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Cruising has finally made its comeback after several years of uncertainty.
According to Cruise Hive, cruise ships are back to full occupancy (over 100% in some cases), and 31.5 million passengers are expected to set sail this year, up 6% from the previous highs of 2019.
This is a far cry from the past few years. Cruises departing from the U.S. were fully canceled from March 2020 until June 2021. Even when cruises returned, occupancy was just 56% in 2021.
While 2022 saw the return to normality for the cruising industry once restrictions were dropped, occupancy rates still remained around 75%.
But as of 2023, cruising is back with a vengeance.
Here’s why this travel style has become so popular lately:
1. Hassle-Free Planning
One of the things that makes cruises so attractive for many travelers is that it’s a hassle-free vacation. You don’t have to worry about travel logistics on a cruise.
Everything you could possibly need is in one place (dining, lodging, activities, and entertainment) and your cruise itinerary will take you from port to port without having to worry about transportation.
You also don’t have to pack and re-pack as you go from destination to destination. Once you’re on the ship, you’ll have your own cabin where you’ll stay for the duration of the cruise.
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2. Easy To Visit Multiple Destinations
Another reason cruises are becoming more and more popular is the ease with which you can visit multiple destinations, especially ones that would be expensive and time-consuming to attempt on your own (think island-hopping around French Polynesia or exploring Alaska.)
Some cruises allow passengers to spend a few days relaxing on beaches around Mexico or the Caribbean, while others let you explore a handful of Greek islands or European cities in a week.
It’s a great way to experience multiple destinations while not having to worry about the logistics of getting from place to place on your own.
3. Cruise Lines For Everyone
Some travelers may still have the outdated idea that cruises are stuffy and formal and only for retirees. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
While there are certainly cruise lines that cater to older travelers, there are also cruise lines that are tailored to families and others that are designed with adults and solo travelers in mind.
There are cruise lines for every type of traveler so you can have the perfect vacation tailored to your interests and travel style.
4. All-Inclusive At Sea
Many travelers love cruises because they are similar to all-inclusive resorts at sea. All cruises include your lodging, activities and entertainment, meals and snacks, and non-alcoholic, non-soda beverages.
You can also upgrade to packages that include alcoholic beverages and soda, WiFi, specialty dining, and more. You can also book tours and activities for your days in port through your cruise line.
This contributes to the easy, hassle-free nature of cruising and also makes many cruises a great value for money since you get so much for what is often a low daily price.
5. Unique Experiences
Finally, cruises can offer unique travel experiences for adventurous travelers. While many cruises offer the standard tropical getaway in Mexico or the Caribbean, there are also tons of itineraries that offer more adventurous travel experiences.
Expedition cruises to destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic Circle are one such example. River cruises in Europe are another example. And repositioning cruises that take travelers across the Atlantic or through the Panama Canal are a very unique experience.
These types of travel experiences make cruising a great way to see the world and experience distinct adventures unlike anything else.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com