To SEA or not to SEA, that is the question……

My wife and I have just returned from a week in Lanzarote, which got me thinking about the difference between a land based trip and a cruise.

We spent a lovely week staying in the Occidental Lanzarote Mar, by Barcelo, which we enjoyed but it just did not excite us the way a cruise does.

Here are the main differences that I feel makes a cruise the better choice.

Location. 

Our hotel was located close to the beach, and a 30 minute walk into town. However, with a cruise, everyday you wake up in a new destination. No chance of getting board with this as every port of call brings you different things to do and see. Cruising has helped me tick a few destinations of my list of “places to see”, and so far I have never been disappointed with any ports.

Service.

The service in our hotel was good, but again nowhere near the level we have received on every single cruise we have done.  One of the things I really love about cruising is that all the staff make you feel special, no matter whether its your first or hundredth cruise. Nothing is ever too much trouble, you are always greeted with a smile and a friendly word. They really bend over backwards to ensure you enjoy your cruise.

Food.

Our hotel in Lanzarote offered 1 main restaurant on a buffet basis. The food was good, and they changed the menu daily, but after a few days I was getting bored of eating. This is never the case on a cruise. There is always a choice of dining options, featuring Buffet, sit down and even A la carte restaurants. While on board you are spoilt for choice, no matter what your taste or preference. I have not eaten meat for almost 30 years and never have any issues while at sea. You can even induldge yourself with Afternoon tea and even a “midnight feast” as my wife calls it. My only complaint is that I always come back heavier than I went!

Entertainment.

The Occidental animation team work tirelessly to keep us amused, but it was only when they brought in acts, such as the Magician and the Acrobats that I actually felt entertained. On the ship however, there are always musical acts on in different bars, as well as quizzes, bingo, lectures and workshops to choose from. My personal favourite has to be the shows they put on in the theatres, some of them are “West End” quality but at no cost to you.

I am not trying to criticize our hotel stay, we did have an enjoyable week, its just that I feel that from now on we will concentrate on cruising as you get so much more for your money.

Roll on the next one!!!!

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