Travel can be time-consuming and full of unexpected surprises, which is why most people either love or sometimes dread it. However, cruising offers a lot of built-in planning that allows cruise passengers to sit back and relax at sea.

Here are six key factors why a cruise can be more appealing than a land-based vacation.

Courtesy of Cruise Lines International AssociationA comparison of the benefits of cruising and land-based vacations.

Convenient on-the-go accommodations

A cruise provides a floating resort that transports you to different destinations every day without the need to pack and unpack or fight through congested airports. The fares include your accommodation, food and entertainment making budgeting and planning simple. Some cruise lines even cover your drinks, gratuities and excursions.

Tim Bieber / Courtesy of Celebrity CruisesLet loose and try something new like a salsa dance class during your stay on Celebrity Silhouette. Bonus: You'll probably never see these folks again!

Constructive travel time

A cruise can transport you through a region providing you with excursions that enable you to sample diverse cultures, food and sights without having to find your own way around unfamiliar transport networks and struggle with the language. Even your traveling time can be constructive as you can swim, go to the spa, meet friends for drinks, go to the cinema or learn something new through enrichment lectures and classes.

Courtesy of Princess CruisesThe Sanctuary aboard your Princess Cruises ship offers guests a relaxing outdoor spa-inspired retreat.

Chance to relax & switch off

For me, the best part of cruising are the sea days when I can truly unwind and relax. It is peaceful because there is nowhere to go, Internet connections are too slow and expensive, and phones are largely out of range. You can unwind and relax on a cruise in a way that you'd be hard-pressed to do on land.

Simon Brooke-Webb / Courtesy of Royal CaribbeanA scene from the musical "Grease" on Harmony of the Seas.

Diversity of nearby things to do 

It is a one-stop-shop experience in which everything you want is within a few hundred yards. Everything from fine dining and bars to production shows, shops, lectures, fitness centers and a spa are available.

Courtesy of Cunard LineGame for a round of lawn bowls? You'll find it on Queen Elizabeth's games deck.

Different strokes for different folks

Ships and cruises have many options and choices available, including different cabin types and grades, activities, dining venues, entertainment and excursions. This means that different members of your traveling party can enjoy very different experiences within the same shared trip. You do not have to make as many compromises, and everyone has time to pursue their individual interests and passions while still coming together for meals and other joint activities.

US Virgin Islands Dept. of TourismA sailboat excursion off St. John in the US Virgin Islands.

Organized & vetted excursions

The cruise line has experience and knows what passengers like to see and do in each destination. They have distilled the activities down into a range of excursions they know you'll likely find informative, enjoyable or entertaining. The tour companies and guides have been screened and validated to ensure that you will be well looked after and cared for, so there is no need to seek your own way around, unless you want to.

In our New to Cruising series

• Cruise vs. land vacation: Which is the better deal?
• What embarkation day is like
• 10 tips to make your first cruise go super smooth
• What to expect from your first cruise
• 10 cruise tips every beginner should know
• 5 tips to help first-timers plan a great cruise
• How to find a cruise ship size that's right for you
• 5 tips on how to make the most of your time on a cruise