If you need to be the first one, you’re going to encounter the crowd. If you’re on a schedule and that schedule has been demonstrated to the cruise line, then you’ll comfortably not encounter any issues. If you’re impatient, and need to create your own anxieties disembarking and embarking, you’re going to experience anxieties, and there’s really not much either your fellow passengers, or the cruise line can do to prevent this situation.

Cruising is very expensive

If you’re wanting to sail on a river cruise, perhaps this is the case. They are actually some of the most expensive cruises possible, on a per night basis. Everyone gets a Balcony stateroom, meals, and all the amenities. This cruise is going to cost more per night than the average Ocean Cruise’s total tab, unless you’re boarding that 270 night world cruise. Cost of any journey can be comparable to that statement. Staying at a 5 star luxury hotel can be costly too. There needs to be many factors built into your adventure, so that expense can become a value instead. Let’s take an actual peek into the costs of cruising, shall we?

How reasonable is your itinerary? Short, weekend cruises can be a lot of fun. Lengthy, multi-continent cruises may not be the same value, but can be just as expensive in comparison. As your professional travel advisor, it’s really not as expensive as you would think. As an example, taking a 6 night trip to another state domestically can cost an average of $200-$300 per night. The way I would derive at this figure it to take all things into consideration, specifically hotels and meals. Though this may seem manageable, the numbers will add up.

So let’s do the math. A 3 star hotel will cost over $100 and probable not more than $150 per night for two people. We’ll compare this to an interior cabin on a cruise ship for cost comparisons. Thus, we’ve got to record $600 – $900 for a place to lay your head and rest during that 6 night stay. Now we’ll add meals to your day, breakfast, lunch and dinner at a cost of $100-$200 per day for an inexpensive budget for 2 people. Now, we’ve added $600 to $1200 more to our budget, or $1200-$2100 not including transportation.

Realizing this is a “Bare Bones” comparison, it will become obvious that it’s actually very similar to that of a 6 night cruise without transportation in cost, while enjoying the comfort of an Interior cabin. In this comparison, we’ll be cruising on Celebrity Silhouette in October, 2025. We’ll be going from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Bimini, Bahamas for one day, then off to Cozumel, Mexico for one day, and then off to George Town, Grand Cayman for one day, before returning back to Fort Lauderdale Florida. The best rate for double occupancy would be a Guaranteed Inside Cabin for two at $1000.18 including all taxes and fees and meals.

But wait, there’s some little extra’s to consider while cruising. The minimum (for comparison sake) will be Gratuities, costing $240 and WIFI costing $240, bringing the total cost to $1480.18 plus transportation. In comparison, you can easily see that the cruise offers a similar value as a simple domestic trip as far as your pocket book goes. However, there are more advantages on the Cruise than just driving to hotels, and eating.

For example, there’s going to be constant entertainment on board the ship. Awesome pools, and plenty of places to, well, just sit back and relax. There’s round the clock dining, in case your diet got thrown overboard (that’s usually my case), and you’ll actually get to meet lots of people from all over the world! I’ll touch on some of these in just a little bit. My initial point is that cruising, in this case is coming in very much the same cost as traveling to Florida for a six night stay. However, on the cruise, there’s much more to experience than just staying at a hotel in Florida.

Itineraries can be underwhelming

This is one that I truly didn’t understand, to be totally honest with you. Though, I know it’s actually me as the reason. What I mean by that is I enjoy the moment, and am really only traveling to do just that – enjoy the moment. In the previous example, we’re visiting 3 countries in 3 days, and yes, we’re not spending a whole lot of time in each. Who of you reading this really doesn’t want to go to the Bahamas, or Mexico or Grand Cayman? Perhaps you’ve already been there and done that! That’s totally understandable, however, there’s many other destinations in the Caribbean that can be had in the same amount of time, and offers a totally different itinerary, allowing you to explore more of this fabulous globe of ours. All while staying in the same budget as represented earlier.

Barbie and I love going places that we’ve never been. The Caribbean is a very large area, and there’s many islands to see. Roughly 7000 of them to be honest with you. Thus, getting lost in the Caribbean is actually very possible. It’s why they won’t allow me to be the ships’ Captain. When we arrive in port, we adventure within the immediate area usually. We experience the tourist way, enjoy local food and drinks, shop (that’s Barbie’s favorite thing), and of course people watch. I make it a challenge to try to learn a few of the simple terms of the country. Phrases like How much does this cost, where’s the bathroom, and how to I get to this place? The last one I learn is, that I really don’t speak the language, do you speak English. That’s an extremely important one, because if they individual you are asking responds in their native dialect, you will most likely not know what they said. Always have that last question in your vocabulary.

If you’re not like me, then I totally get the “Underwhelming” statement. Perhaps it’s the cruise line’ way of saying, come back again. Second time around might give you a little more. When booking ideas for our clients, we usually get the response that they’ve been there already, and wish to explore someplace new. Whereas many tell us they really enjoyed that cruise and want to go again. We get both sides of this, and frankly don’t see this as a factor in the decision at all.

What about mishaps?

This, to me, would seem to be farther down the list completely, as sailing is by far one of the safest methods of travel there is. Unless you watched “The Titanic” the day before sailing, of course. Though I think Kinetosis is the main mishap for sailing on a cruise. Many people feel that they will experience some level of sea-sickness while cruising. To date, there are many symptom relievers available, and symptoms can be rated between moderate to severe. There have been more unfortunate disasters on cruise ships over the years, with nearly all resulting in returning to a port for repairs. The last historic sinking of a cruise ship will have been the Titanic, and many regulations have improved disasters such as this from ever occurring again.

With that said, we’ll talk about what other mishaps can possibly occur while cruising. There is always the possibility of becoming injured or ill while on a cruise. I know as I watch the evening news tonight, there was an incident in which a sailor became ill with the flu, spent three days in the infiirmary , and acquired an invoice of over $45,000. While I am totally unfamiliar with the specifics of this particular occurrence, I can express this is very uncommon. As a matter of fact, in all my years in this business, this is actually the first time I’ve ever heard of something like this. Norwegian was the specified cruise line, and I am sure they are working things out with the specific sailor in this case. There are many options available to prevent this from happening to you.

An Average of 19 persons per year have fallen overboard while cruising. It is nearly impossible to fall off of a ship, The U S Coast guard reports that almost all incidents of a person falling overboard are the result of an intentional act, and not accidental, with alcohol playing a major role in most incidents. Security cameras on board have actually determined almost all incidents were intentional. When it is actually determined that an individual has fallen overboard, there are extreme measures the ship will adhere to, so that the individual will be saved. The Coast Guard will become involved in search and rescue operation. The ship will actually remain in the vicinity of the incident until cleared by the Coast Guard, which will continue search and rescue operations after releasing the ship from the area.

Some overboard incidents actually have been proven to be part of another committed crime, so it’s highly common that there are other circumstances related to a person going overboard. Cameras are the biggest resource to locating this situation, so jumping overboard is actually witnessed by surveillance video in every case, and the ship response is almost every time, immediate.

Safety in cruising is foremost both with the cruise line and the passenger. You can rest assured that you’ve been given every consideration towards your very own safety. Once you’ve boarded, you’ll be required to go through the emergency plan, locating your emergency position on the ship, direction of obtaining the proper emergency evacuation equipment at that location, and how to actually perform the evacuation. Your cruise ship will not sail until they have confirmed that everyone on board has attended this instruction. Ships personnel will even do everything to locate you, in the case of your not being cooperative in this exercise, and will not embark until 100 per cent of the travelers have complied with this exercise. It’s not at all like flying, whereas you can have your music playing, or be watching a movie while the safety instructions are explained prior to departure.

Mishaps can occur, and though unlikely, it’s always best to be prepared. As a former pilot, my first thought was to plan for disasters. At least this way, I was prepared. Even though each and every time, my plan was never implemented, it was always foremost in my mind, for my own safety, and for the safety of anyone flying with me. The same should be considered while sailing. Knowing the exit plan is invaluable, and for the sake of ever needing it, you’ll be appreciative to have gone though the brief instruction of preparation.

In summary

Now that I’ve addressed the top reasons the industry has determined to be detrimental to cruising, I hope there is a better understanding as to why they are the top reasons. I wish to recap the top reasons in order:

• Many steps are being taken to improve the environmental impact of cruise ships
• The number of people on a ship is categorized and is complimentary to you as a cruiser
• The actual cost of cruising is really no more expensive than any other method of travel
• Itineraries can be what you make of them – FUN
• Cruising is the safest method of travel on the planet

Cruise sales, if not the number one portion of our business, would fall to a close second. While I believe All Inclusive events to being number one (we’ll touch on this in a future blog post). The benefits are awesome. As an example, you pack once, travel to numerous parts of the world, and the costs are really very much economical compared to other types of travel.

Using a Travel Professional to plan your cruise is, by far, the most important aspect of planning, for numerous reasons. Though, the professional traveler can only assume they are gathering the best deal, I am only able to count on less than one finger that this was the case. As travel professionals, we have access to many incentives, inventory, and basic deals that you’ll never be able to assemble without our assistance. This is absolutely not a sales pitch, but a fact. Even if we were able to save you $100 total on a cruise, it’s still $100.

Given the chance, I’m almost 100% certain that you would rather save that $100, right?

We’ve helped hundreds of clients do just that. We actually do everything possible to assist you in obtaining your travel dreams. Even when some dreams come to me as impossible, when getting into every aspect of your plan, we can almost always get to the point you seek. It just may take a little time. It’s also why you’ve chosen a Travel Professional as your ally.