Cruise Travel

A cruise can be a wonderful way to travel, relax and enjoy a marvelous vacation experience. From dancing to incredible spreads of delicious food to Las Vegas-style entertainment and more, a cruise ship is your key to an extraordinary vacation. Just be sure you ship out on the cruise that''s right for you. How can you make sure you''re making the right selections? These guidelines can help.

Factors to Consider with Cruises

Cruises vary widely in duration, cost and destinations, so knowing your options can help you find the best cruise package for your needs and expectations.

• Think about the dynamics of a cruise ship. You''ll be with a lot of people in a relatively confined space, so the ship''s size, features, activities and overall space are important.
• The language that the crew and fellow passengers speak is very important. You''ll want to be able to communicate easily with as many people as possible.
• Find out the ratio of crewmembers to passengers on the ship as this varies between cruises. A 1:3 crew-to-passenger ratio is desirable. Anything less might be an indicator of inferior service.
• Make sure you''re going off with the right mix of people. For instance, do you want a singles cruise? A family cruise? A formal or casual cruise? Do you prefer dining that''s rich and gourmet or decidedly health-conscious? Would you like to mix with a party crowd or do you prefer quiet contemplation? Do you want learning experiences and interesting lectures by acknowledged experts or would you prefer to spend your days lounging on the deck?

Virtually every cruise line has a website. Visit a number of them and find the cruise ship, the destinations, the activities and all the other factors that work best for you. Do your homework first . . . then set sail for paradise!