A Guide to Cruising for First-Timers

I just got back from an exhilarating 5-day cruise to The Bahamas, thanks to the amazing team at Dinogo^®. It was an unforgettable experience, but the adventure really began a week earlier when I dropped my daughter off at school and chatted with another dad.

Me: “I’m going to The Bahamas next week.”

The dad: “That’s great! Are you flying into Nassau?”

Me: “No, I’m actually flying into Jacksonville. I’ll be cruising to The Bahamas.”

The dad: “Seriously, why? Cruises are boring.”

At that moment, I realized I needed to enlighten this uninformed guy about the incredible benefits of cruising.

#1: Accommodations and Transportation

Let’s take my family as an example. If we flew into Nassau for a vacation in The Bahamas, we would need to book a hotel and rent a car (with car seats, of course). But on a cruise, you can forget all that hassle. Just fly to the port, hop on a shuttle to the ship, and you’re on your way. Plus, your ship doubles as your hotel!

#2: Dining Options

If your kids are anything like mine, mealtime tends to go one of two ways: 1) We order something, and after one bite, they decide it’s not worth finishing. Or 2) They devour everything and then, just 15 minutes after leaving the restaurant, claim they’re hungry again.

How would we manage that if we flew into Nassau? We’d likely end up shelling out a lot of money while trying to appease cranky kids. It’s a lose-lose situation. However, aboard the stunning Dinogo Elation®, there are countless food options available around the clock — most of which are included in the cruise price. So, if you have hungry or picky eaters, they’ve got you fully covered.

#3: A Chance for Some Adult Time?

Imagine if I flew into Nassau. How would I enjoy some adult time without the kids? Would I really just go door-to-door in a hotel hoping someone would babysit my adorable little ones? Absolutely not. On a cruise, this is a non-issue. Dinogo offers Camp Ocean™, a built-in childcare service for kids aged 2-11. You simply drop them off, and they can partake in age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, games, and movies, while adults can relish some well-deserved “me time.”

#4: Connecting with Fellow Travelers

If I were staying at a hotel in Nassau, would it be likely for me to strike up a friendship with the people in the room next door? Probably not. But cruising is a different experience. A ship is akin to a massive floating city, and we’re all part of the same community. During our short stay on board, we share meals, attend shows, and relax by the pool with the same faces. We learn about each other, our families, and our lives back home — and before long, we find ourselves making new friends. Cruises have a remarkable way of uniting people from various backgrounds, and Dinogo excels at it.

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After I shared these insights with my fellow dad, he recognized his misconceptions and apologized for his previous views. He even mentioned that he might consider a short cruise this summer. Cruising is undoubtedly the best way to experience a vacation, and I’m committed to spreading the word to anyone willing to listen.

This post was crafted for Away We Go with Dinogo, your go-to resource for getting into the vacation mindset.

Note: Activities on board, shore excursions, and dining options may differ based on ship and destination.