A recent article about a retired woman who has spent the last 9 years living aboard a cruise ship, left many asking “but don’t you miss home“?

Which is something that our Grand Voyage and World Cruisers are often asked as well.

The answer is sometimes quite simply: “no, it’s cold!” As most world cruises depart in January, it’s a great opportunity to escape winter for warmer more exotic destinations!

But more often it’s a nuanced answer about how the ship itself becomes home through the people they meet and the little touches they add to make it more comfy.

ALL ABOUT THE SUITE

Most world cruises are done on more intimate ships, which ensures that you get to enjoy the full benefits of suite life. Beyond having more space and even a walk-in closet, many ships also offer a few other great services for suites:

• European style butler service
• Plush robes
• Floor to ceiling windows
• Larger verandas/balconies
• Complementary fresh fruit
• Upgraded bathroom amenities and sheets
• Access to suite only areas

Whether you opt for a suite or a standard stateroom, you’ll still find the world cruise experience to be more intimate than a quick 7 day cruise. You’ll get to know the staff and other guests so well, it fees like family.

SETTLING IN

While you disembark in new locations almost daily, you always come back to a room where you’ve already settled in. No need to unpack or repack, the bed is made, food is ready and friends are nearby!

Here are a few of the ways our guests gussy up their rooms:

• Hanging maps on the wall of their journey
• Using magnets to hang family photos on the walls
• Rearranging the furniture to maximize their space
• Bringing a pillow or blanket from home
• Asking for fresh flowers when they arrive
• Hanging decorations on the door, just like they would a front porch!
• Learning what you LOVE to eat and then knowing you can ask for it!!

Find ways to take advantage of all the space!

• Look for compartments behind vanity mirrors or in your side table
• How can you take advantage of desk drawers or using doors for hanging storage
• Designate a spot for the things you use frequently, so you’re never on the hunt
• Keep toiletries in a bag to prevent rocking and rolling and save space
• Ask to remove any small pieces of furniture you aren’t going to use
• Use magnets to hang things on the walls too

Additionally, our cruise hosts have said these are must pack items that often get overlooked:

• Shower caddy
• Pop up hamper
• Over the door hanger for little items like sunglasses that need a home
• Have cruise store excess luggage for you
• A tap light or nightlight for the bathroom

For more of their top tips read this article >>

It’s not all about the things around them, it’s also about the people!

Creating New Connections

We’ve talked before about creating life long friendships at sea. Part of this happens in the daily onboard activities, the Cruise Specialists only get togethers and special shore excursions, but it’s also simply the time you continually cross paths while doing something you both enjoy!

Aboard a smaller ships like the Holland America Line msAmsterdam that’s carrying many of our current world cruisers, it’s easier to feel like home because you see the same faces daily and the staff quickly learns your name, your coffee preference and when to roll you over on your deck lounge chair!

When it’s time for your next grand voyage or world cruise, our Cruise Specialists team has even more tips and special amenities to ensure your trip feels like a floating oasis.

Let Gillian Clark put her 40 years of experience to work helping you find the perfect cruise.