collaborative post | If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know I’ve spent the last couple of years trying to be a lot kinder to myself. More yoga, more rest, more saying no to things that drain me, and a lot more running than I ever thought I’d voluntarily do. But one thing I’m still pretty rubbish at is switching off properly. Even on holiday, I’m checking emails, planning content and trying to cram in as much as possible.
Photo by Peter Hansen on Unsplash
So lately I’ve been thinking about what a genuinely restful holiday would look like for me, and weirdly, I keep coming back to the idea of a cruise. Not a party ship with a waterslide the size of a small town, but something calmer and a bit more indulgent. I’ve been browsing luxury cruises from southampton, which is handy because it’s a pretty easy drive from Essex, and honestly, the more I read about them, the more they sound like the kind of reset I actually need.
Here’s why a slow, self-care-focused cruise has made it onto my wish list.
No airports (yes, this is reason number one)
I don’t know about you, but airports stress me out before I’ve even arrived. The early starts, the queues, the security faff, the overpriced sandwiches. Sailing from a UK port means none of that. You drive or get the train down, check in, and you’re on holiday. That’s it. For someone who wants a break that starts the moment you leave the house, that’s a big deal.
Built-in time to do nothing
One of the things that appeals to me most is sea days. Whole days where there’s nowhere to be and nothing to organise. On a normal holiday, I’d fill every day with plans, but on a ship, you’re kind of forced to slow down. I love the idea of starting the morning with a yoga class, having a long, lazy breakfast, reading on a sun lounger and then spending the afternoon in the spa. No guilt. No to-do list.
Wellness actually built into the trip
A lot of the more upmarket ships now have seriously impressive spas and fitness facilities. Think thermal suites, saunas, relaxation rooms with sea views, yoga and Pilates classes and proper gyms. Some even offer wellness-themed programmes with talks on sleep, nutrition and mindfulness.
As someone who’s slowly figured out that looking after my body and mind has to be a priority rather than an afterthought, that’s really appealing. It’s the kind of holiday where I could come home feeling better than when I left, rather than needing another holiday to recover.
A digital detox that’s actually possible
I’ll be honest: I’m not sure I could go completely offline for a week. But being at sea gives you a pretty good excuse to try. Wi-Fi on ships isn’t always cheap or reliable, and there’s something quite freeing about not being able to check your phone every five minutes. I think I’d set myself a limit, maybe checking in once a day, and see how I get on. Wish me luck.
Seeing new places without the pressure
What I love about the idea of cruising is that you still get to explore. From Southampton, you can sail to places like the Norwegian fjords, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean or even further afield. You wake up somewhere new, have a wander, eat something delicious and then head back to your cabin. No packing and unpacking. No trying to work out trains. It sounds like the perfect balance of adventure and rest.
The Norwegian fjords in particular are high on my list. I love the idea of doing yoga on deck with mountains and waterfalls all around me. That’s the dream, right?
The things I’m a bit unsure about
It wouldn’t be a proper Jenny post without some honesty, so here are the things I’m still a little bit wary of.
Seasickness. I get travel sick in the back of a car, so I’d definitely need a plan. Apparently choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck helps, and there are plenty of remedies to try.
The cost. The more luxurious ships aren’t cheap, so it’s something I’d need to save for. But when you think about how much is included, like food, entertainment and accommodation, it might not be as crazy as it first sounds.
The social side. I’m a bit of an introvert, so I’d want to make sure I still get plenty of quiet time. Luckily, from what I’ve read, smaller, calmer ships tend to be pretty good for that.
So, would I do it?
Honestly, yes. I think a slow, self-care-focused cruise could be exactly what I need to properly switch off, look after myself and come back feeling refreshed. It’s still on my wish list for now, but it’s definitely moved a bit higher up. Now I just need to figure out how many chocolate mini rolls I can fit in a suitcase.
Have you ever been on a cruise? Would you consider one as a self-care holiday? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!