Short or long cruise?

So you've decided you want to try a cruise, should you go on a long or a short one?

Again as with so many things related to cruising it's all very subjective.

A new addition to the cruise market with Australia are one and two night cruises sampler itineraries.

If you really aren't sure if cruising is for you, give em a go. However I tend to think it's such a shame to only have a such a short time on board, and you only really get into the swing of ship board life a few days from your home port.

5-10 day cruises are probably idea for cruise virgins. But more than the length you need to consider how many ports you want to visit.

I personally dislike lots of ports and prefer lots of sea days. (EG trans Pacific or trans Atlantic)

Getting on and off a ship, especially when customs is required can take some time even when tied up to a wharf in port. This becomes even more time intensive when the ship is anchored off shore and tender boats must be used.

Cruises in Europe routinely stop at a different port almost every day. This means that there is a lot of time and energy exerted simply getting on and off the ship.

I love sea days because there is no rush to get up, no rush to get back to ship or dinner and I can relax by the pool sipping cocktails and reading novels. You simply can't do that when you are in port everyday. (NB you can always stay on board, which is what I often do, but it's just not the same as steaming across the blue Pacific).