Server: Netscape-Enterprise/2.01 Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 19:18:25 GMT Accept-ranges: bytes Last-modified: Tue, 25 Nov 1997 17:18:21 GMT Content-length: 18268 Content-type: text/html Berlitz Globetrotter

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Planning a vacation or business trip? Don’t leave before looking over our valuable travel and culture tips! Choose from over 20 destinations. Check back often as we’ll be constantly updating information and adding new destinations.

Globe Trotter’s featured topic is Cruising.

Why Take a Cruise?

Courtesy of The Berlitz 1997 Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships by Douglas Ward.

Why is a cruise vacation so popular?
Cruising has become a popular vacation today because it takes on away from the pressures and strains of contemporary life ashore, and offers a means of escape from reality. Cruise ships are really self-contained floating resort cities, but without the crime, and can take you to many destinations in the space of just a few days. The sea has always been a source of adventure, excitement, romance and wonder. It is beneficial and therapeutic, and, because you pay in advance, you know what you will spend on your vacation without any hidden surprises. There’s no traffic to deal with, no pollution, no telephone to answer. And the hassles of ordinary travel are almost completely eliminated in one pleasant little package. It’s no wonder that 85% of cruisegoers want to go again. And again.

Just who takes a cruise?
Singles, couples, families, honeymooners, second or third honeymooners, groups of friends, are all cruisegoers. Some are probably your next door neighbors.

But isn’t cruising mainly for older people?
Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the average age of cruise passengers becomes younger each year. Although those of silver years have found cruising to be a very safe way to travel the world, the average age of first-time cruisegoers is now well under 40. But do remember that older folks can have a lot of fun, too, and may have even more get up and go than many people under the age of 40!

Won’t I get bored?
Usually it’s the men that ask this. But get them aboard, and it’s almost guaranteed that there won’t be enough time in the day to do all the things that they want to do (as long as you choose the right ship, for the right reasons). So, whether you want to lie back and be pampered, or go non-stop, you can do it on a cruise vacation, and you’ll only have to pack and unpack once.

Is cruising for singles?
Yes, Indeed. A cruise vacation is ideal for people traveling alone, because it is easy to meet other people in a non-competitive environment. Many ships also have special cabins for singles as well as special add-on rates for single occupancy or double cabins. Some cruise lines will even find a cabin-mate to share with, if you so desire.

Are cruises for honeymooners?
Couldn’t be better. In fact, cruising is the ideal setting for romance, for shipboard receptions, and honeymoons. Most decisions are already made for you, so all you have to do is show up. Most ships have accommodations in double, queen, or king sizes, too. And for those on a second honeymoon, many ships now perform a "renewal of vows" ceremony.

Are cruises for children, too?
Absolutely. In fact, a cruise provides families with more quality time than any other type of vacation. Events on board are tailored to various age groups. In addition, a cruise is very educational, and allows children to interact in a safe, crime-free environment, and takes them to destinations in comfortable and familiar surroundings. In fact, you’ll have difficulty getting them off the ship at the end of the cruise, if you choose the right ship. And you, as parents (or as a single parent), will be able to get time to enjoy life too. Again, choosing the right ship is most important.

Can I find a quiet, serene cruise, away from children and noise?
Yes, indeed. If you don’t like crowds, noise, scheduled activities, or long lines, there are some beautiful small ships that are only too ready to cater to your every whim. Perhaps a river or barge cruise would provide the right antidote. There are so many choices.

Are there different classes aboard ship?
Not any more. Gone are the class distinctions and the pretentions of formality of the past. Differences can be found, however, in the type of accommodations chosen, in the price you may be expected to pay for a larger cabin (or suite), and the location of your cabin (or suite).

Can I go shopping in ports of call?
Yes, you can. In fact, many passengers engage in "retail therapy" when visiting ports of call such as Hong Kong, Singapore, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas, among so many others. Just remember, though, that you’ll have to carry all those purchases home at the end of your cruise, as the luggage companies know well enough.

Aren’t all ships and cruises quite similar?
Indeed no, far from it. Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet in length. They carry from under 100 to over 3,000 passengers, and facilities vary, quite naturally, according to the size of the ship. The ambiance ranges from ultra-casual to formal. Entertainment, likewise, ranges from amateur dramatics to full-fledged high-tech production shows, from corner cabaret to world-famous headliners, and everything in between.

Isn’t cruising expensive?
Cruising can be an all-inclusive vacation, or an almost all-inclusive vacation. If you compare what it would cost on land to have all your meals and entertainment provided, as well as your transportation costs, fitness and sports facilities, and social activities, educational talks, parties and other functions, you’ll soon realize the incredible value of a cruise vacation. And, remember, a ship is a destination in itself, which moves to other destinations. No land-based resort could ever do that! Ask anyone who has been on a cruise recently, and you’ll see. Finally, give yourself a vacation budget, and go to your professional travel agent with it. The rest, as they say, will be taken care of.

Where can I go on a cruise?
Pick any one of 500 destinations in the world, and you’ll find a ship and cruise to take you there. A cruise can also take you to places inaccessible by any other means, such as Antarctica, the North Cape, South Sea islands, and many other fascinating destinations.

Courtesy of The Berlitz 1997 Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, by Douglas Ward.