When it comes to vacations, it’s important to consider how you want to spend your time. More often than not, you’ll have to choose between activities and sightseeing or actually relaxing on your vacation. Going on a cruise ship for a vacation provides a beautiful view while still allowing time for relaxing and other leisurely activities as opposed to a traditional vacation where you’d have to take into consideration of driving around the city, parking, and other factors.

Consider top cruise lines like Royal Carribean International (for those seeking Caribbean cruises) and Carnival Cruise and Viking Cruise lines (for European cruises). Still unsure if a cruise is right for you? Here’s why a cruise ship may be a better option for your next vacation:

1. Relaxation and de-stressing
Depending on the cruise, there are activities that can help you relax from massages to swimming and sunbathing, there’s something for everyone of any age. You could soak up some vitamin D while the kids swim or get some spa treatments.

2. Socialization
This is a win for everyone. If you have children, having peers to hang out with benefits both the children having more fun and allowing parents time to relax as well. It’s a great way to connect with others and often times meet others from around the country and maybe even the world while having plenty to do together.

3. Activities
Depending on the ship and cruise line you choose, there are a number of activities you can choose from. All inclusive cruises typically have something for everyone from rock climbing, snorkeling, to on-board water slides, parks, and pools. Another thing to consider is that food will be served on the ship as well, so there’s no stress and spending your free time cooking or cleaning.

4. Accommodations
While being on a ship means being away from the mainland, it doesn’t mean you won’t have access to healthcare if it’s required. Every ship has a doctor and/or medical team on board to help assist anyone in need any time of the day. Other accommodations include those as you would find at your brick and mortar hotels such as towels, linens, room service, WiFi, and in most cases a way to do laundry as well in the event you need it during your stay.

5. Travel
This is a big one for those with a bad case of wanderlust. A cruise ship is a ship after all, with a destination in mind. You’re just taking it slowly and cruising along to the destination while enjoying the trip there and back. This method beats flying and traveling because all of your time is spent having fun and relaxing instead of simply traveling in cramped seats for long periods of time. Every cruise route is different and typically takes a couple of days to reach. How long the cruise is will depend on the distance or the location from point A to point B, and this typically affects prices as well.