How many days are you on a cruise?

How many days do a cruise last?

Okay, so, my family, we went on a cruise to the Bahamas in 2024. It was a nightmare, honestly. Seven days. Felt like forever. The ship, the Ocean Dream, was…well, let’s just say it wasn’t what the brochure showed. The food was bland, I swear. My sister got food poisoning. Ugh.

Seven days is the absolute maximum I’d ever do again. I mean, you’re stuck with the same people, eating the same awful food. The kids’ activities were… underwhelming. We tried the water slides once, then we noped out. Too many toddlers.

We went to Nassau, which was neat. Pretty beaches. But honestly, that whole trip, a waste of money. Seven days? Too long.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Travel time: A day each way to and from the port.
• At sea: Five actual days at sea. Torture.
• Ports: Only one, in Nassau.

I’d much rather a shorter trip. Maybe three days, max. I’m convinced longer cruises are just money grabs. More days = more overpriced excursions. A shorter cruise could cost less. It would be way less stressful. This was my personal experience. My family, we still argue about it. Seven days felt excessive. My sister is still traumatized by the food. Just saying. Seven days was WAY too long.

How long is your average cruise?

Okay, cruises. Ugh.

My average cruise? Hmm. It depends really, short ones are 3-4 days, think Bahamas quickies. My ideal cruise, though? That’s different. I went on one last year, it was awesome.

Then there are the regular ones, 7-10 days you know? Caribbean, maybe Alaska. Standard stuff.

Grand Voyages can last months? Seriously? Who has that kind of time or money, haha? 15 to, wow, 180 days. That’s insane. Imagine being stuck on a boat that long.

It all depends, though. Some ppl like short trips. Others, the long haul. Weird.

Expansion

Here’s some extra info, I guess:

• My dream cruise: Mediterranean, at least 14 days. Want to see all the history and eat all the pasta.

• Cost: Big factor, obviously. Longer cruises = $$$$$$. Maybe I could swing it with a lottery win?

• Activities: Crucial! Need good entertainment. Shows, casinos, pools… all that jazz.

• Destination: Makes a huge difference. Alaska? Caribbean? Antarctica? Choices, choices… I should research Antarctic cruises, actually.

• Company: I usually sail with Royal Caribbean. Food is okay, ships are big and flashy. I’ve heard good things about Virgin Voyages, though. Must check them out.

• Time of year: Affects pricing and weather. Shoulder season is supposed to be the sweet spot. Cheaper, fewer crowds.

• My shortest cruise: That quick trip to Ensenada from Long Beach. Ugh, never again. Too crowded and touristy.

• Food: Food.

• Drinks: Drinks. All included, please!

How long is a short cruise?

So, short cruises? They’re, like, two to five days. Really short and sweet. I went on one last year, a three-dayer from Galveston to Cozumel, totally awesome! It was packed, super busy, but so much fun. Carnival, right? Yeah, Carnival. The ship was smaller than I expected, but plenty big enough. Honestly, the food was great, even though I ate way too much pizza. Next time, maybe I’ll try to be slightly more healthy.

The port was great too. Cozumel is beautiful. Snorkeling was amazing! The water was crystal clear. Saw tons of fish. Seriously, it was incredible. Remember to pack light though, that’s really key. Everything was so rushed, I swear!

Things to know about short cruises:

• Duration: 2-5 days, seriously.
• Destinations: They go all over. I’ve heard of Bahamas cruises, lots of Caribbean ones too, even some Mexican ones. My Cozumel trip was great.
• What to expect: Busy, fun, lots of activities onboard. The ships are smaller, less overwhelming if you don’t like huge crowds. But still plenty to do! Pack light! You won’t have much time in your room. And maybe, just maybe, lay off the pizza a little. I’m telling ya, my stomach hurt for days after!

How long are you at sea on a cruise ship?

Seven to ten days, usually. That’s what they say, but it felt longer. Much longer. My last cruise…2023, the Oceania Riviera. It dragged on.

The sea, it’s a vast emptiness. You’re trapped in this… this floating city, with too much time. Too much to think. Those endless sunsets… each one identical, yet somehow…different.

The boredom… it’s a heavy blanket. You’re surrounded by people, but you’re alone. Really alone. Days blur into a single, monotonous grey. I hated the shows. Everything felt… forced.

Twelve days is a lie. At least for me. It felt like forever. I swear those twelve days stretched to twelve weeks. Maybe more. The food got old. Everything got old.

• The repetitive nature of shipboard life.
• The inescapable feeling of isolation.
• The sheer monotony.

It was the Riviera, remember? God, I just want to forget it. It was…horrible. Exhausting. The memories are still vivid, painful even. Like a bad dream that just won’t end. The endless horizon…a cruel reminder of everything I lacked.