What Cruising Includes

If you have never been on a cruise before, we would like to introduce you to the world's best vacation value. Here are just a few of the unique features that a cruise vacation can provide:

Cruising offers multiple destinations without the hassles of packing and unpacking. The cruise ship is your floating resort. This can be particularly attractive in destinations that lack high quality hotels or "creature comforts." You can explore interesting cultures and still enjoy the comfort and style of your familiar ship at the end of the day.

Cruising is one of the most service-oriented and service-attentive vacation experiences in the world today. Most cruise ships maintain a ratio of 2 or 3 guests per 1 staff member, creating an ambiance of gracious and relaxing experiences aboard the ship.

The cruise ship is a destination in itself with features and amenities comparable or superior to land-based resorts. Everything from “putting greens” with golfing coaches to basketball courts, volleyball courts, and even an ice skating rinks on one liner make ship time interesting and active. Many ships have a Sports Bar with a large screen TV for devotees, and there are lectures, classes, and gatherings through out each day if you want to do more than relax by the pool.

While all modern cruise ships have state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment including in-cabin ship-to-shore phones, life at sea feels secluded and "out of time." You have the illusion of getting away from it all.

Cruising is remarkably affordable and inclusive. Here is what is typically included in the cost of your cruise - at a price that is generally lower than a comparable land-based vacation:

1. Round-trip airfare.
2. Transfers from airport to ship and ship to airport.
3. Three main meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Special children's menus are available if you are cruising with a grandchild.
4. Three buffet meals per day (breakfast, lunch and midnight). Some ships add a 4th buffet for late-nighters at around 1:30 a.m. Many ships also have afternoon snacks or traditional "high teas."
5. Room service is available 24-hours (on many ships). Some new ships are adding 24-hour pizzerias.
6. All shipboard facilities including: casino, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, on-board lectures, card rooms, an unending variety of organized games and contests and more...
7. Supervised children's activities, offered on a daily basis. Good to know if you are bringing along a grandchild.
8. All entertainment including: Broadway and Las Vegas-style shows, lounges, nightclubs, movies, dancing and more...
9. Visits to 3 or more ports of call (de-pending on length of cruise).

Finally, the experience of being at sea has attracted adventurers and travelers from time immemorial. There are few experiences that compare to a pristine sunrise or sunset from the deck of a ship, the curative fresh sea air, the seemingly endless canopy of stars, or the sense of wonder as one sails into a new land for the first time.