What Is a Cruise to Nowhere?

A cruise to nowhere is a ship journey which does not have any destination, but rather allows passengers the experience of staying in a resort-at-sea. During this type of cruise, which normally lasts between one and three days, passengers generally have access to all of the onboard amenities provided by a traditional cruise. This type of cruise is often significantly cheaper than a cruise with one or more stops, and can allow passengers to get a sense of what a cruise is like without committing to a long or expensive trip. On the downside, this type of cruise may not be widely offered, and certain passengers may dislike being unable to leave a ship for the entire duration of a cruise.

In most cases, a cruise to nowhere is shorter in duration than a traditional cruise. Most of these cruises span from one to three nights. During this period, the cruise ship leaves its port, sails on an ocean or a river, and then returns to its port.

The general intention of a cruise to nowhere is to give passengers the experience of staying in a floating resort. Passengers usually have access to a wide range of onboard amenities, such as various restaurants, pools, health spas, casinos, theaters, and so forth. Rather than leaving the ship for shore excursions, passengers remain onboard for the duration of their cruise, and occupy themselves by using these amenities. They sleep in cabins or staterooms which vary in size and comfort based on the cruise package they have purchased.

Some attributes of this type of cruise may lead certain travelers to regard it as superior to traditional cruises. First of all, in many cases, a cruise to nowhere is significantly less costly than a regular cruise. Secondly, it allows those considering longer cruises to get an idea of what they are like before committing to them. Additionally, these cruises can serve as weekend getaways, whereas traditional cruises can last for a week or longer.

On the other hand, cruises to nowhere are generally offered only at a handful of ports, possibly making them impractical for those who do not live within a reasonable distance from a departure point. Further, they may only be offered a handful of times each year, and thus may not fit a prospective passenger’s schedule. Finally, some passengers may find that their inability to leave their ship leaves them feeling bored or even claustrophobic.