Cruising is a great vacation value and is gaining in popularity, even in these days of rising gas prices and increasing travel hassles. But some people dismiss cruising as the kind of thing that is "not for me." While cruising may not be for everyone, part of your overall success as a cruise passenger is going to be finding the right cruise for you.
There are tons of cruising options on the market. It's more than just different companies. First of all, you need to think about when you want to cruise. Cruises go on all year round (including Christmas and New Year's). However, this is a bit deceptive. Some destinations are only available at certain times of the year. For example, you can cruise to Alaska but only in summer months.
You need to decide how long you want to cruise. You can sign up for two nights or half a year. Most newbies should stick to shorter trips because it's a better way to "test the waters." Typical cruises seem to hover around four to seven days. However, when planning your trip take into account that you may need to build in a day or two to travel to and from the port city. Many cruise lines offer excursions and other programs at the port for which you can pay extra but which can extend your vacation time. Thus, a seven-day cruise can easily become ten days away from home.
Perhaps even more important, is the destination. Since you likely have not visited all of the destinations accessible by cruise ship, you need to think more of category of destination. Do you like beaches and fun in the sun? Are you a wildlife watcher? Do you want to shop? Party? Soak up culture and history? Practice your Spanish? Just relax and visit the spa and rest?
There are lots of tropical destinations: the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and the South Pacific are the obvious choices. If you want to see exotic sights, you can cruise to Egypt or Hong Kong or India. If you're more of a stay-on-the-boat kind of person, you can do a transatlantic cruise. European cruises are particularly hot right now and give you a great chance to see ancient culture, modern night life, and get in some excellent shopping (although the exchange rate makes it tough on American tourists at the moment).
Perhaps trickiest for the newcomer is deciding on your cruise style. Some cruises are pretty straightforward: it's a big fun ship with great eating, lots of recreation, and some cool ports. But you can get on themed cruises.
For instance, many cruise lines operate singles' cruises or have ways for singles to self-identify and participate in special recreational activities onboard ship. Some cruises are a bit formal; others emphasize a "barefoot" cruise atmosphere. Cruises may offer enrichment activities, such as classes or lectures. There are nowadays Christian cruises, computer education cruises, and cruises where authors and other experts do guest lectures.
Cruise lines advertise their special focus. While most cruises are kid-friendly, some cruises actually court the younger set. Some welcome romantic passengers, others promote a party-till-you-drop atmosphere. And some are all about stately elegance and woo mature individuals.
Most important, you need to pick your cruise companion(s) wisely. Cruising alone, although allowable, is expensive (you will likely have to pay close to the equivalent of two fares), not that much fun, and potentially dangerous. (Who will miss you if you fall overboard or don't return from a shore excursion?)
Cruises that allow you to travel with a large group of people can offer the best balance, because you can eat and party together in the evening, and then separate by day or in port to pursue your individual interests. Your cruise companion, at least, should share similar interests, be flexible and pleasant company, and be willing to try out the many activities on ship.
Cruise directors all say that people who have the best time on cruises are those who try to sample all the cruise ship has to offer, from shows to lounges to casinos to spa to rock walls to port excursion to midnight buffet. You may not be able to do it all; in fact, all but the most efficient of us fail. But sampling the many offerings is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and enjoy your traveling companion's company. |
