by David Ireland

Created on: June 20, 2008   Last Updated: August 11, 2008

What is the essence of relaxing holiday? Consider how much time you wish to devote to lining up, battling traffic, sitting idle in airport lounges, dealing with delays and cancellations, losing luggage and cramped travelling positions. If you decide that you don't really want to spend excessive time doing these things, especially once you have left the country, then cruising just might be the best option. For your first cruise, it might be best to choose a BIG ship so that any worries about feeling a little "at sea" will be allayed.

You will be aware that cruise departure terminals aren't everywhere but once your are on the dock,the relaxation begins. Embarkation is a well organised procedure but getting off at each port is even easier AND you won't be worrying about that luggage. You will rarely take more than five minutes to disembark at ports along the way. There are some exceptions at smaller ports when tenders are used but this can be fun too.

Once aboard, the joy begins. Your luggage is dutifuly portered to your cabin and you are FREE. Other than the ports and scenic points of interest, there is no agenda. You can dine whenever, drink whenever, gamble whenever, sleep whenever and if whenever you are in the mood, you can take in a show, watch a movie, take a class, enjoy some sport, swim, laze by the pool, go to the internet lounge, wander the deck, go out or stay in for a coffee, shop or even something intimate.

Can't make your own fun or just want to mix? There are well organised social activities including cocktail parties, dancing and singing contests, cards, chess, cooking classes, generally any number of things that will help you meet other people and have some fun while you do it.

Unsurprisingly, you rarely encounter the young ones on board because there is so much for them to be involved with. Cruise lines have very creative children's entertainment programs. You will rarely be asked "are we there yet?". Access to all inclusive food all day is a huge bonus too. Children aren't continually pestering you for more cash.

You will receive a daily newsletter keeping you up to date with what's on and you can also view the day's activities on the information channel.

As for service, you won't be disappointed, cruise lines generally are equal to or better than many resorts. A little extra tip here and there will see you treated royally. Ships are kept impeccably clean.

Whatever your interests, the food will surely make up for anything that is lacking. Bad cruise food is hard to find. From fine dining to buffet style, coffee shop or burger bar, ships cover the lot. All special needs dining is also well catered for.

If you take the time to do a detailed price comparison, you will find that a well chosen cruise can be very cost effective when compared with a similar standard of resort. With up to two thousand five hundred people on board, if you can't find a social group, you're not trying. If the weather turns nasty, chances are that you will have sailed into better weather by the next day. When you book a resort, weather can ruin the whole vacation.

When all else still isn't enough, lay back and watch the ever changing scenery leisurely pass by. Hmm! Time to go book the next cruise right now.

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