While the world keeps recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry continues to see a remarkable resurgence. Chief among the various modes of travel making a strong comeback, cruises have sailed to the top, regaining their popularity and expected to grow 11 percent from 2022 to 2028.
Cruises provide an all-in-one package: they’re essentially floating cities with restaurants, entertainment, and activities galore. Plus, with strict health and safety protocols now in place, travelers feel more secure embarking on these kinds of journeys. So if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and are looking for a hassle-free, all-inclusive vacation, you might want to consider hopping on a cruise.
Let’s embark on a journey to explore why cruises are becoming so popular post-pandemic. We’ll also weigh the pros and cons of cruises versus travel by plane, train, or car, what you can expect to spend, and why using a shuttle service to and from the port is a savvy move.
Setting Sail from San Pedro: A Cruise Comeback Story
First things first, let’s talk about why cruises are making such a big splash. After the extra long, pandemic-induced hiatus, being cooped up and socially distanced, people are craving unique experiences that offer both adventure and relaxation. Cruises offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury—all in one floating package.
So when you finally book that long-awaited cruise, you’ll find that the largest cruise ship terminal on the West Coast is in San Pedro, California, just 25 miles south of Downtown LA. This busy port has seen a surge in cruise bookings, with ships heading to destinations like Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and even the Panama Canal.
The Rise in Popularity
All-Inclusive Vacations: Cruises offer an all-in-one vacation experience with accommodations, meals, entertainment, and activities all included in the price. This simplicity is a big draw for travelers wanting a seamless holiday, especially those traveling in groups. Clearly, this is a big draw for families since approximately 32% of passengers traveled with family.
Diverse Destinations: From the sunny beaches of Mexico to the icy glaciers of Alaska, cruises out of the Port of Los Angeles cover a large variety of breathtaking destinations. Passengers can explore multiple locations without the hassle of packing and unpacking.
Enhanced Health Protocols: Cruise lines have implemented rigorous health and safety protocols, including vaccination requirements (on some cruises), testing, and improved sanitation, making passengers feel safer than ever.
Pent-Up Demand: After years of lockdowns and restricted travel, people are more than eager to set sail and experience new adventures, leading to a surge in cruise bookings.
Why Choose a Cruise?
Pros of Cruising
All-Inclusive Experience: One of the biggest draws of cruising is the all-inclusive nature of the trips. Your accommodation, meals, and a variety of onboard activities are bundled into one price. You don’t have to worry about whipping out cash or a credit card at some unknown eatery since everything is included in the fare.
With the addition of shore excursions, you can take advantage of knowledgeable locals and guides to learn and visit places of interest in your ship’s port of call without the worry of getting ripped off or conned (or worse). These cruise line affiliates act as tour guides, translators, and security, while the included costs of these excursions are typically much less than if you had booked tours on your own.
Multiple Destinations: Instead of spending hours in transit, you get to wake up in a new destination almost every day. Whether it’s the sandy beaches of Mexico or the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, cruises offer a convenient way to see multiple locations without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking your luggage from one place to the next.
As mentioned before, with shore excursions you’ll be able to sight-see, go on guided tours, relax on a private beach, zip-line, or even go on a helicopter ride, all with providers associated with the cruise line.
Entertainment and Activities: From Broadway-style shows to super fun water slides, spas, and cooking classes, there’s never a dull moment on a cruise. These ships are designed to cater to all ages and interests, making them perfect for family vacations, romantic getaways, or even solo adventures!
Social Atmosphere: Cruises are social hubs where you can meet people from all over the world. Whether you’re mingling at the bar, joining a group excursion, or dancing the night away at a themed party, there are plenty of opportunities to make new lifelong friends.
Cons of Cruising
Limited Time at Destinations: The biggest downside is that you only get a limited amount of time at each port of call. This means you might not have enough time to fully explore each destination.
Structured Itineraries: Cruises operate on tight schedules (they run a tight ship), so there’s less flexibility compared to independent travel. If you love spontaneity, this could feel restrictive.
Potential for Seasickness: While a majority of modern ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize motion while sailing, there’s still a chance of experiencing seasickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is something to consider.
Crowded Spaces: With thousands of passengers on board, there can be times when the ship feels crowded, especially during peak dining hours or popular shows.
Cost Comparison: Cruises vs. Plane or Car Travel
When it comes to cost, cruising can be quite competitive, especially when you consider what’s included. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cruises: Prices can vary significantly depending on the cruise line, the length of the cruise, and the type of cabin. Typically, a seven-day cruise costs around $1,500 per person, with many charging anywhere from $700 to $2,500 per person. This price often includes accommodations, meals, and entertainment. Shore excursions, drinks, and specialty dining can add to the cost, but overall, it’s a pretty good deal for a vacation package. According to Reuters, cruises are a less expensive option than other land-based options.
Plane Travel: Flying can sometimes be cheaper if you find a good deal, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, and entertainment once you reach your destination; and all of that can add up rather quickly. While individual things might seem economical line-by-line, a week-long trip by plane can easily exceed the cost of a cruise when you add everything up in the end.
Car Travel: Road trips offer flexibility and the chance to explore at your own pace. However, you’ll need to budget for gas, accommodations, meals, and potentially car maintenance or even a breakdown. If you’re traveling long distances, these costs can add up quickly. Plus, there’s the wear and tear on your vehicle to consider and the very real possibility of losing your means of transportation.
The Importance of Shuttle Services to and from the Port
Why Use Xpress Shuttle Service?
So, you’ve decided on your destination and are ready to set sail. Excellent! Now, let’s talk logistics. The Port of Los Angeles is the largest and busiest cruise ship terminal on the West Coast, so getting to and from the port can be a bit of a pain. Do you really want to take your chances on a random college kid who may or may not show up when you hail them on your ride-hailing app? That’s where we come in.
- Convenience: The Port of LA spans 7500 acres and 43 miles of waterfront. Getting to and around a place that’s more than twice as big as LAX International Airport can be a nightmare. Our services are designed to get you to the port on time without the stress of navigating traffic or finding parking. We offer door-to-door service, so all you need to do is sit back and relax.
- Cost-Effective: When compared to the cost of long-term parking at the port or the hassle and expense of taking multiple taxis or calling for large ride-hailed vehicles, shuttles can be the most cost-effective option, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
- Stress-Free Travel: Let’s face it, starting your vacation stressed out from driving and parking isn’t ideal. Our bus, shuttle, or private car services to and from the port can take the pressure off and allow you to start your holiday the moment you step out your front door.
- Reliability: With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we’re more than familiar with the best routes to get you there and are always keeping a sharp eye on traffic conditions. Our seasoned staff will make sure that you arrive at the port on time and in comfort.
Wrapping It All Up
Cruising from the Port of LA offers an exciting and convenient way to explore the world post-pandemic. With the allure of an all-inclusive experience, multiple destinations, and a wealth of onboard entertainment, it’s no wonder more and more people are opting to set sail. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as limited time at ports and the potential for seasickness, the pros far outweigh the cons for many travelers.
When comparing overall costs, cruises can be very economical, especially when you factor in time and convenience. So, pack your bags, book that cruise, and get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. The open sea is calling, and there’s a deck chair with your name on it! Bon voyage!