Why a cruise is such a good budget vacation

When many people picture a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus. However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most exciting - the cruise ship. Cruise ship vacations are actually one of the most affordable ways to travel almost anywhere in the world, from the glaciers of Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. One of the things that make cruise ships so attractive to budget travelers is the fact that the price of the cruise typically includes everything that happens onboard the ship. This includes, of course, the room, which is often less costly than a typical hotel room in many locations. In many instances, it would be impossible to book a good hotel room for less than the daily cost of the cruise. In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the food on cruise ships is often superior to those in all but the best land locked restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price. After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise also typically includes unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and the sports locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise it is generally included. The cost of a cruise also includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options on a cruise are often one of the best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such things as movie nights, theatres, spas, night clubs, discos, and even casinos. There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are included in the price you pay for the cruise. Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks. It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure, however that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time. For all these reasons, cruises can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy a week or two week vacation at one low price is one more reason to love cruising.