Why Cruise??

One of the most popular questions I answer is "Why should I take a cruise?"  Why not just go to Cancun or Jamaica for a week?  This week, I will dis-spell some myths and hopefully give you some great reasons to try a cruise on your next vacation.

Myths:
1  Cruises are for the newly wed or the nearly dead.
FALSE!   While you will see honeymooners and seniors on cruises, there are plenty of age groups and something for everyone.  Did you know the average age of a cruiser on the mass market ships (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian) is 48 years old?  With all the activities on board, there truly is something for everyone.

2.  There's nothing for my kids to do.
Oh boy!  I have a copy of the Camp Carnival activity sheet at my desk to show parents just how much there is to do for kids.  (It has new, upgraded names now but it will always be Camp Carnival to me!)  Each child will be in a 'class' with other kids their age from 3-17 years old. Most major cruise line have children's programs.   There are licensed and trained 'counselors' for each group who will supervise activities like a Treasure Hunt (little ones dress up like pirates), wii games, video arcade, pizza party, slumber parties (allowing parents some night time fun) and more.  Best part?  It's FREE!!  Each ship will have at least 2 pools, one with water works and slide.  24 hour pizza and ice cream can be found on the Lido deck, as well as hot dogs, chicken nuggets, hamburgers and fries.

3.  I'll be bored.
I'd like to know how.  Each day, the cruise director and his staff have multiple activities including bingo, trivia contests, wine tasting, art auctions, pool games, shopping and shore excursion talks and dance classes, just to name a few.  There is a casino, a spa and fitness center, pool, and on some ships, an adult only pool/whirlpool section for quiet, relaxing sunbathing.  There are several bars offering 'drink of the day' specials, and lounges with a variety of entertainment offered at night.  And don't miss the big production shows in the Main Show Lounge where you might see a juggler, comedian, Broadway Show or Las Vegas Review.

4.  I'll get sick.
Most people don't.  If you don't get car sick, you probably won't get sea sick.  I do.  Yes, I get sea sick.  I still have a bag packed for a cruise at the drop of a hat.  I love being on the ocean.  It took me 3 cruises, however, to find out why I get sick and to eliminate it.  It's a wonderful drug (over the counter) called Bonine.  You find it at Walgreens, Wal Mart or CVS, right next to the Dramamine.  Bonine doesn't make you sleepy.  I take one pill a day, starting a day or two before my cruise and I take it every day.  Works like a charm.  I also can't ride backwards.  I have to be careful to sit facing the front of the ship or my stomach will quickly tell me I'm "going the wrong way".  Another way to prevent getting sick is to eat.   It's important to have a good meal the night before your cruise and get a good night's rest. There is a reason the cruise line feeds you 14 times a day.  With a full stomach, you're less likely to get sick. Which brings up the last point.

5.  I'll gain weight.
I loose 5-7 pounds on every cruise.  Does everyone?  Maybe not.  But I have found that when I cruise, I eat at regular times, 3 times a day, and don't snack as much.  Plus, I walk.  A lot!  From where you are to where you need to be is at the other end of the ship and 4 decks up.  A tip from a Master Cruise Counselor with 17 cruises under her belt, is take the elevator up (if going more than 2 decks) and walk down.  It's easier walking down than up. 

Cruising is a wonderful way to see many destinations in one trip.  No packing and unpacking.  No worrying about local currency or language.  All meals, entertainment, and of course that wonderful bed in your stateroom is included in your cruise price.  All in US dollars.  We will explore some of these wonderful places in the next blog. 

In the meantime, I'd like to hear from you.  What are some of your cruise memories? 
Watch our website for information on National Cruise Vacation Week October 17-23.  Lots of specials.
http://www.bhtravel.com/.

Until next week, SEA ya!