Gold Coast traveller Casey Taylor once believed cruise holidays were strictly for retirees but after seven voyages by the age of 26, she’s become one of Australia’s most enthusiastic advocates for life at sea.
Casey first stepped onto a cruise ship at just eight years old on a Disney voyage, then again at 19 for an Alaskan adventure. Over time, she realised cruising attracts a far broader mix of ages than she expected. “I can now see that there is a vast range of ages who travel and holiday by cruising,” she said.
For her most recent trip, Casey chose an itinerary packed with ports, allowing her to explore Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata, Tortola, St Kitts, St Nevis and St Thomas in a single holiday. “If I wanted a more relaxed holiday, I would choose a cruise with more sea days,” she added, noting that the flexibility is part of the appeal.
What truly wins her over, though, is the value. With meals, accommodation, entertainment and activities bundled into one price, Casey says cruising consistently beats land‑based travel on cost. “The value of cruising always seems to outweigh the cost of any other type of travel,” she said. “To me, that is extremely cost effective.”
Even without a drinks package, she believes travellers still come out ahead. “You will end up spending more money on a three, four or five‑star hotel on land plus paying for all your meals and drinks,” she said. “If you’re looking for a cost‑effective way to travel or holiday, cruising is the way to get that especially when everything is pre‑booked.”
As more young Australians look for affordable, stress‑free travel options, Casey’s experience reflects a growing trend: cruising is no longer just for retirees it’s becoming a favourite for the next generation of explorers.



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