15 Day+ Cruises: The Pros & Cons Of Long Voyages & Tips To Make The Most Of Them

We just returned from our first 15+ day cruise, or journey cruise, as they are sometimes known. The longest cruise we have taken up until this point has been 7 days. This particular cruise sailed from Seattle to 4 ports of call in Hawaii. We went to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the big island of Hawaii and Victoria, BC on the last night of the trip. We had 10 sea days and 5 port days. We traveled across the Pacific ocean in open waters which was also a new experience. There are definitely some discernable differences between 7 day cruises and journey cruises.

For some people, a cruise can be a week long escape from reality. You won’t even have internet unless you pay separately for it. You can totally disconnect and unwind. For others, the adventure only begins if they set sail for two weeks or longer. Journey cruises offer a unique travel experience. But is a long voyage at sea right for you? Before you decide to book a 15+ day cruise, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of life aboard a floating resort for an extended period. I also have some tips to share if you do choose a longer cruise!

✅PROS OF LONG CRUISES

• 🚢 Unpack once, visit all your destinations. One of the biggest perks of a long cruise is convenience. You are able to unpack only once, settle into your cabin while the ship takes you from port to port. It has been my experience that staterooms on ships are roomy & comfortable with plenty of closet space, which you will need for a 2 week + trip. It is a great way to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of additional flights, trains or constant hotel changes.
• 🚢 Journey cruises can be true escapes. There is something transformative about being a sea for weeks. It is easy to disconnect from the daily grind and settle into a much slower pace. This was truly the most restful vacation I have ever taken. Frankly, there is so much time aboard that you don’t mind using some of it getting lots of extra sleep!
• 🚢 Journey cruises are rich in entertainment and activity opportunities. With more sea days to fill, cruise lines really step it up when it comes to entertainment and other activities on board. Think cooking classes, dance lessons, arts and craft classes and supplies, scavenger hunts, deck parties, health and beauty workshops, discounts on spa services, live music in different venues around the ship, comedy clubs and a good variety of Broadway type shows in the evenings.
• 🚢 Long cruises generally offer better value per day for your travel dollar, they often come with better per day rates. This is especially true when factoring in meals, some beverages, transportation and entertainment.
• 🚢 If meeting new people and visiting with them is something you enjoy, a longer cruise is great for that. You have at least twice as much time to get to know people on a journey cruise than you do a 7 day trip. You see and recognize people and get to know them over the long days at sea. Everybody on the ship has a story and it is so interesting to learn at least some of them!

✅ CONS OF LONG CRUISES

• 🚢 Journey cruises require a longer time commitment and for some this is not possible. Whether due to work, family or other obligations, a long cruise is not feasible for many travelers.
• 🚢 For some, cabin fatigue can be an issue. Being in the same room for over 2 weeks can be monotonous. The daily routine that you will inevitably develop can also feel a little monotonous. Think Ground Hog Day. 😊 While sea days are great for rest and relaxation, if you are someone who craves constant activity and new sights daily, 5 or more days without a port of call may test your patience.
• 🚢 Extended periods at sea may not suit some people for health and medical reasons. Motion sickness, limited access to medical facilities or needing ongoing care can cause issues for some. On longer cruises you are more than likely to spend a fair amount of your time in open waters and the ship will definitely rock and roll, which is difficult for those who do have problems with motion sickness. Though ships are well-equipped, they are no substitute for land based health care in a serious situation.
• 🚢 You always need to be cognizant of extra costs when on a cruise, especially a longer one. While cruise fares are advertised as “all-inclusive”, extras such as shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks, gratuities and internet, should you choose to connect to it, will add up quickly over a long journey. Educate yourself on what is included in your fare and budget accordingly to avoid any unpleasant financial surprises.

✅ TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LONG CRUISE

• 🟢 Choose your cabin wisely, a balcony or suite may be worth the splurge. At the very least book an ocean view room!
• 🟢 Stay active onboard to avoid cabin fever. Take advantage of as many activities and entertainment options as you can.
• 🟢 Bring some entertainment items with you. Think books, puzzles, hobby supplies etc.
• 🟢 Don’t be afraid to overpack. You may possibly need clothes for different climates and activities and may change more than once a day. Most ships have laundry rooms onboard, but it has been my experience that they are usually busy and don’t have the best equipment for your use. It is far better to have more clothing than you need than not enough!
• 🟢 Budget for extra expenses ahead of time. It bears repeating that not everything is covered in your “all inclusive” fare. Make sure you know what is covered and what isn’t.
• 🟢 Don’t be afraid to rest, sleep and relax as much as you would like to. You are not wasting your vacation, you are making the most of it! This can be difficult for those that are constantly on the go.

I hope this post has you all thinking about whether or not a cruise vacation, be it long or short, is for you. As for us, the long days at sea between ports of call were a little bit much. We would definitely do a journey cruise again but would shop for an itinerary that has more stops between the sea days. Ultimately, a 15+ day cruise is an experience to be thoughtfully considered. If you are seeking more than just a quick getaway, this type of cruise may be just the thing for you!

🚢🚢 BON VOYAGE! 🚢🚢