Cruise control: it's time to set sail: ocean voyages are more popular than ever - Living Well Travel
Alicia VillarosaShe gazes out over a crystal-blue vista from the deck of a luxury ocean liner. The sound of soft calypso music drifts down from another deck as, below her, waves lap at the side of the ship. Lazily she contemplates taking a shore excursion.
Who is this fabulous person? It could be you! Sailing aboard a five-star floating resort is no longer just a honeymoon splurge or the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. Deals are available on lavishly equipped fleets that dock at prime ports of call. "Misconceptions about cost often keep people from booking trips," admits Bob Sharak, executive director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). But, Sharak adds, that tide is turning. An estimated 8.3 million Americans took a cruise vacation in 2003, according to the CLIA. That's an industry record. And 56 percent of those who have ever cruised (more than 23 million people) have done so in the past five years, a recent CLIA survey found. If you're resourceful, you can book a cruise vacation for a fraction of the cost of a full-price package. The following are some ways to get started:
Tips for Smoother Sailing
* Find out the number of passengers (if overcrowding is a concern) and their average ages.
* Inquire about onboard medical facilities and staff.
* Ask about the ship's atmosphere: Is it formal or casual? Will there be constant partying, or is it pretty laid-back?
* When choosing your cabin, remember that interior staterooms are the most economical. but they have no view. And ask whether your room is near the disco or another area where motion and noise might disturb you.
* Find out if your vessel is shipshape. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regularly checks ship sanitation records and posts scores on cdc.gov/travel
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