Backpacking is the ultimate form of money-saving travel and backpackers know how to pinch every penny. Some of us stay in an Airbnb and take public transit while others couch surf, camp outdoors, or only get around on foot. For a backpacker, spending $300+ in just 7 days seems like a ludicrous amount of money, but hear us out!
When we made the decision to take a 5-day cruise on Carnival Valor, we were fresh off a 3-month trip. We went out to eat 4 times in total, rode buses because they were cheaper, and participated in free or very cheap activities. We had gotten so used to that lifestyle that we weren’t sure how we would adapt to cruising Carnival. We did it and we think every budget traveler and backpacker should too!
Why Every Backpacker Should Go On A Cruise
You actually get to mentally relax
It turns out that paying a little extra money and letting someone else handle everything for an entire week was the best idea ever. Stressing over where our next Airbnb would be, how much it would cost to travel to another city, or how many groceries we could carry went out the window! When cruising, the staff is at your total disposal. As backpackers always on the go, getting to stop and rest for a few days was worth a lot.
Unlimited food is something everyone should experience
The food on cruise ships is incredible. From vegetarian and vegan delights to premiere steakhouses, cruises offer food for everyone. As a backpacker, buying and cooking food can be difficult and stressful, especially in another country.
The simple task of grocery shopping becomes confusing when everything is in a different language. No matter what port your cruise sails from, you will always have access to a wide variety of tasty flavors at your disposal and that is reason enough to go!
You even get unlimited drinks if you book a Cruise Drink Package which is a huge pro for those looking to party!
You get transported while you sleep [and no, not the uncomfortable train/plane style]
Backpackers know that getting from place to place on a budget is a feat itself. We often choose to take a 5-hour bus instead of a 2-hour train because it saves money and end up sleeping in some uncomfortable places. When cruising, you are transported from location to location while you sleep soundly in a real bed with a bathroom nearby and room service on call. The best part? The travel is totally included in the price!
You have the potential to visit a lot of countries for one flat rate
We know that you love visiting other countries! In just 7 days on a Caribbean cruise, you have the potential to visit from 4-5 different island nations. If you are taking a European cruise, that number gets even higher! As a backpacker on a cruise, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of passports, exchange rate, time zone, or inter-country transportation. Everything is taken care of by the cruise line before your departure. All you have to do is have fun!
The cost is totally worth the experience
The experience of being on the open water surrounded by nothing but sky is something you just can’t experience on land. When we were on our Carnival Cruise, we spend tons of time outdoors taking it all in. Couple that with unlimited food, transport between destinations, room service, and exotic locales and we are totally hooked. Paying a little extra for the first relaxing week we have had in eight months was well worth it.
Special thanks to Carnival and the Carnival Valor team for hosting us on our first Follow Me Away cruise. As always, all opinions are our own and we really do think cruising is an epic experience!
Pin this post:
6 Magical Ways to Make Your Day at Disney Extra Romantic
