Smooth Skies or Smooth Sailing?
Though you may often hear that flying is one of the safest modes of transportation, it's not uncommon for some to prefer cruises over commercial jets. But why is that? Is it simply because cruise ships offer more comfort and entertainment than the average flight? Read on to discover 10 reasons why you should choose sailing over flying—and vice versa.
1. Various Onboard Activities
Unlike on a plane, a cruise has a plethora of facilities available for you to engage in various activities. Don't want to stray from your workout routine? Head to the gym. Want to soak in a hot tub after dinner? Go right ahead. You can never get bored on a ship this big.
2. Family-Friendly
Cruise ships are also extremely family-friendly, which makes them a popular option for large groups looking for a unique travel adventure. Whether you have small children or senior adults, there's something for everyone on a cruise.
3. Unpack Once
Another great perk of traveling by cruise is that you get to visit multiple destinations but only unpack once. For the duration of your journey, the ship is your home, and you won't need to touch your luggage until the end of your trip.
4. Beautiful Sights
One of the main reasons why many choose to travel by cruise over jet is because of the beautiful sights. Sure, you'll see great views of the skies and cities on a plane, but that doesn't beat the breathtaking sunsets and blue waters you'll experience on a ship.
5. Great Value
Why do cruises offer such great value? Well, as we mentioned before, this is your home away from home. Everything is at your fingertips here—dining, accommodation, entertainment, nightlife—and it's extremely affordable. You might even get discounts for larger groups or when joining specific tours.
6. Romantic
Planning a honeymoon or an anniversary trip? It doesn't get better than sailing on a cruise, which provides the perfect setting not only for big families but for couples. Whether you're hoping to swim the night away or lie in bed all day, traveling by sea offers a romantic, unforgettable getaway.
7. Foodie's Paradise
Where else are you going to find a place with so many dining options on a travel vessel? Certainly not on a plane, that's for sure. From Italian to Japanese, you're bound to find all types of cuisines here. The array of options alone beat the type of food you're served on planes any day.
8. Sleep in an Actual Bed
Unless you're flying premium, you're strapped to a seat that can only recline so much for hours on end. On a cruise ship, you don't have this problem—you get to sleep in actual beds. Plus, if your room has a balcony, you can fall asleep to the sound of the rushing waves.
9. Meet New People
While you can befriend your seatmates on a plane, cruise ships offer a better setting to socialize. You're bound to meet people from all walks of life on board, who you can then meet up with to do various activities with. And who knows? You might even find the love of your life.
10. Experience a Floating City
When you first climb onboard, you might be all too aware that you're on a large ship that will soon be adrift in the middle of the ocean. But rest assured—cruise ships are safe. Pretty soon, you might even completely forget the fact that you're not on land, given how cruises feel like a floating city.
Are you convinced yet, or do you still prefer flying over sailing? If you're wondering why air travel still reigns supreme for some, let's touch on 10 main influences.
1. Sea Sickness
If you're prone to motion sickness, both travel methods—by ship and plane—may not be the best options. But whereas a jet stays relatively level aside from occasional turbulence, cruise ships can rock slightly and trigger sea sickness. Make sure you bring candied ginger along with you in case you get nauseous.
2. Shorter Time Travel
Sure, traveling overseas can take a good chunk of time, but flying is still much faster and more efficient than sailing by cruise. On a ship it may take days or weeks to get to point B, but a jet can get you to your destination in a few hours.
3. Can Get to Almost Anywhere in the World
Nowadays, there are routes to almost anywhere in the world, making traveling by plane one of the easiest ways to explore specific destinations. On the other hand, cruises can only travel to port cities, which severely limits your options.
4. Customizable Itinerary
When you choose to sail by ship, your schedule is almost always set in stone—not to mention the fact that you're stuck onboard until you arrive at your first destination. But flying not only saves you time but allows you to plan out your itinerary on your own terms.
5. Specific Destinations
As mentioned, flying is best when you want to travel to specific places, whether it's a bustling metropolitan city like Tokyo or a quiet coastal town like Camden, Maine. Just a couple of hours on a plane can get you exactly where you want to be, which leaves you ample time to explore and get settled in.
6. Fear of Being Stranded
Do you have a fear of being out in the open sea, where it's possible the weather could change and the waters could become treacherous? If so, you might prefer flying; above the clouds, the sky is always clear, and there's a much lower chance of potential danger.
7. Year-Round Availability
There are flights traveling in and out of cities every single day, which means you can visit anywhere in the world whenever you want. Cruises, on the contrary, typically only set sail during high tourism season to popular destinations, which again limits your options.
8. Better Suited for Solo Travelers
If you're traveling solo, chances are you probably wouldn't want to go on a cruise alone, as these trips can last weeks to months. Flying makes it much easier to get to the destination you want faster, so you have more time to explore on your own.
9. Sights from the Skies
Sights from the sea might be beautiful, but above the clouds, the sky is just as breathtaking—if not more so. And nothing beats takeoff and landing, when the city lights flicker into view and you have the perfect shot from above.
Maximilien T'Scharner on Unsplash
10. Safety
While both methods of travel are relatively safe, flying is considered much safer than sailing on open sea. The odds that you'll be involved in a fatal accident aboard a plane is extremely slim—about one in 13 million chance. In fact, you have a higher chance of winning a major lottery jackpot than being in a deadly crash.
