You only have the time and resources for one family trip. What is it going to be? To cruise or to go to the parks? Has your family had this discussion? Here is a list of five pros and cons for each to help your decision!
Cruising Pros:
- A relaxing vacation – A cruise is one of the most relaxing vacations you can take. There are hot tubs, spas, pool decks, onboard movies, nightly shows, and more.
- See the world – Whether in the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, you can visit ports around the world and never have to change bedrooms!
- All-inclusive – With the price of your cruise, you get all-day food, beverages, and entertainment. Of course, there are optional specialty dining and beverages, shore excursions, and onboard activities, but they are not required for an enjoyable experience.
- Good for all ages – On a cruise ship, there is something that all ages will enjoy, from kids’ clubs to the spa to Broadway-style shows to the waterslides and pools to trivia and more. Everyone can pick their activities and come back together at dinner to talk about their shared and separate adventures. It is a great choice for a large family or group vacation.
- Excellent service – Cruise ships are known for having first-class stateroom and dining staff ready to help however they can.
Cruising Cons:
- Seasickness – Cruise ships offer an overall smooth ride, but bad weather and choppy water can sometimes cause those prone to motion sickness to feel sick. If this is a concern, Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises that sail closer to the coastline could be a better option.
- Passports – While cruises that depart from and return to the same port may not require a passport, it is always recommended to have one. If, for some unforeseen reason, you need to travel home from a foreign port, you will need a passport.
- Crowds – Cruising is popular, and the common areas on a ship can feel crowded at times. Some people also prefer to visit port cities without a boat full of people following them along.
- Trip insurance – Vacation protection is always highly recommended for cruising as it provides some medical coverage at sea where traditional medical insurance is not accepted. There are also more trip components to cover with a cruise.
- More to pack – An assortment of clothing is needed for the many different activities and weather you might encounter on a cruise. You should pack day wear, evening dinner attire, costumes for themed parties, swimsuits, raincoats, and heavy coats depending on where you are sailing. You also need the appropriate shoes for all. It is hard to pack light for a cruise!
Theme Park Pros:
- All the fun – Theme parks are some of the most fun you can have. Rides, shows, parades, special event parties, character meet-and-greets, themed dining – how can you not have fun!
- Attractions for all – Disney and Universal both have an array of children, family, thrill, and water rides for all to enjoy.
- Good food – There is a wide variety of quick-service and full-service dining options with all types of cuisine. There are also endless yummy snacks. Think Dole Whips, Norwegian school bread, Mickey beignets, and butter beer!
- On-site transportation – Once you arrive at a Disney or Universal theme park, there are buses, ferry boats, trains, gondolas, and monorails to take you throughout the resort.
- On-site resorts – Staying at a Disney or Universal resort is a vacation itself! The resort pools, hot tubs, amenities, and restaurants are amazing. My favorite is the Italian-themed Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando! There are also resort options for every budget, from value to moderate to deluxe and signature.
Theme Park Cons:
- Long lines – Popular rides can have long lines on busy park days, and purchasing Disney’s Lightning Lanes and Universal Express can be expensive.
- Weather challenges – If it rains or storms during your theme park day, some attractions will close, which can be disappointing and cause you to have to rearrange your plans. Don’t leave that raincoat at home!
- Exhausting – A full day in the parks can be lots of fun, but it can also be exhausting. Your feet will feel it too! Plan for breaks and wear supportive shoes.
- Expensive – While the cost of theme park tickets compared to concert, sport, and Broadway show tickets can seem comparable or even like a good deal for all-day entertainment, it is expensive for a family. Besides the tickets, you also have to buy food and a hotel stay for everyone, which adds up fast.
- Heat – Florida and California can be very hot. Dealing with the heat and protecting your skin from sunburn can be difficult. Look for cool respites and bring fans and sunscreen!
How do I choose?
| Choose a Cruise if… | Choose Theme Parks if… |
|---|---|
| You want to relax | You love rides |
| You enjoy multiple destinations | You like immersive experiences |
| You prefer an all-inclusive style vacation | You don’t mind busy days |
| You enjoy evenings with shows | You want nonstop attractions |
Did these lists help you in your decision? Hope so! If not and you still can’t decide, consider a split vacation with a shorter cruise and a shorter visit to the parks! I would recommend doing the parks first and then cruising to relax.
