So you want to cruise?

As an avid cruiser....(cough...cruise addict) I enjoy helping the cruise world newbies.  There's nothing better than sharing my love (cough...cough...addiction) of cruising with someone.  I can get quite animated (cough...obnoxiously excited) talking about different cruise lines, cruise ships and ports.

It all depends on what you're looking for.  Do you want to get your feet wet by taking a short cruise?  Are you looking for a certain destination or do you want to go all out on a luxury cruise line?

Getting the best results is all about knowing what you want, and just as important, having realistic expectations.  Don't expect perfection, although I have had perfect cruises; and don't expect doom and gloom either.  

One of the most amazing questions that I hear is the worry of getting a)sick, b) stranded in the ocean, or c) gaining weight.  Let's address those issues.

There is the possibility of getting sick anywhere you go.  The Novovirus is not exclusive to cruise ships.  It can happen wherever people gather in large numbers, however, a ship IS a closely-contained unit.  That's why you will find hand-sanitizing stations all over the ship, especially in the dining room.

Getting stranded...I dream of getting stranded as long as there is water, food and air conditioning.  Not the kind of Carnival Cruise Line fame with people being stranded with no toilets, not enough food, etc.  That wouldn't be fun.  The chances of getting stranded are so minimal it's laughable.  Any time you travel you have the chance of getting stranded, but really, what are the odds?  Not very high in my estimation.

Gaining weight.  Now this is has a higher probability of happening.  The food...oh the food!  Not to mention the empty calories in alcoholic drinks.  I recommend losing 5 pounds prior to the cruise.  Then is you gain ten, it's not really that bad.

If you don't cruise for fear that "something" could happen, you will not experience the sheer joy of it.  Cruising isn't for everyone but count me in.  The best times in my life, I've had on the sea.

Happy cruising,
Mary
 

Things to do when you can't cruise.........

It's so hard right now without a trip in sight. I'm having real honest to goodness cruise withdrawals. So I tried to figure out what I could do instead of daydreaming of a cruise.
Hmmmm.....I could,

update my facebook
paint my nails
take a nap
floss
unload the dishwasher...

Well this isn't working. I want a cruise!!!! There are such amazing deals on transatlantic cruises (as low as $499!! 12 nights!) and last minute cruises that it's making me crazy. Why couldn't I have been in Oprah's audience when she passed out a week-long cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Double darn. Well that's enough rambling for now. (rambling= whining)

Happy cruising! Mary

Why cruising is a perfect vacation

Greetings. I am a cruise addict. I've taken 14 cruises and can tell you that there is no vacation on earth that really gets you away...I mean really away. No cell phone calls, no one to tell you what to do or not to do, and you can cruise with someone or just get away on your own. It's your nirvana and you can mold it to what you want.

Think cruising is not for you? All you see are huge lines and being stuck at sea? That is the furthest thing from the truth. This is not your fathers cruise! You can gamble, rock climb, have a massage, mini-golf, box (!) and do just about anything a thrill seeker would do. Looking for a little tamer vaca? Shipboard shopping is wonderful as is their top notch spa's. Check out the onboard internet or library. Definitely a frozen drink and a comfy deck chair overlooking the ocean is an onboard must.

Afraid you'll get seasick? Nah! You have to remember these are floating cities! As a precaution you can take one Bonine tablet in the am and you'll never feel a thing. The motion of the ocean does one thing right. You'll never sleep better than on a cruise ship. It lulls you sleep better than a hot toddy.

I am probably the most enthusiastic person alive when it comes to cruising. If you want any info, let me know. I am NOT a travel agent. I am just someone who has a passion for cruising.

Happy Sailing,
Mary