Webster's New World Dictionary defines cruising...."to sail from place to place for pleasure or in search of something."

 

We are all in search of pleasure, an escape from the everyday routine.  Fortunately, cruising seems to fulfill this need for most of us.  It lets us just sit back, kick off our shoes and watch the world go by while we are pampered beyond belief.

 

So, you're about to take your first cruise. A little nervous???  Don't be!  Here's a taste of life aboard ship that should make you more comfortable and excited about your new adventure.

 

A ship is like a resort hotel afloat.  The price of your ticket usually includes round trip airfare, transfers, your room, all your meals, snacks, daytime activities, and that wonderful nightly entertainment.  This makes cruising one of the truly great bargains left.

 

You can make your cruise even more economical.  Tours are nice, but you can explore on your own.  Souvenirs are optional- memories are wonderful and free!!!  So you see, once you pay for your ticket, all you'll need is tip money and a little spending money.

 

The ship is a vacation spot itself with the ports of call an extra bonus.  It contains everything you need- it will be your home away from home.  For your comfort, most public rooms and the dining rooms are non- smoking.    Elevators are available, but the stairs are great exercise and will help you trim down after those scrumptious meals.  Most ships also have laundry and dry cleaning services onboard.  Room service is available to provide you with wakeup calls, snacks around the clock and almost anything else you might desire.  The purser is like the front desk of a hotel.  They cash travelers checks, sell postage, and answer a million questions.  In addition,  most ships have a complete medical facility.  There is however a charge for an office visit- you know, just like home.  Other facilities include hair dressers, shopping, spas, library and usually a gym for you fitness buffs.

 

Your cabin will have all the conveniences of home, just on a smaller scale.  Hair dryers and razors can be accommodated on most vessels.  Your room steward will introduce themselves to you usually during your first afternoon onboard.  This is your chance to request extra pillows, extra blankets or more hangers.  Their patience, friendliness and eagerness to help will make your room steward a very special memory of your cruise.

 

If you should happen to forget your camera, don't worry.  The ship's photographers are everywhere.  Just smile and pose, it makes their job so much easier.  Later in the cruise photos are displayed and may be purchased.

 

You can find plenty to do while you are on the ship.  You can relax in a lounge chair, read a book, soak up some sun, lean on the rail and just watch the world go by-or-join in- there's exercise classes, dance classes, sports, pool side activities, the gym, lectures, crafts, cards, gambling and much  more.

 

But despite all this activity, you will find yourself relaxing with each passing minute.  It is the combination of the gentle swaying of the ship, the sea air and the unhurried pace. Ahhhhh....

 

During your first afternoon onboard, there is generally a compulsory life boat drill.  Don't fret- they don't plan to sink.  It is a U.S. Coast Guard regulation that passengers must participate in a life boat drill within 24 hours of boarding.  The number of your life boat station is posted in your cabin.  At the designated time, with your life jacket on, you will proceed to your station.  The ship's emergency alarm will sound and a short announcement will be made as to regulations.  A crew member is assigned to each station to answer any questions.

 

For your dining pleasure you will have the same smiling waiter and bus boy throughout your cruise.  You get to know them and they get to know you and it makes for a more comfortable relaxing time.  You may even find dining one of the highlights of your cruise.  For an alternative to the dining room, breakfast and lunch are also provided buffet style in the pool area of many ships.

 

Are you wondering about the people???? Ah, the people!  They are an attraction all their own.   This is a people watchers paradise.  There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger.  So, watch the parade pass by.  But remember, while you're watching them, they are probably watching you.  It's so easy to make friends and you'll meet some very nice people!

 

If you have one complaint- it will probably be that your cruise ended too soon!!!