by: Hugh Goble

If you haven’t been on a cruise vacation yet, then you're missing out on one of life’s greatest adventures. Have you spent years envying those who take cruises to Alaska or the Bahamas while you're stuck at home or driving to Florida? Well, now is the time to take action. Cruises aren't just for the rich anymore; they're for everyone! The great thing about a cruise is that one price pays for everything. More and more people are discovering the fun and value of cruising, but many more still have not heard the good news. Now more than ever, a luxury cruise is easily affordable and accessible to everyone. Regardless of which cruise you choose, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock. The Staff are there to make sure you needs are met. From chocolates on your pillow to your favourite drink waiting for you at your dinner table, you will feel like you are being spoiled day and night.

The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated because a cruise vacation is one convenient package. You don't have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... it just does not get more carefree than that. Regardless of the size or cost of your stateroom, you have full access to the ship's facilities and amenities, and the ship's crew will do everything in their power to make your experience exceptional.

The price of your vacation includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your accommodation, activities, children programs and entertainment. Throw in the exciting journey to some of the most fascinating and charming places in the world and you have yourself a deal! You will also know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. Most cruise packages do not include the cost of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, guided shore excursions, or optional shipboard services like a massage, spa treatment, photographs, access to the internet, etc. Many cruise lines also add an automatic 15% gratuity to the cost of drinks, and you will also need to tip your steward and waiter at the end of the cruise. Check with your cruise line in advance for a complete list of what is included in your ticket price and what will cost extra.

If you think you might be bored while on a cruise, think again. There are so many options and activities that you will never be able to participate in them all. And don't worry about being in the close quarters of a ship; there really is plenty of space to move about so you're not likely to feel confined or claustrophobic. Nearly every cruise line offers special programs and accommodations to families, and some even specialize in entire cruises designed completely around the needs and wants of a family. On these family-focused cruise lines, you will find special supervised areas of the ship where your children can go to do age-appropriate activities while you enjoy adult time.

When it comes to nightlife, a cruise ship offers many options. Common choices include Broadway-style entertainment, dance bars, quiet piano lounges, casinos, movie theaters and arcade game rooms. There truly is something on board to suit every entertainment taste. For a whole seven days, I didn't have to cook or clean or even make up the beds. There were maids and professional chefs there to do it for me. There is no need to buy fancy clothing or a tuxedo to go on a cruise, although some cruises do require formal dress in specific on board restaurants. Your general packing list does not need to be much different from any other vacation; simply include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and expected weather conditions. And don't worry about items like hair dryers, shavers, and other personal appliances - they all work just fine on board a luxury cruise ship!

Every port you visit is different, and each one will have excursions, activities and places to discover. Just as on board the ship, you will not be able to do everything there is to do at each port. You can choose a paid tour excursion or you can explore on your own. Many cruise lines have cooperative arrangements with hotels and resorts in the ports they visit so that cruise passengers can use hotel facilities like swimming pools, fitness rooms, spas and other amenities.

More and more people are finding out about the pleasures of cruise vacations including singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends or families. Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience, once people try it, they come back again and again. You can see the world on a cruise. Feel free to completely unwind or take a walk on the wild side. If you want you can dance the night away or go up on deck and steal a kiss from your love. Make new friends, feast on sumptuous cuisine, learn something new, or just hang out and bond with your family.

Cruising is the fastest growing leisure vacation choice today, and it also enjoys the highest rate of repeat satisfied customers of any type of vacation. The choices of destination, experience, accommodations, and cuisine are nearly limitless. There is a cruise for everyone -- especially – you!

Booking a cruise online is both easy, fast, and the most economical method to purchase a cruise. There are no commissions to pay online, so the prices are the best you can find, and with most sites, your can browse the ship, see your room, check out the dining room, and more, right online.

Whatever your heart desires, it can be done on a cruise so be sure to “choose to cruise” for your next vacation.