5 Reasons Why A Cruise Is The Ultimate ‘Pack-Once, See-It-All’ Holiday
When I realised I needed a short but jam-packed holiday, only one thing came to mind: a cruise. Think about it—you unpack once, your bags stay put and yet every day you’re waking up somewhere new. It’s the ultimate lazy adventurer’s dream! Comfort? Check. Adventure? Check. And let’s not forget my top priority: some solid R&R.
Naturally, I brought my family along for the ride (although let’s be real, I was this close to making it a solo trip).
So, here are 5 reasons why a Norwegian Cruise (NCL) is the perfect recipe for a relaxed, hassle-free holiday:
1. My Favourite F Word… Food
Ok, I know what you’re thinking: massive buffets, loads of loud tourists, and fast food overload, right? Nope! This is cruise cuisine 2.0. Yes, there’s an amazing buffet called the Garden Café, and trust me, it is epic. Picture this: fresh, flavourful dishes that change every day, ranging from Indian to sushi, BBQ to Mexican, Italian to Chinese—it was a global culinary journey, all in one spot. And yes, it was delicious.
But wait, there’s more. The ship also boasts nine speciality restaurants with à la carte menus for those intimate, sit-down dinners. Trust me, each meal was more incredible than the last. Sure, I would’ve gained weight, but hey, walking around the ship and hitting the gym kind of balanced it out. Right? Right?
2. Hop Off and Explore
The cruise staff offered a fab line-up of excursions for every port—something to suit every budget. You could splash out for an ultra-luxe experience, or just hop off the ship and explore on your own. We did both! Thanks to a nifty excursion voucher (thanks, cruise package), we got to enjoy guided tours and explore the ports by ourselves.
Pro tip: Bocelli Sea and Sound. Trust me, it’s bomba!
3. Entertainment for Days
You don’t even need to leave the ship to have a blast. I was travelling with a seven-year-old, and guess what? She was entertained non-stop. We’re talking three water slides, a kiddie aqua park, five hot tubs (iva, ħamsa), trivia games, bowling, cupcake-making, arts and crafts and a personal favourite: Splash Academy—a paradise for kids that kept her busy while I snuck off for some grown-up fun.
And by grown-up fun, I mean the casino, theatre shows, comedy acts and a glorious afternoon at the spa. It’s a win-win for everyone.
From left to right: Spice H20, Waterslide and Rock Climbing Wall
4. Broadway on the Sea—Let’s Call It Seaway
Each night brought a new kind of entertainment, from full-scale musicals to international dance acts, award-winning performances and comedy shows. There was even an Ibiza-inspired nightclub for when you’re feeling fancy. Dressing up every night and heading to a different event just minutes from my cabin? Yes, please!
5. The Epic Crew
Ah yes, the famous “Washy Washy” crew song you’ve seen on TikTok? It’s real, it’s hilarious and it’s infectious. Nothing like getting a spritz of sanitiser with a side of “Pretty Pretty” to start your meal. And honestly, the crew made the trip.
Every single staff member was attentive, fun and genuinely cared about making us feel at home. Whether I was indulging in yet another cocktail by the pool or needing a quick snack from room service, their smiles and energy were on another level.
And on the last night, the crew greeted us out of the theatre with a standing ovation, clapping and chanting along to “Seven Nation Army.” It was like they were family. (OK, maybe better than family because they brought snacks.)
Bonus: The Premium Package is the Real Deal
We went all out with the premium package and it was worth every penny. Unlimited drinks (yes, that means cocktails by the pool all day long), speciality dining (aka more food options without any extra cost), Wi-Fi even in the middle of the sea and that excursion voucher I mentioned earlier. Trust me, if you’re booking a cruise, do yourself a favour and go premium.
In a nutshell, a cruise is perfect if you’re the kind of person who loves exploring multiple cities in a short time, making friends from all over the world, and, most importantly, enjoying a hassle-free, comfortable holiday. Whether you’re travelling with family or your honeymoon partner, it’s an adventure for everyone.
Best part? It’s easy, affordable and totally stress-free. Shoutout to SMSMondial for making the booking process a breeze, even when I bombarded them with some… less-than-intelligent questions.
Would I book again? Absolutely. Would I try another cruise line? Maybe. But that’s where the SMSMondial team step in and guide you to the best options.
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