If you’ve never been on a cruise, you may not know why a cruise can be the best investment you’ll ever make. As cruise specialists, we have experienced this first-hand and repeatedly heard it from our customers.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why a cruise is a good investment.
Happy Money through experience
In 2013 Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton wrote a book about ‘Happy Money’. One of the overarching principles in this book is the notion that money spent on an experience is well spent. According to their research, people who spend more of their money on leisure report significantly greater satisfaction with their lives.
It’s no secret that experiences make us happier than material goods. In fact, research has shown that one of the main reasons we buy experiences is because they make us feel more connected to others. But what exactly is this connection, and why does it matter?
The answer is simple: Experiences allow us to be touched by a wide range of people—and not just superficially. When we share an experience with someone else, we’re exposed to their thoughts and feelings about that experience, and the world around them. We get to see how others perceive their role in the world, and how they interpret events around them. This process helps us build relationships with people who are different from us, which leads to greater understanding and empathy for others.
According to the authors, when it comes to getting the most out of your experiences, you can do a few things to maximize the value you get for your money.
It would be best if you first focused on finding an experience that brings you together with other people. This will help foster a sense of social connection and make the experience more memorable when you tell others about it.
The second thing you should consider is ensuring that the experience is tightly linked to your sense of who you are or want to be. This will make it easier for you to identify with the experience and enjoy retelling it for years to come.
The third thing to consider is whether or not the experience provides a unique opportunity, allowing easy comparison with other available options.
One of the other standout insights is that the satisfaction with experiential purchases tends to increase with the passage of time, while satisfaction with material purchases tends to decrease.
See the authors recap highlights of the book in this interview.
Happy Money through spending on others
In the same book, the authors poset that people who spend money on others are significantly happier than those who spend money on themselves.
Further studies reaffirm that people were happier when they opted for prosocial rather than personal spending and are happier when they give to others anonymously.
Watch Elizabeth Dunn talking about money and happiness here.
An investment in your well-being
Stress is a part of life; when stressed out, our bodies flood with stress hormones like cortisol. Short bouts of stress are sometimes beneficial to us, but over an extended period can have lasting negative effects on our mental and physical health. While we may think that taking time off is a sign of weakness or laziness, the opposite is true. Taking a break gives your brain and body a chance to reset, restore, and cope with the stresses of daily life.
Read more about the effects of stress, and how to recognise signs that you may need a break.
Imagine waking up each morning to take in the expanse of the ocean. Imagine exploring the world from the luxury of a cruise ship, taking in all its variety: the different cultures, the food, the history. You feel a connection to people around you that is difficult to replicate in other settings. It humbles you to acknowledge your place within the world and appreciate how small we are in the vastness of nature.
Sometimes it’s hard to get out of our comfort zones and try new things—especially when it comes to traveling. But taking a break from routine and escaping to something new will change your outlook and recharge your batteries.
A luxury cruise from Whitestar Cruise and Travel does all of that and more. You enjoy the awe-inspiring sights but none of the hassle or stress that comes with planning it yourself. Our cruise specialists will take care of everything for you—all you have to do is show up!
An investment in lifelong memories
Being on a cruise ship is like being your own personal tour guide. You can spend your days exploring each new port of call or simply relaxing on deck with a cocktail in hand. Watch as you glide past sun-drenched beaches or towering mountains in some of the most breathtaking locations on earth. All the while, you are creating memories of a lifetime.
With so much variety available on board these ships, boredom is no excuse! Whether you enjoy dancing under the stars with live music or lounging poolside in total comfort – there are plenty of ways to maximise your days for picture-perfect memories.
Why not invest in your happiness and well-being today?
We’ve got a lot of recommendations for different cruise lines and ships – you’ll just have to spend some time figuring out what will work best for you. The important thing to remember is that—whatever your choice—you’re going to end up with a luxurious experience on the open seas (or some other body of water), which is probably just what the doctor ordered.
If you’re struggling to find something to give this holiday season, a cruise might be the perfect solution. There are plenty of cruise options for all different budgets and tastes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs and your budget. Plus, when else can you spend an extended vacation with loved ones, or even make new friends, without worrying about concerns of everyday life? Whether it’s an epic exploration of the ocean or a relaxing getaway to warm tropical shores, there is no question that cruising is one of the most enjoyable ways to see some of the world in high style.
