For the landlubbers among us the thought of staying on a ship for 7 days or more may seem a little boring. But folks let me tell you if you get bored on a cruise ship then you must be the sort who is only happy hanging off the edge of a 300′ cliff by your fingernails.

From the moment you step on board for the first time your senses tell you that you are in for a ride. The air is electrified with excitement as you enter the main atrium and are greeted by ship staff (one ship we stayed on announced each family over the ship PA system as you stepped off the gangway into the atrium - wow, talk about making you feel special).

Here are some of the activities you can experience on board as well as on shore and I think you will agree that boredom is not an option while cruising throughout the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Pool Deck

Poolside is always a boisterous place with people swimming, hanging out in the hot tubs, sitting at the bar enjoying a drink, or just sitting around a table with friends talking about what’s next. This is where the band is setup and it is common to see people being lead into some sort of dance by a crew member. Our days usually start and end around the pool deck.

Throughout the day there will be organized events on the stage by the pool. This could be a special dance, a hairy chest contest - usually for the men, a men against the women challenge which usually involves some silly activity that both parties attempt, or some other fun event. Mind you that these activities are always tasteful and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Sports Deck

Up top there is usually a basketball court where you can shoot a few hoops or play a full game in an event arranged by the crew, play some volleyball or as on one ship get a chance to ride a Segway - a two wheeled upright people mover. On the sports deck you can usually find a few ping pong tables, mini golf, or even an inline skate track. On Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, as well as other’s in their fleet, they have a 30′ Rock Climbing Wall. The ship provided all the safety gear including helmets and harnesses and trained crew members took care of belaying for each climber.

SPA and Gym

If you feel like working out you will find a well complimented gym containing various pieces of exercise equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, weight machines and free weights. They offer aerobic classes and for any who decide to start an exercise regime onboard you can have one of the personal fitness trainers guide you through a program designed for your fitness level.

For the ultimate in pampering - hey that’s what cruises do best - you can sign up for special spa treatment such as a facial, pedicure, neck massage, back massage, or even a full body wrap. They even offer the full cosmetic treatment so you can spend the day getting ready for the formal night.

Bars and Lounges

Need a break from the sun and heat then you can head indoors to one of the many bars and lounges that your ship will offer. Do you fancy sports then head to the sports bar and watch the latest game. On our last cruise we watched the Super Bowl game on a big screen set up on the pool deck.

Maybe you are in the mood for a stogey so why not head to the cigar club, or if music is your thing head off to the piano bar for some soothing sounds and if you feel like joining in, why not, the pianist always loves a little company as you get a chance to sing one of your favorite melodies.

Once night hits you can pull out your dancing shoes and head off to the disco and for a little boogeying.

Casino

With the exception of the Disney Magic every other ship we have been on had a casino. Now I am not much of a gambler but even I tried my hand at roulette - and won! Before stepping onto a cruise ship the only gambling I did was buying the friday night lottery ticket so needless to say I was a little intimidated to take part in anything other than the slots. Now I wanted to try one of the tables, blackjack, roulette, poker, whatever but didn’t know the rules so I hung around the tables and just watched people playing trying to pick up the rules. Well the dealers are more than willing to help with the rules so you can ask them questions and they will explain the rules as you go. They even offer training sessions throughout the cruise so that you can have a chance to try your hand at a game without having to pony up any cash. Just think about it for a moment why wouldn’t they want to help you afterall the odds are in their favor that they will end up with your cash anyway. Now me and my buddies are regular fun gamblers and will head to the casino for a night or two to have a bit of fun and try to win a few bucks at the same time. I have a limit so I put aside $100 to gamble with and once it’s gone I’m gone. But you know the three times I played roulette I came out a winner each time - it feels good to go home with the casino’s money.

Kids Club

The Kids Club is a fun filled place for the younger cruisers to hang out with friends of their own age. Qualified cruise staff are always in the club to supervise the children and lead them in various activities such as games, crafts, tours, and sports. There is a separate club for each age group so you don’t have to worry about your 6 year old hanging with the teens. At some point during the cruise they usually have one night classified as a late night where the kids get a chance to stay up late with their pals. This also works great for the parents as they get a chance to dine at one of the private dining rooms sans children.

You can give permission for the older kids to sign themselves in and out of the club but younger children must be signed in and out by a pre-approved parent or guardian.

So there is no need to worry about the younger set being bored lounging by the pool all day with mom and dad. Instead you may be wondering why they seem to be having more fun than you.

Library

Did you forget to bring a book, no problem, head off to the ships library and take out novel to read or just take a break and sit in the quiet of the library and flip a few pages.

Internet Cafe

Just because you are cruising doesn’t mean that you have to be disconnected from the rest of the world, although for many, me included, that is the idea. You can head to the Internet Cafe and send an email to all your envious friends back home or just surf the net for a while and catch up on the latest happenings.

Chapel

You will find a chapel on board that can accommodate a small group - did I hear someone say they wanted to get married! On our last cruise one of the members of our group got married on board just before the ship sailed on our first day. Now that’s a romantic wedding!

Restaurants

Food will probably be one of your most memorable experiences onboard. There is lots of it and the variety will suit even the pickiest of eaters. Most will agree that the quality and quantity of food alone pays for the cruise as you could not afford to eat on land like you do on a cruise ship and spend less money than the cost of the cruise. It’s great to be able to order off a menu that doesn’t have any prices.

While the food in the main dining rooms and buffets is nothing short of fantastic for those who might like to experience more romantic dining in a quieter atmosphere there is usually separate dining rooms that you can reserve for a small fee (usually around $20 per person). I have never found the food any better but the atmosphere is certainly more romantic.

Entertainment

There is no shortage of entertainment to be enjoyed onboard. You have the pool deck band, the piano bar, karaoke, but the best of all is the evening entertainment in the main theatre. After a great meal in the dining room you can head to the main theatre where every night you get to experience a broadway like show with singers dancers and a live band. What a way to end your day!

Shopping

Did you forget something at home hey don’t worry because you can head to the shopping deck and browse around for a new shirt or dress, or buy a new sun hat. If you are in the mood to splurge you can head to the jewelry store and pick out a new diamond ring or the latest Tag Heuer watch. Most ships even offer price guarantees that protect you if you find the same item in one of the port of calls at a cheaper price.

Shore Excursions

Probably one the best parts of cruising is having the opportunity to explore some of the many islands scattered throughout the Caribbean. So not only do you get to experience great dining and entertainment on board but you also get a chance to get off the ship and head off to some exotic island for a day trip. Imagine yourself lounging on a beautiful sandy beach in St. Martin or zip lining through the jungles of Belize, my favorite. Maybe you just want to hop a cab and do some site seeing around the island.

Whatever your fancy you are bound to find it somewhere along your Caribbean cruise.

Today, I’m going to cover some of the reasons why I feel that cruising is the ultimate form of vacation.

As of about 8 years ago, my wife and I have all but forgotten about any form of travel or vacation other than cruising. Don’t’ get me wrong, it’s not that we don’t enjoy other vacation styles, it’s just the pros of cruise vacations far out weigh the cons of cruising.

We still love a good trip to Walt Disney World coupled with other Orlando hot spots such as Wet and Wild, Universal Studios, Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, and Sea World to name a few but nothing quite compares to the thought of being able to wake up in a new port of call each morning and spending each evening enjoying the warm, tropical breeze on the deck of a fabulous floating paradise otherwise know as a modern cruise ship.

I suppose the ULTIMATE vacation in my eyes at least, would be one where I cruise the seas at night and then wound up at some of my favorite land vacation spots each morning. Let’s face, that is just not going to happen unless someone knows of a way to sail from say Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida to Las Vegas Nevada to the shores of Caribbean islands like Belize and so on.

Back to reality, I’ve heard some people shy away from cruising as they fear getting seasick. I get a little nauseous riding the escalator at Sears and I’ve never had a problem with seasickness in 8 years of cruising. There have been some rough seas and tenders (the small boat that takes you from the ship to port) where I thought I might toss my cookies, but so far so good.

Cruises are expensive. I have to disagree there too I’m afraid! Sure, you CAN spend a small fortune on some of the high end cruises, but with some careful planning, you can cruise very reasonably.

If you can avoid traveling during peak times such spring Break, Christmas etc. your airfare and cruise fares will drop considerably not to mention the fact that the ship may be a lot less crowded during off peak times.

People sometimes mention that they don’t want to be “trapped” on a cruise ship or that they’ll have nothing to do. First of all, having “nothing” to do can be a very beautiful thing. How many times have you come home from vacation more exhausted than when you left? It’s happened to me and it’s not a very good feeling. To lie out in the warm air and sunshine on a cruise ship, sipping a cool beverage spending quality time with your mate is a VERY good way to do nothing.

As far as being trapped on a cruise ship, I’m not sure I understand that statement. I mean, sure you can’t just walk off and go do something else as the ship cruises along, but cruise ships of today have shopping malls, restaurants, swimming pools, spas, state-of-the-art gyms, ICE RINKS, rock climbing walls, wave pools for surfing, live entertainment, games, Vegas style shows, art auctions…the list is growing all the time as cruise lines battle each other to get your business.

Did you know that the best cruise ships are changing the way they operate? Do you remember the TV Show Love Boat, which aired during the 1970s and 80s? Did it make you want to take a cruise or made you run away from the idea? Do you still believe that cruises are for senior citizens who will be playing shuffle board all day and eating dinner at 4pm? If so, you have not looked into what today’s new cruise ships have to offer. Get ready to be surprised!

First, cruise ship companies are trying to attract younger people and pulling out all the stops to do so. Their destination choices are becoming more flexible, free form, and modern. Cruise companies are starting to book more modern entertainment acts and creating a more “choose your own plan” vacation. The best cruise ships now usually have casinos, night clubs, exercise rooms, spas and more, all open 24 hours a day and designed to let you pick what you want to do and when you want to do it. Cruise companies are planning vacations that combine ship travel with land excursions and one company has even done away with assigned seating meals at a pre-determined time.

Secondly, “flexible cruising” is the modern method of a boat vacation. For the most part everything is paid for by your fare, including airfare to the boat, and all you need to do is pick your activities from the available options and have fun. You can also have the option of doing your own thing and planning your own activities. No one is taking attendance or monitoring what you do. The opportunities for fun are unlimited.

Most importantly, the best cruise ships now offer shorter length cruises to cater to people who want to take a vacation but do not want to spend an entire week or more on a cruise ship. Cruise companies are also planning modern trips that center around a theme or group of people. Looking for a vacation focused around earth conservation, you can find a cruise that offers lectures and adventures that teach just that. And do not forget the popular gay cruises that started popping up about ten years ago.

Finally, Some people stay away from cruises because they believe that on the ship other people will interfere with their lives or their fun. This is simply not the case, staying on a new cruise ship is very similar to staying at a hotel. The people across the hall do not care what you do as long as you do not bug them. Check on the internet or your travel agent for the best prices. You can travel with your friends and family knowing that everyone will have a great time. There is no better time than now to take advantage of the best cruise ships built for your enjoyment and entertainment.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first time cruiser, especially if you’re a first time cruiser, these tips will go a long way to ensure that your cruise experience is everything it should be.

1. Go In A Day Early: Unless you live within two or three hours of the pier, it’s advisable to spend the night before your departure at a hotel close to the pier. That way you take away the risk of missing the ship and you eliminate the stress that goes along with delayed or canceled flights or auto mechanical problems. You’ll wake up refreshed and be able to truly enjoy the first day of your cruise instead of being exhausted from traveling all day. It’s well worth the price of the hotel. (If you’re driving, be sure to get a hotel that allows free parking. With what the cruise lines are charging for parking these days, it can almost pay for the price of a hotel).

2. Inside Or Outside Room: Rooms on board the ship come in many different shapes, sizes, and locations, some even include a balcony. Your budget will dictate for a large part the type of room you choose. For the claustrophobic person, inside rooms with no windows may present a bit of a problem.

3. Location Of The Room: The location of the room, meaning the front, middle, or the back of the ship, can make a difference in the amount of movement you experience while in your room. If you suffer from sea sickness, you’ll do much better if you book a room towards the middle. The same is true for choosing a room lower in the boat as opposed to on one of the higher levels. To be safe, pack Dramamine.

4. Carry-On Luggage: A porter will greet you at the pier before you check in and take your luggage. Most people will turn over every bag they have and then go on their merry way to check in. A wiser plan would be to have each person carry on a small bag. This bag should contain one set of clothing for each of the following:

• Casual, such as shorts and a top.
• Swimwear and appropriate footwear.
• Evening wear suitable for dinner.
• A small variety of toiletries that would enable you to freshen up, such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hairspray.

Although it’s not common, occasionally luggage on the way to rooms is lost. A small carry-on will at least make it possible for you to function while on your cruise. Also, sometimes your luggage is not delivered to your room until after you are already at dinner.

5. Shore Excursions: The cruise ship will offer you rates for excursions at each of your destinations. Excursions will range from guided tours to scuba diving to swimming with dolphins. A service charge has been added by the ship to each package, and almost every excursion can be purchased much cheaper on shore when you reach your destination. An added side note to this, however, is that if you book your shore excursion on your own, be certain it ends in plenty of time for you to return to the ship before it sets sale. While booking the excursion on your own usually saves you quite a bit of money, if something goes wrong and you’re late getting back to the ship, it will set sail without you. If you’ve booked your excursion through the cruise line and the excursion arrives back late, the ship will wait on you and the others in your group, so the extra money you spend for the excursion does come with some peace of mind.

6. Soft Drink Cards: Although the price of your cruise includes all of your food, soft drinks are extra. Buying individual cokes can be quite expensive, but the ship does offer a way to save you money on pop. Soft drink cards may be purchased at the beginning of the cruise. They generally run around $30, and for that you’ll be able to drink all the pop you want.

7.Credit Cards: Be sure you have a credit card for check-in. The card must be in your name and have available credit. A hold will be placed on the card for any incidental expenses you incur during the cruise. If you do not have a credit card, most cruise lines will allow you to place a cash deposit at check-in, but it’s best to check with the cruise line ahead of time to confirm their policy.

Follow these simple tips and you’re sure to have a more rewarding experience. Good luck.