If you’re thinking of cheating on your normally preferred style of vacationing in favor of cruising…you’re not alone.

Cruising is so hot right now — and no, it’s not just because ships are getting bigger, flashier, or filled with more novelties that would make Las Vegas blush. The real reason cruising feels so appealing right now is actually much simpler.

Cruises scratch that very specific itch right between an international all-inclusive resort stay and a traditional land vacation. When you book a cruise, you’re essentially locking in a price that covers A TON of your vacation basics upfront.

Everything from transportation between destinations, to your lodging, to your food, to even your entertainment is ALL COVERED AHEAD OF TIME. However, unlike some all-inclusive resorts that feel like you’re paying for everything whether you want it or not, cruises give you flexibility.

Want to stick to included dining and drinks and keep your budget steady? Cruises let you do that. Want to splurge on a specialty restaurant, beverage package, or a once-in-a-lifetime shore excursion? Hey, you can do that as well! The point is that nothing’s mandatory. You’re taken care of on all fronts, all while you get to CHOOSE which benefits and experiences you’d like to tack on.

Logistically, cruises can make more sense than a traditional vacation. Between rising airfare costs, baggage fees, hotel resort fees, rental cars, rideshares, and other costs you don’t think about like REAL ID requirements, traditional vacations can start nickel-and-diming you fast. While airfare does play a factor in cruising, if you’re within driving distance of a cruise port, a cruise can actually end up being cheaper than flying somewhere and staying in a hotel.

For a lot of folks, cruising actually feels like a vacation. Once you’re onboard, the planning stress basically disappears. You’re not coordinating transportation every day, or constantly checking reservations, or overplanning. Everything is handled for you, and your biggest daily decision can be as simple as whether you hit the pool or take a nap.

Compare that experience to something like Disney World. While we love the planning and excitement of a theme park vacation, there’s no denying that it takes WORK. You’re timing Lightning Lanes, securing dining reservations, planning park strategies, and making sure you hit everything on your itinerary. A cruise — on the other hand — prioritizes relaxation. And that’s honestly the sexy part.

Right now, people aren’t just looking for travel — they’re looking for ease. Predictable costs, fewer decisions, ACTUAL DOWNTIME…yeah, we get the allure. Cruising delivers all of that in one neat package, without sacrificing great food, entertainment, or memorable experiences.

How do you feel about cruising compared to traditional vacations? What draws you to sailing the seven seas versus exploring land-based locations? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more travel tips, tricks, and updates!

The U.S. Department of State Has CHANGED This Travel Advisory – Here’s How It Can Affect Cruises