Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? We don’t think so. Now that we are retired, and because our favourite cruise brand markets them, longer itineraries are our new favourite. Usually starting in one city and ending at another, loaded with unique ports and with the potential for overnights, the longer or repositioning cruise is a great deal.
Whether you choose a single itinerary (14 days or more) or extend your cruise by sailing back to back on a second or third itinerary, it is very easy to make the best of being at sea. You can make this happen on the same ship, easiest because you do not have to pack up, or on a different ship disembarking within the next day or two from the same port.
Longer itineraries will often include the more exotic port stops that are not in the usual week to 10 day trips. Scheduled off season, such as in the early spring or later fall, you will also get the advantage of cooler weather and less crowded ports. Another plus may be a passenger list containing more mature, experienced cruisers since families tend to focus more on school holidays and shorter vacations.
After completing our first ever month long cruise we have a few tips to help you survive a longer cruise.
1.Moderate your eating and drinking.
I only wish we had started the cruise this way instead of figuring it out half way through. If we are only on a ship for a week or so there would be no need to maintain our healthier eating habits; we could indulge a bit and make up for it later. The same for our alcohol intake. If you think of it as a marathon instead of a sprint you will learn to pace yourself to get to the finish line.
2.Get exercise every day.
When you have a port filled cruise you are out exploring every day, whether it is a leisurely walk or a more intensive hike. Longer cruises have more sea days and some time in port is shorter resulting in only half day excursions. Enjoy the gym, walk the promenade deck or join an exercise class with the crew. Start each morning with laps in the pool. Whatever you do it will keep you limber and help reduce the sore muscles and stiff joints. And don’t forget to hydrate!
3.Maintain sleep habits.
Whether you are up late or waking up earlier than normal to catch an excursion, a cruise can wreck havoc with your sleep habits. Different beds, pillows and noises all combine to disrupt your night. Sometimes even sheer exhaustion doesn’t help. We find that a dark inside room, carefully chosen away from high traffic areas, makes it easier for us to sleep. We also take along a white noise machine to smooth out those bumps and bangs. Take advantage of the sea days to sleep in or grab a short afternoon nap when you can.
4.Participate in ship activities.
The daily events scheduled throughout the ship, especially on sea days, make it easy to find something to occupy your days. On oIs it possible to have too much of a good thing? We don’t think so. Now that we are retired, and because our favourite cruise brand markets them, longer itineraries are our new favourite. Usually starting one port and ending at another, loaded with unique ports and with the potential for overnights, the longer or repositioning cruise is a great deal.
5.Find your people.
Usually the activities we participate in are the best way to meet new friends. So too are the excursions we book, especially through online groups such as Cruise Critic and Facebook. Attend Meet and Greets and other pre-planned events to start your cruise on the right path. Once you have met your core group be sure to maintain that connection through shared meals, activities and plans to keep in touch afterwards. As well, don’t limit yourself to just your core. Talk to others you meet around the pool or on a bus. Travel people are the best.
A longer cruise might not appeal to everyone. Try it just once to see what you think.