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Globe Trotters
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. Theres 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. Its 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
isnt 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!
Wont
I get bored?
Usually its the men that ask this. But
get them aboard, and its almost guaranteed
that there wont 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 youll 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?
Couldnt 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, youll 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 dont 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 youll have to carry
all those purchases home at the end of your
cruise, as the luggage companies know well
enough.
Arent
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.
Isnt
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, youll
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
youll 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 youll 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.
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