ranging from cooking and needlework, to computer classes. All of these activities, and you haven’t even set foot off of the ship yet! Off-shore excursions are most often well organized. Some ships offer an orientation on board to inform guests of upcoming ports of call, talking about geography, history of the area, and things that you may have a chance to see.


Cruising is much less formal now than it used to be thirty years ago. You don’t have to be dressed up in evening gowns and tuxedos every night. Now, there are still formal evenings, but they are often optional. You are not expected to eat in the dining room all the time; there are options available; perhaps you would like to try Italian one evening, and Japanese the next, or maybe a steak house.


The perception of cruise vacations is not the only thing that has changed. The cabins have improved immensely over the years. Now, a family with


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two or even three children can sleep comfortably in the more spacious rooms. “Many cabins include sitting areas, and all have the same conveniences that are included in most standard hotel rooms in North America”, says Behnke.


Adventure is at your doorstep. There are always great deals to be found.


Do your research online, and talk to your local travel consultant. There is a cruise for everyone out there; whether it is the white sand beaches, the majestic glaciers of Alaska, or just a cruise to “nowhere”, where you sit back, relax and enjoy the ship (several operators do, in fact, offer these types of vacations). Cruising is a great way to explore new countries, get a taste of different cultures, enjoy yourself, meet new people, and to indulge in great food. The most important part, however, is to have fun!


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