A cruise holiday is an exciting prospect for all different types of people. After restrictions from Covid were lifted several years ago now, the cruise industry has seen a huge boom in demand. The industry has noted a significant increase in interest from travellers and cruise bookings for trips around the world – and with restrictions on travel during the lockdown period resulting in many travel lovers having not had a trip abroad in years, there’s been a significant increase in interest towards longer cruise trips. 

In this article, I will explore the planning and preparation that goes into a long cruise holiday and the options available for all different types of travel lovers.

How long should you go on a cruise

The first and most important question to consider when planning a long cruise adventure is how long you want to go for. This will largely depend on your budget, availability and personal preferences. Some people prefer shorter cruises of 3-7 days while others may opt for longer trips of 14+ days. There are also options for world cruises that can last over 100 nights! In fact, one of the longest cruises in the world is in motion for up to 274 nights. 

Cruise planning tips for a long-duration cruise 

Once you have decided on the duration of your cruise, it’s time to start planning. Here are some tips to help you plan and book a long-duration cruise: 

• Research different cruise lines and ships: Each cruise ship offers different amenities, activities, and destinations. Do your research to find the best fit for your preferences and budget. 

• Consider booking early or last minute: Booking well in advance can often result in discounts and deals, while booking last minute can also lead to savings. Exploring your options and choosing to spend a good amount of time browsing and comparing prices long before you go will give you some good insight into prices and itineraries. 

• Look for package deals: Many cruise lines offer package deals that include airfare, hotels, and other perks. Consider these options when planning your long cruise adventure. For longer-duration cruises, you may have to fly abroad in order to embark on your specific cruise ship. Many cruise lines have their headquarters in Miami, Florida, which is why you will notice this is a popular starting point for cruise ships. 

• Choose your cabin carefully: On longer cruises, you will likely spend a lot more time at sea. And while the cruise ship will be fitted with all the facilities and amenities you need, making sure you have a comfortable place to rest your head every night will guarantee some extra comfort. Choosing a cabin that provides you and your fellow travelling companions the space and comfort you need requires a little bit of extra preparation. Take a look at the cabins your chosen cruise line offers and consider your options in terms of budget and add-ons. 

• Create a budget: As with all travels, it’s important to create a budget for your long cruise adventure. Remember to factor in any additional costs such as excursions, gratuities, and onboard activities. This will help you stick to the budget and avoid overspending during the trip. 

Choosing Your Cruise Destination(s) 

The destination options for a longer-duration cruise are endless – and with extra time to explore the globe, you could potentially choose to travel from one continent to the next! If you have had a lifelong dream of exploring the world in as much detail as possible, then choosing a worldwide cruise is a brilliant way to tick off dream destinations, as well as historical and cultural locations of significance around the globe. 

If you prefer to spend more time in a specific region, there are also plenty of options for that as well. You can choose to sail through the Caribbean, explore the Mediterranean, or even travel through Asia and the Pacific. Whatever your preferences, there is a cruise destination for everyone. 

Onboard Activities and Entertainment 

One of the great things about a long cruise is the extra time you will get to spend at sea. Providing a brilliant opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the lifestyle and experience of cruise travelling. The larger ships that often travel the longest distances, across oceans and seas, are fitted with some of the most impressive facilities and amenities. Meaning they are able to provide endless activities and entertainment for passengers, night and day. 

From pools, spas, casinos, bowling alleys, fitness centres and water slides, to Broadway-style shows, evening club nights, themed parties, and specialised bars, the modern cruise ships are more than just floating hotels, they are now considered a city in themselves! There’s so much to explore, that a few days at sea will never be boring or dull. 

If any of this has convinced you to book a long-duration cruise holiday for your next travel adventure, we suggest comparing and contrasting cruise lines, ships, itineraries, destinations, and prices now, to find the perfect deal for your trip.