Three Reasons Why a Cruise Package Can Save your Vacation (and Possibly your Marriage)

It's the annual vacation discussion and you're set on a cruise so you can visit multiple destinations on your bucket list while your husband prefers to stay in one place to immerse himself in the culture and vibe of the city.  Many travelers needlessly classify themselves as either cruisers or land vacationers, but may not realize they can easily combine a cruise with extra time to enjoy and get to know a particular destination.

The top three reasons a cruise package is a good option for your vacation and your marriage:

1. Affordability.

A cruise vacation can provide a great value on its own by including your hotel, meals, entertainment and transportation for one mostly all-inclusive price.  Compared to a traditional land vacation, a cruise allows you to spend your days exploring and sightseeing a variety of different islands or waterfront cities while returning to your floating hotel each evening to take advantage of the meals, events and entertainment already included in your fare.  An added savings bonus for Americans taking a cruise in Europe right now is that you can purchase your cruise fare in U.S. dollars and not have to pay hefty hotel prices against the stronger Euro.

Marriage Saver:  When opting for a cruise package where your airfare and pre/post hotel stays are included in the cost, you and your husband can actually afford your dream trip to Europe. 

2. Convenience. 

When you are traveling a far distance from home for your cruise departure such as to Barcelona from the U.S. for a Mediterranean cruise itinerary, it is wise to fly in early and spend extra time exploring the departure and arrival ports (which are often but not always the same port).    You'll have plenty of time to visit all the highlights of the bustling waterfront city or simply relax at a chic sidewalk café for some fun people watching before your cruise.  Depending on how many days you arrive prior to your cruise, you may even have enough time to take a train to visit other desirable cities in Spain (or whatever country you are visiting).  If you flew to Spain and simply boarded your cruise ship to sail away, you may miss out on some unique local encounters that add to your entire vacation experience. 

Marriage Saver: A cruise package allows you and your husband time to experience the port city like the locals do before or after embarking on your cruise.

3. Best of both worlds.

A Transatlantic cruise package or an Alaskan cruise package itinerary provides a good mix of sightseeing with time to relax and unwind during the sea days.  During a transatlantic cruise, you will most likely visit a number of Caribbean islands on your way to or from some intriguing European ports with plenty of time to put your feet up or take advantage of the cruise amenities, entertainment and enrichment programs.  On a scenic Alaskan voyage, the cruise is also considered the destination as you sit back and enjoy breathtaking waterways filled with massive glaciers while also visiting quaint and historic ports. 

Marriage Saver:  Since you like to be on the go while your husband prefers to relax in a poolside cabana with a good book, a cruise package with equal amounts of sea days mixed in with extra port days is a good compromise. 

Finding a company that wraps up airfare, pre and post hotel stays, and transportation with your cruise vacation package often provides a better value for your money than booking each element separately, and helps find a vacation solution that you and your husband can both agree on.