8 Reasons to Go on a World Cruise

Novelist Jude Deveraux has had more than 40 books on the New York Times bestseller list. Each year, she embarks on a world cruise to get inspired and find the time to write her next novel. Here, we’ve rounded up Jude’s favorite reasons for taking a world cruise—maybe you’ll get inspired too.

Travel Without Stress

When I travel alone or with a companion, I always get stuck with the planning.  Hotels, cars, meals—all those reservations take weeks.  But the cruise ship does it for me.  I just show up when and where.

Take a Digital Detox

We get a break from the high-tech world.  It’s lovely to have no idea what day of the week it is.  And a cell phone doesn’t rule your life!

Have a Conversation

I’ve met some of the most interesting people on the cruises.  When I ask, “What did you do?” the answer often startles me.  Hearing of their fascinating careers and life struggles has put thousands of ideas into my mind. They’ve spent their lives working, and now they want to see and learn.  I find their joy of life contagious.

Get Moving

Let’s face it, writers aren’t usually athletes; we sit an extraordinary amount.  On the ship, you walk up and down stairs, through corridors.  Off the ship, exploring new places means plenty of exercise.

Forget About Chores 

On a ship I don’t have to cook, do laundry, make my bed.  It is glorious!  Food is everywhere and served by smiling people.  A true fantasy.

Learn Something New

Ever wonder what famous people do after they retire?  They often give talks on cruise ships.  I’ve seen astronauts, historians, stuntwomen, and entertainers all give fabulously interesting talks about what they’ve seen and heard.

Make Friends

A world cruise isn’t just a short vacation to some islands.  Four months on a boat together means bonding, making friends, and establishing lasting relationships. 

Pursue Your Passion 

On the days when we don’t dock, the beautiful ship plows through the water, giving me time to do what I love: write. Freed from having to deal with food and chores, I write a lot. I’ve written 106,000 words on one cruise, and 85,000 on another—plus I plotted three future novels.

Get Inspired

 The question writers are most often asked is, “Where do you get your ideas?”  The honest answer is, “I have no idea.”  But actually, we look for them.  We listen and observe. There’s nothing like four months of laughter, movement, and exotic sights to put new energy into a writer’s mind.

Jude Deveraux is the author of forty-three New York Times bestsellers. Her most recent novel is The Girl from Summer Hill.