Everyone has a bucket list. Maybe you want to try bungee jumping, appear on TV, or get a thrill from skydiving. All these options are fantastic, but have you ever considered adding a cruise to your list? After going on a cruise to Catalina Island and Mexico last week, I personally believe there are five reasons why everyone should embark on a cruise!

1.) Atmosphere

Just the overall atmosphere of a cruise is well worth the price of a ticket. It's an experience that literally lets your stress and cares "sail away." Because you are out at sea, surrounded by miles of beautiful blue ocean, you have the opportunity to momentarily forget your worries, which you have left far behind. The cruise directors are insanely fun, and create a care-free environment as they guide you through the activities that happen off and onboard. If you want a truly fulfilling and refreshing vacation, a cruise is the way to go!

2.) Destinations

Depending on which cruise you decide to embark on, you will travel to different destinations. Maybe you've been dying to explore the Caribbean? Perhaps the coast of Italy? There are endless possibilities of where you might want to visit, so do some research! In my case, I visited Catalina Island and Mexico. They were both absolutely beautiful areas, and we were allowed plenty of time to freely explore the areas! No matter where you go, you are sure to have an enjoyable time.

3.) Food

Alright, I'm not going to lie, I must have eaten my own weight in food while on Carnival Inspiration. Aboard most cruise ships, delicious meals are served morning, noon, and night, plus room service can be ordered 24/7. The best part is, you don't have to worry about forking over a ton of cash every time you order a meal because the price is included in the ticket! It's almost like a grand-scale buffet because even if you ate $1,000 worth of food, you won't pay more than the price of your ticket (however, if you plan on drinking soda or alcohol, those will cost extra).

4.) Service

On my cruise, I was absolutely amazed by the service! Our beds were made several times a day, and the crew who worked in an around our rooms took care to learn our names. The waiters were also incredibly kind, and even brought room service to us in the middle of the night. Overall, if you go on a cruise, expect to feel like royalty! As it turns out, most cruise ships have similar service, so you should get quality treatment no matter which line you chose.

5.) Entertainment

If you do take my advice and plan on a cruise, do NOT miss an opportunity to see and participate in on-board entertainment! On Carnival Inspiration, everyone on the ship performed some kind of entertainment--even the waiters danced! Comedians, musicians, and other performers had shows each night, and that is common for most cruise lines. Other than on-stage entertainment, there are also places like the casino and arcade you can enjoy.

I believe everyone who is able should go on at least one cruise! They provide a truly unique experience and are a great vacation idea. So, next time you're stressed and burned out, see if you can't clear a little time to get on a ship with a friend or loved-one and go experience the trip of a lifetime!