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directors hold "horse races" by the pool. These are wooden horse moved by ropes and pulleys. This event always draws a huge crowd.

12. Skeet shooting? This shotgun sport is still offered on some ships, but only when the ship is at sea, of course.

13. Dancing? Seniors who love to dance will find both lessons and dance partners on-board. All cruise lines bring along "distinguished gentlemen" to dance with single ladies. And most cruise lines provide instruction in a variety of dance styles from ballroom to country line dancing.

14. Crafts? Craft classes are very popular among seniors and cover everything from sewing projects to paper jewelry, and from painting lessons to scrap-booking.

15. Wine? Wine lovers will find an eclectic selection of wines during the larger cruise ship's wine tasting evenings. Early sign-up is a must for these events, too.

16. Movies? Cruise ships offer both small theaters showings of popular movies to huge under-the-stars events, on the top deck. Seniors can settle back in loungers snuggled under plaid wool blankets, a bucket of popcorn or a few slices of pizza in hand, with the wind blowing through their hair, and watch current movies on huge screens.

17. Shopping? Most ships have many small shopping malls on board. Cruisers will find costume jewelry, Swarovski crystal, expensive watches and jewelry, wine and liquor, formal dresses, casual clothing, sundries and souvenirs.

18. Love to read? All cruise lines have a library stocked with popular novels and board games. Seniors can take a seat in a thick leather chair or borrow a paperback book (these are loaned out on the honor system).

19. Internet cafes? My husband calls them "gouge-the-tourist" centers. Advice? Seek out little Internet rooms in port instead; the ship's fees for Internet access are astronomical.

20. Art auctions? These are on every ship and always make me cringe. Advice? Avoid this costly activity and spend your money on art at your city's local gallery.

21. Shore excursions? These off-ship adventures are usually coded with symbols indicating how tough or how easy the excursion will be. Be it a small amount of walking or rough terrain hiking, seniors are given good clues as to the right choice for them. Book early, these sell out quickly, too.

22. The most popular activity on cruise ships? Lounging by the pool, while sipping tall cool expensive drinks, of course. Advice? Purchase an all-you-can drink sticker to keep your soda drink costs in line. And keep the sunscreen close at hand because the sunshine, on the open sea, is very strong.

Cruise ship lines are regularly adding new activities. Be sure to check out your cruise ship's website for a complete list of on-board activities.

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
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