We all know about "top 10 lists". Well our CruiseGenies have decided that what could be #1 to one person, might be #7 to another. Therefore, listed below are 10 very good reasons why cruising should be considered for your next vacation.
DINING EXPERIENCE: Today's cruisers have more choices to dine than ever. There is elegance in formal dining rooms. There is a more intimate dining aboard some ships which offer five star "supper clubs" for a nominal fee. There are bistro cafe's, coffee shops, casual lido deck dining, sushi bars, my time dining is now available on most cruise lines and even 24 hour pizza bars and room service. With all of these choices you are sure to never go hungry!
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT: These floating resorts seem to offer an endless array of entertainment. There are spectacular stage shows, and timeless musical reviews. First run movies for little children, and big ones. There are comedians, magicians, shows on ice, aquatic shows and dancing under the stars. A number of lounges offer a variety of singers, karaoke, piano bars, country and rock - there is something for everyone, to rock around the clock.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Today's ships are HUGE! They rate them by weight and describe them compared to multiple football fields. With ships of this size, the rooms have grown in some cases by over 50%. Those tiny bathrooms are gone. Your stateroom has plenty of closet space, drawers, and sleeping can be king size, or separated into twins. Ships of today are loaded with balcony rooms to offer additional space and there are plenty of suites at sea.
PAMPERING YOURSELF: Let me count the ways we can be pampered. A day starts out with a breakfast delivery by room service, then off to the sauna and steam room. A quick shower and into the whirlpool. Now off to the sun deck for some basking in the sun. Once tan, then off to the spa deck for a massage or maybe your facial appointment. Afterwards, a visit to the salon for a pedicure and manicure would be in order. And while you are there, you must have a wash, cut and blow dry. Now that you're relaxed and hungry, let's eat!
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS: Where in the world can we go? Anywhere! You can cruise the Mediterranean or the North Sea. From down under to around the world. Closer to home, you can cruise to the Caribbean which offers ports to the east, south and west - all of which will delight you. Bermuda, New England, Canada, Galapagos Islands, Alaska and Hawaii are seasonal options. There are also passages in the Panama Canal, stops at private islands and even cruises to nowhere aboard a floating city. The good news is, you only have to unpack once to experience these exciting destinations. If you decide you really like a port, you can go back there and stay for an extended vacation and if not, you are out of there in a short period of time - not stuck there for a week!
FUN ONSHORE: Once at your port, there will be a variety of options, all reasonably priced and well planned. These shore excursions vary from port to port so some cruisers select their vacation based on the itinerary. Why not whale watch in Sitka, while others dive at a reef in Grand Cayman or Snorkel in the exquisite destination of Maya Key in Honduras. You can shop, tour or just explore. You can tour the amazing sights that Europe has to offer, sports fish for marlin, or go white water rafting in Costa Rica, and even cave tube in Belize. Create your own excursion, or lie on a beach. From the straw market to the Mayan ruins, there are great times to be enjoyed no matter where your destination goes.
FUN ONBOARD: Days at sea are days of fun. Ships come complete with pools, water slides, and some have mini golf and rock climbing walls. You can work on your golf swing, or work out at the gym. There is a staff to get you dancing and laughing, playing games on deck and hilarious contests on stage. You can play bingo, or test your luck in the casinos at sea. Nightclubs, comedy clubs, kiddy clubs, everyone has activities available from dawn till well past midnight. If you are an art enthusiast, they even have art auctions on board.
QUIET TIME: Possibly you want a break from all the fun. You wish to relax and heal your soul. There are many wonderful selections from classical concerts to a book from the library. There are card games, board games, on-line internet access to keep in touch at home. You might join others at "tea time", or retreat to your own private balcony for a nap. You can watch the sunrise with your coffee or watch the sunset with your soul mate. While in port, stay on board, the ship will be all yours.
QUALITY TIME: Remember dinner with no television, where we all sat down together. This is the best place for bringing loved ones or strangers, together. Quality time can be everywhere. Whether conversing over dinner, taking in a show, or playing card games with your child, people come together and enjoy. If your traveling as a couple, every night can be a Saturday night out. For families, teens and parents, they will discover they can have great conversations, and make unforgettable vacation memories together. We believe it would be safe to say that all this can be possible with no phones and no interruptions from a solicitor.
OVERALL VALUE: Planning your vacation? Well start by pricing a hotel, transportation, meals, activities, entertainment, child care, theme parks, etc. Now compare that to a cruise, and all the planning has been done for you. The only thing left for you is choices. A cruise ship is a floating resort which has activities for all ages and itinerary choices that can take you around the world. You cannot find a better value, dollar for dollar, than a cruise. Your cruise rates will vary during the year and there are times when rates can be deeply discounted. If you're not sure when those times are, then go to the "Genie Lamp" at the bottom of this page and email us, or give us a call at 860-684-3435. We look forward to help you planning a spectacular vacation!
