Douglas Ward - Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2014

Are you all at sea about cruise vacations, when it seems like everyone around you has taken a cruise, but you havent? Here are the basics youll need to know before casting off for the first time.

Actually, there are thousands of others like you. Its a bit of an obstacle course, like trying to choose between different models of automobiles and deciding on all the optional extras before actually getting the car you want. About 75 cruise companies operate around 350 ocean-going cruise ships (not to mention over 1,000 river ships) in the business of cruise vacations.

Nothing has the potential to offer more variety, a better value, or a more unforgettable vacation experience than a cruise, and with a little planning itll all go smoothly. Look at it as a prepaid vacation with extras you choose yourself. But, after your first cruise, be prepared for the feeling of addiction because it happens often.

Youll need to do a little planning in order to find the right ship and cruise to suit your needs whether you are a lively young couple, a family with children, sophisticated and well-traveled seniors, or you want unabashed luxury and total relaxation.

Europa 2 , by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

What exactly is a cruise?

A cruise is a vacation an escape from the stresses and strains of life on land. It is virtually a pre-paid, hassle-free, and more importantly, a crime-free vacation where you only have to pack and unpack once. You seldom have to make blind choices, you sleep in the same bed each night, and the ship moves the scenery for you.

Everythings close at hand, and there are always polite people to help you. A cruise provides a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and make new friends and, above all, the ingredients for a delightful vacation. It can facilitate multi-generational togetherness, solo adventuring, or escapism for couples. And, some of the worlds most beautiful places are seen best from the deck of a cruise ship.

What a cruise is not

Some cruises simply arent relaxing despite cruise brochure claims that you can do as much or as little as you want to. For example, large resort ships carrying between 1,750 and 6,400 passengers pack lots of people into small cabins and provide almost nonstop activities and entertainment.

Reasons to take a cruise

Value. A cruise represents the best vacation value for your money. Period! A cruise is a well-packaged vacation that includes so many things, and you dont have to constantly make decisions.

Convenience . You can probably drive to your port of embarkation. If not, the cruise line can make all the arrangements, including flights, baggage handling, and transfers to and from the ship. And you only have to unpack once!

Choice . There are over 30,000 cruises to choose from! You can cruise the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Europe, the Greek Isles, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, the Arctic, and Antarctica. And thats just the beginning!

See new places. A cruise provides you with a chance to see new places. You simply board, and the ship will change the destination for you almost daily. Organized excursions can add to the sense of discovery.

Comfort. A cruise ship suite or cabin is your home away from home. It can be as small as a tent (at about 60 square feet) or as large as a villa (at 3,000 square feet), or anything in between.

Good Food. Dining is one of the greatest pleasures of ship life, and all your meals are included from breakfast through to late-night snacks.

Family Togetherness. Cruising is great for families with children. Many ships have well-supervised activities for kids and its a safe, friendly environment. Cruising is also an excellent way for groups of friends to vacation together for lifelong memories.

Learning Experience. Most cruise ships have guest speakers/lecturers, so you can learn while you cruise.

Make new friends. A cruise ship provides a relaxed environment in which to make new friends some you may keep for life.

Adventure. A cruise can be an adventure. It can take you places that are impossible to reach by almost any other means, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, the Arctic, or to remote islands. A cruise can inspire the explorer in you.

Staying Healthy. A cruise allows you to pamper yourself in a spa, although body-pampering treatments are at extra cost. And, with all the available food, learn to pace yourself, and youll stay healthy.

Entertainment. Cruise ships provide a wide range of professional entertainment, from spectacular Vegas-style production shows to intimate piano, guitar, and jazz bars. And during the day, there are activities, fun, and games galore enough to keep even the active occupied.