Finally, all those years of hard work are drawing to a close. I'm marking the days off my calendar in preparation for my my last tedious commute in bumper to bumper traffic. Gradually, I've been cleaning out my desk drawers at work and leaving things tidy for my replacement. Do I feel even the slightest pang of regret at bidding adieu to the work force?

Not on your life!

This cruiseaholic has been perusing brochures and the Internet with carefree abandon, deliciously savoring the thought of my first LONG cruise. With seventy-seven ocean ventures under my belt, I am certainly no novice to being pampered on the high seas. I have spent twelve days, on two separate Mediterranean cruises, and done the same in southeast Asia but, now, with retirement dangling tantalizing in the very near future, I want to spend at least thirty days on board a ship.

There are so many choices of ship, from massive to small, offering activities for any kind of traveler. You can be busy from earliest sunrise until the moon bids farewell - or you can spend leisurely days poolside or at the spa. If it's exercise you're after, some ships offer ice skating, rock climbing, nine holes of miniature golf, basketball, tennis, incredible gyms with all sorts of exercise equipment, various classes in aerobics, yoga, dancing of all kinds.
There are often guest lecturers in every topic imaginable from astronomy - very nice on those transatlantic and transpacific crossing with long hours under the night sky - to estate planning, to art appreciation. If you've always wanted to learn bridge, but never had the time, go for it now. Many ships have bridge experts on board and there is never a lack of
bridge partners - or others for scrabble, canasta, dominoes, or the like!

Cruising offers a chance to sample gourmet cuisine on board as well as in exotic ports. Most newer ships offer a selection of fine dining restaurants now, in addition to the regular dining room seatings. Wine lists are extensive and there are often wine tastings and seminars in that arena, not to mention martini madness and cocktail lectures given by some of the best
bartenders in the world!

The attentiveness of the crew is legendary and, if you are a frequent cruiser with the same
line or on the same ship, you are greeted with great affection, like returning family.

There is no better way, in my opinion, to cover vast distances, see a large number of places in a short amount of time, in complete ease and comfort, with every need and whim indulged, than aboard a cruise ship. That is my idea of the perfect retirement!

Learn more about this author, Carmen Henesy.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

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