18 Reasons Why People Take Cruises?

1. A cruise is a hassle-free vacation? On a cruise, you pack and unpack only once. Theres no driving around, looking for your hotel, or wondering where you should eat next. The cruise experience minimizes your concerns, melts away your stress, and maximizes your actual vacation time. 2. A cruise takes you away from it all. Its different out there .? So went one cruise lines promotional slogan. Smog, pollution, stress, traffic, alarm clocks, beepers, ringing telephones, chattering fax machines these are not what a cruise is all about. Cruises are instead about water, sea, sky, and landscape-the simple things that touch us so deeply. 3. Youre pampered like nowhere else. Breakfast in bed, lounging on deck, soaking in a hot tub, afternoon tea, perhaps champagne and caviar, and the most ever-present and gracious service youre ever likely to experience these are rare in our everyday life but commonplace on a cruise. 4. You can do it all or nothing at all. Most cruises provide a vast series of choices, the kind that enable you to pick, choose, or pass up as you wish. Your day might start with morning exercises on deck, yoga in the gym, or dance lessons in the lounge, followed by breakfast. After eating, maybe its a cooking class or a port lecture. You might choose to watch a new movie or learn a new sport. And all this before lunch. But no one will pressure you. You can sleep in until noon or snooze in a deck chair. Its all up to you. The level of planned activites also varies from ship to ship and from cruise line to cruise line. People who like plenty of things going on can certainly find a cruise that fits the bill. On the other hand, more independent types can select a cruise that features a very relaxed experience with very little structure. 5. You can sample a broad geographic area. A cruise usually covers a vast area, stopping at the most interesting places along the way. This is why the majority of cruisers, according to a CLIA study, consider a cruise vacation to be a good way to sample vacation spots that they may want to return to later for a resort vacation. A number of destinations are in fact best visited via a ship. Some examples: Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the islands off Southeast Asia, and the fjords of Norway. 6. A cruise is something new. Many people are tired of taking the same old trips, so they like trying out new vacation experiences. Since the vast majority of people have never been on a cruise, the desire to have a fresh adventure like a cruise can be powerfully motivating. 7. Cruises offer a huge variety of events, activites, and meals. See a show. Snooze lazily by the pool. Jog. Learn. Swim. Shop. Dine indoors or out, casual or elegant, 7 times a day if you want. Explore a port or stay onboard. Cruises these days are about choice. Of course the size and personality of the ship determine what choices youll have, but almost surely youll find it impossible to be bored on a cruise. 8. A cruise faciliates shopping. Each port has its own shopping opportunities (often duty-free), as does the ship itself. (A wide selection of onboard boutiques is becoming increasingly common.) Plus, you dont have to haul your purchases around as you go from place to place. 9. Its easy to make friends on a cruise. Meeting new people on a cruise is simple. Opportunities to socialize seemingly are endless. Many of the people you meet will share your interests-that you chose the same ship, cruise, and destinations assures it. And some of these friendships may endure well beyond the cruise. 10. Cruises lend themselves to groups. If you take a cruise with people from an organization you belong to (e.g., a college alumni trip), youll see old friends and meet new ones. If its a theme cruise (e.g., a jazzthemed departure), youll meet people you have plenty in common with. 11. A cruise is a romantic experience. Its amazing how many films, plays, songs, and books use cruises as the setting for romance. Cruises have a way of breathing new energy into an old relationship, or of setting the stage for a new one. (A Cosmopolitan survey concluded that 80% of cruisers feel more amorous at sea. It concluded many other things that we will not go into here)

12. A cruise is a learning experience. Even if your goal is merely to have a good time, youre almost sure to learn something new about the ports you visit. On many cruises, expert lecturers onboard give enrichment presentations that help you understand more fully the history and culture of places on the itinenary. Indeed, some specialty cruise lines make passenger learning their primary goal (and thats precisely why their passengers select them). A few merge soft adventure experiences with education, offering what is called an expedition cruise product. 13. Theres a cruise that can satisfy virtually anyone. As youve no doubt concluded by now, just about everyone-families, singles, clubs, church groups, young people, old people, lovers of sports, lovers of knowledge, and more can find a cruise to be fulfilling. Few other vacation experiences can make that claim. And it doesnt even have to be a vacation. Many companies hold their meetings, retreats, or incentive events on ships. Some charter the whole vessel. 14. Its a great way to celebrate a special event. People on their honeymoon, couples celebrating their anniversary, or those enjoying a birthday all find a cruise to be especially fulfilling. 15. Everybodys talking about how wonderful cruises are. Cruising is an in thing. Everyone seems to talk about cruises and thats being reinforced by many TV shows and movies. Several studies indicate that word-of-mouth from relatives, friends, and acquaintances is a prime reason consumers choose to cruise. And several experts argue that a hidden reason for people to go on cruises is so they can brag about it when they get back. 16. Cruises represent a safe travel experience. In an age when crime or terrorism happens far too easily, a cruise represents one of the safest vacation choices available. The ships environment is highly managed. Anything out of the ordinary is swiftly noted. Passage onto and oof the ship is strictly controlled. Professional often check the vessels hull while in port-even underwater. Luggage is scanned. And vessels have safety and construction features that make problems very unlikely. 17. Its a fabulous value for the money. When you compare what you get for your cruise dollar to what youd pay for a similar land-based vacation, you discover quickly that a cruise is a remarkable bargain. Since consumers regularly rate cruises higher than other vacation choices, a cruises value becomes keenly apparent. 18. You know what youre paying in advance. A cruise generally is an inclusive vacation. When people pay for their cruise experience, they know upfront what the majority of their vacation will cost. Rarely is this so for other sorts of trips. For example, a family driving through Southern Europe will probably know what their air, hotel, and car rental costs will be. But the cost for food, drinks,gas, tolls, and entertainment is quite unpredictable. These items could easily add 50 percent to the cost of the trip.

Cruise classification

CHEAPEST Cruise Lines. These are the "KIDS cruise lines" - the best fares as to entertainment, on-board facilities, activities, and programs (AKA Mass-Market, and Mainstream)

good product at affordable prices fares from $50 to $300 per day/person (Inside - Suite) itineraries from 3 to 10 days typical passengers: mix of "veteran cruisers" and "first-timers", from truly young to singles/couples in their 50s

large ships; great variety of activities; average food/service quality; "large resort like" experience rather than a traditional cruise; up to 3000 passengers. exemplary lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Costa, MSC. CHEAP Cruise Prices - BUDGET Cruises by Cheap Cruise Lines

basic product at a basic price fares from $200 to $500 per day/person itineraries from 3 to 17 days typical passengers: predominantly "first-timers", kids and families smaller and older ships; good food/service quality; such cruise lines are usually regional, with numerous passengers from the local territories exemplary lines: Celebration Cruise Line, Disney, Celebrity.

CONTINUING with Luxury Ship Cruise Lines - Luxury Small Cruise Ships.
According to the type of the itineraries, lines are classified in 2 main categories: Luxury RIVER Cruise Lines, operating river ship cruises with some of the best small cruise ships, on rivers and canals, mainly in Europe and North America, as well as in Russia, China, Egypt, the Peruvian Amazon.

good product at a more affordable price fares from $250 to $450 per day/person itineraries from 7 to 15 days (some can last for more than 3 weeks) typical passengers: regular and loyal customers- miscellaneous: the vessels are usually smaller, and accommodate an average of 90-240 passengers (up to 1000 on some ships); very good food/service quality. exemplary lines: Viking, and Uniworld.

SPECIALTY Cruise Lines

prices depend on the length/itinerary fares from $150 to over $500 per day/person

itineraries from 7 to 14 days passengers: vary by itinerary - from fairly young and lively (on sailing trips) to older and more experienced (on expedition cruises) miscellaneous: a real bouquet of itineraries (culinary cruises, cultural cruises, health and well-being cruises, romance cruises, expedition cruises, etc.); vessel types vary from restored ocean liners to coastal steamers and ice breakers. exemplary lines: Windstar, Star Clippers.

The Top Five Major Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean Intl
Not only is Royal Caribbean a top favorite among seasoned travelers, they also made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2010. Royal Caribbean's fleet travels to dozens of destinations around the world including the Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Australia and the Mediterranean.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line's website is a great way to get a feel for the wide variety of cruise options available. Use their search options to plan a cruise that includes activities such as riding horses on a beach, spending multiple nights in a Caribbean port or traveling through the Panama Canal.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines are known for their fun on-ship activities for the whole family. Popular for wedding parties and other large groups, Carnival sails to several areas including the New England and Canadian coastal areas, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Europe.

Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers more than 130 itineraries throughout the year with 330 ports of call. Onboard, you can enjoy on deck movies under the stars, the Sanctuary (a spa-like haven for adults) and balcony staterooms.

Holland America Line

Holland America has been part of the cruise industry for more than 150 years. Their fleet consists of 15 mid-size ships that offer 500 sailings each year to destinations on all seven continents.

Most modern cruise ships feature the following facilities:

Casino - Only open when the ship is at sea Spa Fitness center Shops - Only open when ship is at sea Library Theatre with Broadway style shows Cinema Indoor and/or outdoor swimming pool Hot tub Buffet restaurant Lounges Gym Clubs

Cabins
Your accommodations can range widely...usually determined by cost. Most cruise lines promote their ships as luxurious, and cabin (aka stateroom, not room) furnishings can range from quite "nice" to "utterly elegant". The less expensive tend to be quite a bit smaller than ordinary hotel rooms...space you may only use for a few hours each day besides to sleep anyway. But every square inch is usable, e.g., luggage fits under the bed to allow you to unpack many/all items and hang them in closets or store on shelves/in drawers for easy access. Cabin grades/categories. On large ships, you'll find a number of cabin grades or categories within each cabin type. They involve location, size, quality of view, features, etc. Good travel/cruise agents have access to the codes for the nuances of features and shortfalls for each. Cabin costs will vary not only type but by those gradations/categories. For any cabin type, costs reflected in brochures and web sites usually apply to the lowest grade. Cabin types The basic types include: Inside...the least expensive...in the interior of the ship, without a window, but with ship's air ventilation "piped-in". Ocean view... with windows (don't open, ship's air ventilation "piped-in")...slightly more expensive. The least expensive may have partially or substantially obstructed views.

Balcony/veranda at even higher prices, with outside chairs, perhaps a table, to watch sunsets, have a room-service meal or treat, and watch passing ships and land.

Mini-suites and full suites (the latter often multi-room) with private verandas. shower/bathtubs, sitting areas, perhaps hot tubs and other amenities...to command the highest prices.

Perhaps oddly, suites and the least expensive cabins tend to sell out first. Some cabins and all hallways have handrails for safety during occasional rough weather...not often needed. On ships built in the late 1990s or later, very few passengers will be: Bothered by pitching and rolling of the ship...all built with highly-effective stabilizers. Disturbed by the ship's engines or screws (propellers)...very quiet. Disturbed by frequent public announcements...easily heard in hallways and public areas. Except for key announcements, they are usually not piped into cabins, but can be heard on a designated TV channel. Features: Virtually all cabins have twin beds, usually joined to create a generous queen, with side tables/drawers or shelves. (See "Sleep" below.) Suites may have king-sized beds. Cabins configured for families may also have a pull-down or wall-mounted bunk-bed, sleeper sofa or settee, or another twin/queen bed. All come with a small safe. While on-board, you should lock all valuables in it (e.g., fine jewelry, passports, charge cards, cash), and leave them there unless needed, e.g., for a port visit, shopping ashore or dressing for dinner. Expect to find a large wall-mounted mirror or two. Handy for checking your appearance, they also make the cabin seem bigger. Small private bathrooms with showers are the minimum, with better cabins offering more space, shower/baths or larger showers. Each type will offer at least minimal toiletries typical for a motel (if you need specific ones, bring them), small cabinets and shelves for all toiletries, at least one counter and lavatory, and a toilet that operates by power suction. All will have a phone with wake-up call capability (synchronized to ship's time). Virtually all will have a TV, some even an attached DVD player. All will have at least a reach-in closet with a hanging rod, some hangars and a shelf often holding your life-vests. You'll also find storage drawers elsewhere. Suites may have walk-ins, with numerous shelves. Better rooms...uh, cabins...may have a settee, desk with chair or more.

Better ships/cabins often offer a small refrigerator, holding chilled cans and bottles for sale. If you bring your own drinks, ask the cabin steward to empty it of items for sale.

Power outlets and wattage are minimized...essential to avoid fire risk. The bathroom should have a low-wattage, usually 120V 60Hz outlet adequate for such as a shaver, and often a 220V outlet for the ship's hairdryer. If not in the bathroom, the 220V outlet may be near the bed or desk, perhaps with the ship's hair-dryer stored nearby. Near the bed or desk, you may find one or two low-wattage, usually 120V 60Hz outlets adequate only for such as a laptop. Net result: Don't bring your own iron or use your own hairdryer or anything that heats food or liquid.

Knowing these features and limits, experienced cruisers variously bring: An extension cord to use low-wattage 120 volt items at convenient locations, and 1-2 nite-lites. A small, plug-in surge arrester to prevent damage to personal electronics. For warm climes, a small fan. Cabin air conditioners effectively but slowly change cabin temperature, but airflow is often modest. Some form of air deodorizer...balcony fresh air (if you have one) quickly helps but compromises air temperature and humidity.

On-board drinking water is usually obtained by reverse-osmosis...so efficient that some large ships visiting ports with water shortages may offload potable water. Older ships may use distillation supplemented by fresh water on-loads. All ships carefully add chemicals to ensure safety. Taste in cabins may be somewhat bland or have a hint of the chemicals. Elsewhere, water often receives additional filtration to assure excellent taste for use in bars, dining rooms, kitchens, and buffet self-serve drink dispensers. If "your" ship offers laundromats (usually consistent across each cruise line), each usually has more than one pair of washers/dryers and one or moreirons and ironing boards usable only there. You'll also find detergent and softener dispensers. Machines and dispensers usually require coins or tokens...obtained at the Pursor's desk, perhaps from a coin machine in the laundry room.

The History Of The Cruise Line Industry

Ever since the creation of man us humans have been fascinated with our seas and oceans. Used primarily to explore new lands, then for the transportation of cargo as our world began to become industrialised and started to trade with foreign lands. With industry came wealth with people wishing to spend their disposable income to pursue more adventurous forms of vacation and excitement. Our instinct to visit parts of the world only read about from these explorers of the past was now a reality once again. In 1818 the Black Ball Line operating out of New York was the first shipping company to offer a scheduled passenger service from the United States to England. Trade and leisure expanded together, which fuelled through demand the manufacture of larger, more luxurious ships such as the Titanic which has its own unique history all to itself. The 1st and 2nd world wars seen the current cruise ships of the time commandeered as troop carriers and after the wars as transportation for the displaced refugees seeking a new life in foreign lands. The industry recovered quickly as the US government heavily subsidised the building of cruise ships with the view to possible redeployment in the events of future world conflict. Although huge breakthroughs within the aviation industry dented the surge in transatlantic journeys the 1960s witnessed the beginning of the modern cruise ships. People wanted to relive the glory years of the past and could now have short vacation cruises by connecting from the now readily available flights on offer. You could actually argue the breakthroughs in aviation have recreated and rekindled the cruise line industry of today. With fantastic luxury and top class entertainment onboard, todays cruises have seen the voyage itself being the attraction rather than the geographic cruise destinations. Gone are the days of catering for the elite, this industry is geared up for the masses and is now one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry.