Have You Tried a “Floating Resort” Lately?
Cruising has become a very popular vacation for so many reasons and personally, I believe that there is a cruise for everyone. If you tried it years ago and your experience wasn’t pleasant, you should give it another try because cruise ships have really changed. Today’s cruise ships are more high-tech, making the cruise experience so much different from sailings prior to the 1990’s, and you will also notice a much smoother sailing. There are fewer cases of sea-sickness on the larger cruise lines and when it does occur, it’s often very brief.
A cruise is known as a “floating resort,” because while at sea, you are afforded all of the amenities of a resort; such as the following:
Food
So many people boast about the food, there are so many choices, from burgers to lobster and there is food available throughout the day and night. You can choose to frequent the buffets, which are casual and offer many food choices; the pizzerias, or opt for a spa/light menu. Meals in the dining rooms can vary from casual to a more formal experience. When your cruise is booked, you may book your dinner seating time, which you will have the choice of a first seating which is approximately 6:00 pm; second seating, which is approximately 8:30 pm; and a more flexible/freestyle seating which is anytime from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Many of the ships have specialty restaurants in which reservations are usually required and a nominal fee is assessed. Room service is normally available for 24 hours.
Accommodations
You have a choice from an interior stateroom to an upscale suite. Most ships offer the following stateroom categories: interior, ocean view, balcony, junior suites, and suites. Some ships offer even more categories, such a presidential suite, spa suites, studio stateroom for solo travelers, family suites, suites with two levels, and so many more. The views also differ, from no view (interior), ocean view, portholes, virtual views, and views overlooking different areas of the ship.
Amenities
The majority of the ships have a spa, beauty salon, hot tub, pools, water slide, exercise facility, children’s club areas, gift shop, laundry facility, flower shop, ATMs, library, coffee bar, tuxedo rental shops, medical facility, internet center, adults only (quiet) areas, and a variety of duty free shopping.
Entertainment
There is entertainment on board for all members of the family, children have their clubs and childcare facilities, there are bars and lounges; night clubs for teens as well as adults, several bars onboard, Broadway shows, jazz clubs, comedy clubs with usually showings suitable for families as well as adults only, karaoke bar, card games, game rooms, movie theaters , pool parties, and so much more to keep everyone thoroughly entertained.
Sport Activities
If you are a sports enthusiast or just want to maintain your active lifestyle while cruising, you may decide to take advantage of the tennis courts, zip line, miniature golf course, golf simulation areas, basketball courts, and a walking/running track that encircles the ship. Many of the modern cruise ships offer a variety of sport activities such as rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, bumper cars, sky-diving stimulator, surf simulators, and so much more.
While at Sea
During your Day at Sea, which most cruise itineraries have at least one, you may decide to pursue a passion such as take a culinary or wine tasting class, take dance lessons, get a massage, take water aerobics or yoga, read a book, or you may decide to relax and watch TV in your room. The casino is open during the entire time that the ship is at sea, so you may decide to play blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and other games. This is usually the day to prepare for formal night, because more than likely that’s when you will dress in your best attire to meet the captain and to take your formal night photos.
The Cruise Community
There are 100’s of cruise ships, all sizes and types and as with a land vacation, you will have to make a decision as to how many people you will like in your community while you are vacationing. If you prefer fewer crowds and a leisure pace, you may opt for a smaller cruise ship that can accommodate 600+ passengers. If you prefer a larger cruising community, you have a array of options with the megaships, which can carry anywhere from 2,800 to 6,000+ passengers. Some of the ships are so large that they are known as “floating skyscrapers.”
Cruising is becoming very popular and people cruise for many different reasons such as those identified by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA);
- It’s a hassle-free vacation
- It takes you away from it all
- You’re pampered like nowhere else
- You can do it all – or nothing at all
- You can sample a broad geographic area
Whether you are celebrating a special event, such as a birthday, honeymoon, wedding, anniversary, etc.; attending a family reunion or an organization that you belong to; or merely on vacation, you will find that a cruise offers many of the same amenities as a resort vacation. It’s a great vacation that can be tailored based on the preferences of the traveler(s), and I most definitely feel that there is a cruise for everyone.
FEATURED CWM TRAVEL CONTRIBUTOR Meochia Stills is the owner and operator of My Times Travel LLC, where she has excelled in the travel industry as a Cruise & Caribbean Vacation Specialist. Her committed to exceeding her clients’ expectations on land and sea has caught the attention of her family, friends, and peers.
Find ideas on the perfect escape by visiting Meochia at www.mytimestravel.com & www.cruisingwithautism.org;
on Facebook www.facebook.com/mytimestravel & www.facebook.com/cruisingwithautism;
on Twitter www.twitter.com/mytimestravel, www.twitter.com/autismcruises;
as well as on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/mytimestravel/.
You may contact Meochia at (904) 383-0874 or (800) 659-8443, or email info@mytimestravel.com.
