Hi my lovely readers!

There are many reasons why everyone should try a cruise. Cruising is a great way to get around, relax, have fun and of course visit many places in a short period of time just to name a few.

I always look forward to reaching a new port, to get of the ship and start exploring that new destination.

However, there are some advantages and benefits of staying on the ship while everyone else gets of for sightseeing and shopping.

1. POOLS AND JACUZZIS

A big bonus when everyone gets of the ship is that you have the chance to finally have the pools and the Jacuzzis almost all to yourself. Well more or less apart from the other five people who stayed on board as well.

The Jacuzzis are always popular and full, at least in my experience and you always have the kids jumping into the pools and splashing around when you actually just want to sit by the pool and dip your feet in the water to cool down and relax.

2. PEACE AND QUIET

The ship is almost empty when you stay on while everyone gets of. That means some peace and quiet time.

3. NO QUEUES

Less people means less queuing time.

Sometimes you have to wait a while for certain things when the ship is full such getting to the buffet or restaurant, playing certain activities for example table tennis or trying out the Flowrider and others.

However, when the ship is less busy you have a better chance of getting to where you want and to what you want faster and more often.

This will make a big difference on bigger ships such as the Oasis Class ships from Royal Caribbean where there are always long queues for activities such as rock climbing, the Flowrider, ice skating and so on.

4. TRYING OUT ACTIVITIES

This is more or less related to having no or shorter queues. Often, especially during shorter cruises, it can be difficult to participate and try out all those cool activities offered on board. They are in high demand such as ice skating and you would have to queue up sometimes 15 – 30 min or even longer, depending on the activity.

I do not know about you, but I do not want to waste my precious time queuing up all the time during my holiday. Hence, staying on the ship in port is a great way to reduce that queuing time and get the chance to try out the activities you are looking forward to.

And get to experience them not just once, but twice or more!

5. PICK AND CHOOSE

I, for example, have always certain spots on the ships that I really like, but that are also very popular with many of the other cruisers and as a result are mostly occupied. These can be certain pool sun loungers, cabanas, by the window seats in the restaurants, specific areas of the ship and so on.

When the ship is empty you get the chance to pick and choose your favorite area, seat or what ever, which I am always a big fan of.

6. MORE SPACE

Another benefit is more space in terms of having more space to yourself. No people laying next to you on the sun lounger, you have space in the pool to actually go for a swim, you can takeover the fitness studio and practice your yoga and of course the list goes on.

7. DISCOUNTS

Cruise lines always want us to spend money on board. You may not know this, but many people spend more on board for gifts, spa treatments, a visit to the specialty restaurants, gambling and so on than they paid for their actual cruise fare.

When there are lots of port stops, it is harder for the cruise lines to make us part with our money as of course most people get of the ship in port for shopping, visiting the beach and sightseeing.

The cruise lines come up with some discounts, offers and events to lure us into spending more and to make us stay on the ship for longer.

During port days, there will be a few more discounts available so if you are a spa goer, like shopping for gifts and souvenirs on board, look out for those offers when you decide to stay on.

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What would you do if you stay on the ship in port?