Think Cruising Isn't for You? Think Again.

Carrie Ducharme • September 27, 2025

A modern traveler's guide to why your first cruise might just be your favorite vacation yet.

Cruise ship sails across turquoise water, with green hills and trees in the foreground and a forested island in the background.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t think I’d be a cruise person.
The idea of being “stuck on a boat” with thousands of strangers, loud buffets, and cheesy entertainment didn’t exactly scream luxury getaway. But earlier this year, my husband and I took our very first cruise .... and it completely changed my perspective.

What we discovered was nothing like the outdated cruise stereotypes we’d heard. In fact, it was so much better than we anticipated.
🌊 First things first: Sea days are a dream

We thought we’d be counting the hours until our next port stop. We thought we'd be "wasting" vacation time and that there would be nothing *special* about our days at sea. Boy we were we wrong! Instead? We found ourselves looking forward to every single sea day.

We were on the Celebrity Edge, and it was luxurious with so much to see and discover. Morning yoga overlooking the water, leisurely breakfasts on our private veranda, late afternoons spent in the thermal spa, and evenings watching world-class entertainment - all without rushing or repacking. It felt like the perfect blend of fun, excitement, relaxation and freedom.
🪄Cruising offers something rare: the ability to deeply unwind and wake up in a new destination without lifting a finger. 💫

Modern wellness spa and thermal suite with large windows, quartz crystals, patterned floors, and decorative plants.

🛳️ Modern cruising is not what you think

Let’s bust some myths right now:



  • “Cruises are only for seniors.”
    Not anymore. Today’s cruises offer adults-only options, vibrant nightlife, fitness classes, stylish lounges, and entertainment that rivals Broadway. You’ll find couples, friend groups, solo travelers, and multi-generational families all onboard—because cruise lines have evolved to meet everyone’s needs.


  • “I don’t want to feel trapped or overcrowded.”
    You won’t. Many mid-sized and specialty ships are designed with space, serenity, and luxury in mind. Think stylish staterooms with ocean views, open-air decks, quiet corners, and plenty of elbow room—no neon lights or screaming kids required.


  • “It’s all buffets and bingo.”
    Nope. Expect globally inspired fine dining (often themed to match your route), chic cocktail bars, cultural performances, culinary classes, and full-service spas. And yes, still plenty of chances to relax in stretchy pants with a glass of wine and an ocean view.


🌍 Cultural immersion? Yes, please.


One of the biggest surprises we learned is just how immersive it can be- if you choose the right cruise line and itinerary.


Most ships spend full days in port, giving you ample time to explore, book authentic excursions, and truly experience the destination beyond the dock. Whether it’s eating fresh seafood in Greece, zip-lining through Caribbean jungles, or wandering ancient cities in Spain, you can do it all - and return to a freshly made bed and gourmet dinner each night.


🗺️ Cruises truly span all seven continents, from the South Pacific to Scandinavia, Alaska to Africa to Antartica. This is not your grandparents’ cruise!

Lounge chairs with rolled towels, indoor spa area, angled glass walls on a cruise, geometric patterned floor.

🧘‍♀️ What I loved most


As a wellness fanatic, ocean chasing, dancing crazed traveler, the unexpected highlight for me was how centered I felt onboard. (Funny concept as the ship is constantly moving🤔)


I spent every day in the thermal suite at the spa (worth every penny), enjoyed fresh and inventive cuisine, worked out with panoramic views of the sea, and soaked in sunsets from our veranda. It was rejuvenating, romantic, and relaxing all at once.


If you’ve been putting off cruising because you didn’t think it fit your travel style—   it might be time to reconsider.


Are you Ready to reimagine what cruising can look like?


At Endless Horizons Travel Company, I help match travelers with mid-range and specialty cruise lines that offer the perfect balance of luxury, authenticity, and adventure. Whether you’re craving a wellness retreat at sea, a Mediterranean escape, or a culturally rich island-hopping itinerary—I can help you chart your course.


💌 Curious to learn more or start planning?
Join my Mailing list for inspiration and insider tips, or reach out for a complimentary discovery call. I’d love to help you cruise into your next horizon.



Chasing sunsets, one horizon at a time. 🌅


Let's Connect

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