"I didn't get everything wrong this year. In fact, a few strategies paid off that I plan to continue: Trying a range of cruise lines helped me understand their differences and get a better idea of which I prefer. Because I booked high-demand excursions in advance, I never missed out on my must-do activities. I didn't miss a ship because I arrived at my cruise's departure area at least one night before every trip."
"Still, heading into 2026, I hope to make a few intentional shifts, from scaling back on excursions to cruising during shoulder seasons whenever possible. This time, I'll let myself enjoy the ships as much as the ports - even if that means ordering room service in my robe and doing absolutely nothing for a whole afternoon. If 2025 was about seeing everything, 2026 will be about savoring it."
I spent 85 days at sea in 2025 on a mix of mega-ships and smaller vessels under 200 guests. I visited the Mediterranean, sailed the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, cruised the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, and checked many bucket-list ports. Overcommitting to shore excursions and packing itineraries left me more exhausted than energized. Successful strategies included sampling different cruise lines, prebooking high-demand excursions, and arriving the night before departures. For 2026, I will prioritize shoulder seasons, choose itineraries with more sea days, scale back excursions, and focus on enjoying ship time.
Read at Business Insider
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