Why you must go on a cruise for your next holiday
Retirement brings your life into focus
After a busy working life, if you haven’t planned for life after work, the contrast can be a recipe for poor health and boredom!
My wife Sheryl and I do a range of things, but we thought travel was especially worth planning for. We bought a caravan, and more recently “bought a Jeep” to tow it more effectively! In our caravan, we have travelled over most of Australia, and to prime destinations like Uluru, Kakadu and Port Stephens. What better way to celebrate retirement?
A cruise?
Well maybe there are some options! Chatting online to a Canadian friend of mine he mentioned that he and his wife were about to go on a cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii. A cruise? Isn’t that for old “fuddy-duddies”? Isn’t it expensive? Will I get sea-sick or claustrophobic – I couldn’t think of anything worse!
Anyhow, we boarded the Carnival Spirit a few months later at Vancouver! Porters met us at the taxi rank and took our luggage – “You don’t have to worry about your luggage, we will put it in your cabin”. At reception, we were given our ship IDs and told that lunch was being served if we would like to go up to the dining room. Things continued to get better and better. Why didn’t anyone tell us about this? Turns out I was wrong in relation to all my assumptions about cruising!
What is a cruise ship like?
Imagine the Crown Entertainment Centre on a hull. That will give you some idea! Shops, theatres, gymnasiums, restaurants, pools – and yes, there is a casino, but everything is up to you! Oh and the staff are very nice too! We have now been on Celebrity and Carnival and both lines are magnificent.
We have been on cruises now to Hawaii, around the Mediterranean, New Zealand and to South East Asia. Along the way we have encouraged friends and relations to join us. Another great thing about cruises is that you make new friends, and get to enjoy the sights in tours organised by the ship. A very relaxing way to enjoy life.
The dining rooms are magnificent!
Food on the ships is great and you can eat any time of day or night. Anything from snacks to gourmet dining. The food is included in your overall package and you only need to pay extra if you go to specialist restaurants on the ship. These are well worth it! Will you put on weight? That is up to you. I lost 3 kilograms on my first cruise by choosing health smart options on the menu and going to the gym. But I really enjoyed the entertainment! Shows, comedians, singers, orchestras, bands – endless choices.
The bonus is that cruising is a very good value holiday
Generally, cruise ships are cheaper than travelling by car and staying at hotels. They are a unique way of seeing the world.
Some have said that travelling on cruise ships is cheaper than living in a retirement home. However, that is not to say you should be old to go on one! Two of our daughters just went on their first ever cruise and loved it. Go now and lap up your retirement in the luxury of a cruise ship.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of the ESSSuper.