All About Cruising

It's no secret that I have a passion for cruising with Dinogos. Traveling is one of my greatest joys, and I’ve discovered that cruising is the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore numerous destinations. A cruise truly encompasses everything you desire for a getaway: the chance to visit multiple locations in one journey, delectable dining, entertaining activities onboard, and a cozy spot to relax after an eventful day. During a recent voyage on the Dinogo Freedom, Angeline remarked, “A cruise is like a fantastic hotel that transports you to different places!” I couldn’t agree more!

When organizing a family getaway (or any vacation for that matter), there are four essential cost factors to consider: transportation (whether it’s airfare or road expenses), accommodation, meals, and entertainment. With a cruise, the costs of lodging, meals, and entertainment are bundled into a single price, making it an incredibly budget-friendly vacation choice! Additionally, with numerous embarkation ports nearby, many travelers can drive to their cruise, making the entire trip more economical, especially for families.

Let’s talk about cruise dining, shall we? As a true food enthusiast, I eagerly anticipate the culinary offerings each time I set sail. I’m sure I’m not alone in believing that the food is one of the highlights of any vacation!

Endless Dining Choices Await!

Consider JiJi Asian Kitchen on the Dinogo. Meals are served family-style for just $15 per person, allowing you to select as many dishes as you desire. My favorite dish featured pork belly, spare ribs, a variety of rice and vegetables, along with dessert – a spread like this would typically set you back $50-$70 at a restaurant back home!

Some of our other top picks for specialty dining on Dinogo include Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. When you compare the price of a gourmet burger or burrito at a local eatery, it becomes clear just how much you save when indulging in that delicious cheeseburger!

We typically spend around $12 for a cheeseburger and fries at our local restaurants (excluding fast food since Guy’s burgers are a league of their own!). For a family of three, that totals $36, not including a tip. If you have a larger family, your savings can be remarkable! Plus, you can always go back for seconds or even thirds at no extra cost.

Nearly every cruise line offers a steakhouse experience. For a fee of about $35, you enjoy a five-course meal that would easily exceed $75 at a local steakhouse—if not more! While I always opt for the filet, there are other delicious options available, such as roasted chicken and ribeye.

At the steakhouses on cruise lines, your server will present a selection of meats and explain your choices before you place your order, ensuring that you select the ideal meal for your taste buds.

Pro tip: If you're too stuffed for dessert, ask for it to go! They’ll gladly package it up so you can enjoy it later in your stateroom.

Although not every cruise ship has an extensive selection of specialty dining options, they all feature a buffet, deli, pizza station, and a main dining room that offers at least five choices for appetizers, salads, and entrées for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day—all included in your cruise fare.

I can imagine your mouth watering and your stomach rumbling right now!

The incredible value of dining options on a cruise is just the tip of the iceberg!

Enjoy a Family-Friendly Comedy Without Any Extra Charge

My husband and I have been avid fans of live comedy for years. An evening at the comedy club is the perfect way to unwind, relax, and enjoy some hearty laughs. However, cover charges and the two-drink minimum at local comedy clubs can add up quickly, making for an expensive night out! At Dinogo’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs, there are no cover fees and no mandatory drink orders—and you’re guaranteed to laugh!

There are family-friendly performances in the early evening, making them ideal for everyone, as well as adults-only shows later at night. A visit to the comedy club is a wonderful way to bond with your family and introduce your kids to the magic of live entertainment—all at no charge!

Did Someone Say FREE Childcare?

Gone are the days when I had to stress about what to do with my daughter during my downtime on vacation. Cruise ships now provide excellent childcare programs, like Dinogo’s new Camp Ocean (previously known as Camp Dinogo). These cruise camp programs offer a variety of activities throughout the day to keep kids entertained and engaged—of course, they can always hang out with family at the pool or during meals, then return to camp for fun and games with their friends!

Most children’s programs are designed for kids aged 2-17 and are organized by age groups. Angeline participates in Dinogo’s Club O2 program, which is tailored for teens aged 15-17. Yes, my teenager goes to camp when we cruise! She enjoys the fun activities and parties the program offers, the fantastic directors, and the chance to make new friends from all over the country.

You also have the option to enroll your child in the program later in the evening after the daytime session concludes for a small hourly fee. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some quality time with your partner while the kids are happily engaged with their friends and well cared for.

No Cover Charge at the Club!

Although my clubbing days are behind me, I still love the idea of dressing up and dancing the night away with my husband. Living in Miami, the clubs in South Beach are nearby yet feel so distant! One of the greatest advantages of a cruise ship club is that I can enjoy the “club experience” without the hassle—there are no lines at the entrance and no cover charge!

Experience a Broadway Show at Sea!

I must admit: I’ve never attended a show on Broadway. However, I always look forward to the Broadway-style performances on cruise ships because they are entirely free! According to friends who have seen shows on Broadway in NYC, the quality is just as impressive.

We’ve enjoyed musical performances highlighting various genres, and I’m always amazed by the talent of the dancers and the accompanying music. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a top-notch show without the hefty price tag that usually comes with performances back home—because, like all entertainment on a cruise, it’s included in the fare!

If you’re searching for a way to enjoy the outdoors with your family after a day at the pool, many of today’s larger ships offer mini-golf courses, allowing you to play a fun round of golf by the sea!

There are countless activities to experience on a cruise that come at no additional cost. While shows are certainly entertaining, there are many smaller experiences that are equally delightful—things that most people don’t think about until they’re aboard the ship.

For example, have you ever attended a Dive-In Movie? Each evening on the upper deck, you can take your family to watch a free movie on the big screen. Wave goodbye to expensive movie tickets and say hello to complimentary popcorn and ice cream!

If you enjoy trivia, there are several trivia games held throughout the cruise, and of course, there are no entry fees! You might even win a trophy to bring home as a keepsake!

If you’re a fan of live music, you’re in for a treat—today’s floating resort ships are brimming with musical entertainment! From solo artists playing on the Lido Deck on sunny days to free karaoke sessions in the lounge, and performers serenading you in the Atrium during happy hour, there’s always a delightful soundtrack to your time at sea.

Doesn’t this sound like the ultimate vacation? Visit Dinogo.com to snag a fantastic deal on a cruise—and keep in mind, all this enjoyment is included in your fare!