CRUISING
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Have you discovered cruising yet? If not then you really ought to consider it as there are some truly great benefits especially
for those who prefer not to fly.
Cruises are incredibly good value for your money. The meals are wonderful, the entertainment fantastic and without any
stress or strain from driving or flying you can wake up in the morning and gaze out on beautiful, picture perfect azure waters.
For families it is an ideal vacation. We were surprised when we went on our first cruise that we only saw our younger
daughter when she appeared at our restaurant table at meal times. Periodically we did spot her as she rushed by with a
group of supervised friends as they made their way to some competition or were endeavoring to find everything on their
scavenger / treasure hunt list.
On another cruise our elder daughter was positive that our grandson would not be happy being left in the play care area but
we persuaded her to give it a try for an hour. On our return we had to crawl through several tubes to actually get to speak to
him in his hiding place as he was having such a great time there was not any way he was leaving.
The cruise lines employ qualified staff to care for the children and they usually separate them into different age groups and
the games, competitions and entertainment are suitably designed to appeal to each group. This means that mums and dads
can enjoy a vacation which can be just as much for them as the children. Why not try something entirely different maybe the
square dancing or pottery class? We attended a couple of wonderful lectures by fascinating and entertaining people. I loved
listening to one of Ronald Reagan's personal staff give insights into behind the scenes life in the White House.
The dining experience can be casual or dressy when you have the opportunity to wear those fabulous cocktail dresses and
tuxedos. The buffets are phenomenal and definitely something for every taste and diet. The only recommendation I would
make is take some clothes with elastic waistlines for your expanding middle or take advantage of the first class gyms and
health spas.
In the evenings the entertainment is endless. From comedians to magicians and Broadway or Las Vegas style shows you are
spoiled for choice. One of our special evenings was listening to a piano recital on the works of Chopin.
The rooms on board are not large but they are well designed so that every inch of space is utilised. There's plenty of
wardrobe space and they are comfortable. I would thoroughly recommend, if the budget can run to it, a room with balcony.
It is certainly a great plus to be able to enjoy the sea breezes and to eat breakfast, lounging in your dressing gown,
overlooking a spectacular view.
There are a superb selection of choices regarding cruises around the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico but one cruise which we
really found to be great was a transitional cruise. We left from Puerto Rico and visited several Caribbean islands then headed
out to sea across the Atlantic stopping at Madeira, Portugal and France before docking in England. A really great cruise.
The staff on board are courteous and helpful and they really do want you to be happy and to enjoy your voyage. On several
cruise lines it is expected that you will want to express your satisfaction with gratuities on the final night of the cruise.
If you prefer a quiet time then consider the library or card room where you can sit back and enjoy the fact that you are far
away from stress and business. Oh and did I say that it is compulsory to turn off cell phones and computers? Well of course
it isn't but it ought to definitely be a consideration. When you leave the dock and head out to open waters relax and enjoy
after all tomorrow is another day and it will come soon enough.
HAPPY CRUISING
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