I, a 21-year-old, am proud to be going on my second cruise. Yes, my second.

I’m aware that the humble cruise tends to get a bad wrap. While you may imagine a boat filled entirely with old retirees shuffling through the corridors and turning up their hearing aids to win big at bingo, this is not the only demographic that is cool enough to go cruising.

In fact, I can think of six reasons why you shouldn’t make fun of me for going on a cruise (that also double as reasons why you should totally go on one too).

No Time Wasted Travelling

One of my biggest gripes with holidaying is the time wasted sitting on a plane. While I know that it’s a small price to pay to be able to see different cultures and famous monuments, there are only so many movies you can watch and songs you can listen to before you start getting outrageously restless.

Rather than sitting in a confined space, getting leg cramps and jet lag, cruises give you the ability to enjoy your holiday during the travelling periods. Yes, it takes longer to get to the final destination, but I love spending the days at sea going shopping, drinking cocktails, swimming in the pools, and unashamedly playing bingo. Every instant from the moment you board the ship is a holiday in itself.

So Much Food

The way to my heart is undoubtedly through food, and copious amounts of it at that. Cruises tend to have extravagant buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and give me the opportunity to literally eat the days away.

They also cater for food intolerances, and have lots of onboard restaurants if you’re looking for some finer dining. #fancy

#NotAllOldies

Much to the surprise of many, cruises are not all dominated by the wiser generation. In fact, the cruise I went on had a number of nightclubs and parties on board, and they were filled with us young people.

They’re Cheap

You may laugh at me for opting for a cruise over a fancy plane ride, but for a student on a budget, a cruise is often the best option. For less than $100 per day, I get accommodation, travel, food (so much food) and endless amounts of onboard entertainment. I think that gives me the last laugh.

Lots Of Destinations 

Something I adore about cruises is their ability to take you to a range of destinations in one holiday. By stopping at a range of ports, you’re able to be immersed in a range of cultures and experiences, without the stress of having to organise a single thing! Plus, you only have to unpack and pack your bags once, rather than at every hotel along the way.

The Titanic Photo Op

Who doesn’t want the chance to recreate Jack and Rose’s iconic “I’m flying” scene in the middle of the ocean? How romantic. (Note: this is best recreated with both feet on the ground, we’ll leave the rail climbing to the pros.)

While you may still make fun of us cruisers, at the end of the day I’ll be too well fed, well-travelled, well-socialised and leg-cramp free to even care.

(Lead image: New Girl/FOX)