Top Reasons to Take a Cruise

As with everything in life, different people go on cruises for different reasons. Some people will prefer the activities that are prevalent on some cruises, like rock climbing, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining over a tropical rain forest's canopy or walking along a glacier's edge. Other people may prefer thecamaraderie , the food, the gambling and nightclub scenes, the water, the ports of call, or just being on a huge ship with thousands of people they don't know, but soon could. And then there is also choosing what type of cruise to take, and what size of cruise liner to take that cruise on.

Whether taking a cruise on the QEII, The Freedom of the Seas, or The Oasis of the Seas, which are among the largest cruise ships on the high seas, or taking a cruise on a container ship bound for Hong Kong, there is plenty to do and see. The major differences between cruises lay in the ship itself, the services provided, and the class of the people around you, as well as the comfort and services that the higher-class ships offer. And, of course, the cost.

The top-ten reasons to cruise include, but in no way are limited to;

1) Camaraderie. Singles cruises have been on a constant incline in business and departures over the past couple of decades, and is still a very active genre of the cruise lines. However, you do not need to go on a singles cruise to meet people, as all cruise ships have people of all stripes on board. With a few thousand people on each cruise, the chances of finding someone that you can get along with great, and do things with (like seeing the ports of call, scuba diving, hiking, etc.) are very good. If youare going on a cruise by yourself, there really is no reason to think that you will be alone for the entire cruise.

2) Ports of Call. A cruise ship is like a string of mini-vacations all jumbled into one vacation. You can visit a bunch of Greek islands, tropical islands, glaciers or rain forests. Again, if you are single ortravelling alone, then you should either stick with a guided tour, or make a friend, or a few friends, to go ashore with. It is never advised to go ashore alone, as many ports of call are also centres of major crime rings, as well as nefarious-minded people who prey on unsuspecting tourists and cruisers. Remember, if you are visiting an impoverished country or city, then expect a certain element of crime ashore. That being said, you get a different culture with each stop, and a different economy, wild life and night life.

3) Water. There is no shortage of water on a cruise ship, and the cruises that are in tropical, warm waters usually stop at different locales so people can enjoy the warm, tropical waters. There is scuba diving, with swimming pool lessons before going into the ocean, for safety's sake. There are usually small boats and other watercraft for rent, or for general use (you have to sign up early for these) on most cruises, as well as shore fishing and beach walking. Most newer, bigger cruise ships haveOlympic -sized (or bigger) swimming pools, wave pools, water slides and rides, and surfing simulators. What, you're on a cruise, did you expect a desert?

4) Food. The better, and larger, cruise ships have internationally renowned chefs working day and night in the galleys (kitchens). Most cruises have 2 or 3 seatings per meal, and range from buffet, pre-determined meal choices or menu choices. On top of that, there are usually restaurants and bars, as well as room service to keep your tummy full of the most delicious and tempting foods. Kraft dinner and hamburger helper can wait until you get back home.

5) Entertainment. From big-name singers and groups performing nightly, to piano men, bar bands and magicians, there is always something to do or see at sea. For the cost of the cruise, you could argue that the number of plays, bands and entertainers that you see more than make up for the charge. And now, casinos with poker tournament are all the rage with many cruise lines. Casinos have always been popular, as the ships, when sailing in international waters, do not have to follow the laws of the land, which explains why some cruise ship's casinos do not open until they are in international waters.

6) Free Booze. Some people can really pack it in over a 7-day and 7-night cruise. If the drinks are free, then the cost can logically be deducted from the ticket price, making the cost of the cruise even more tantalizing (especially if the food is free, too). However, if it is your first cruise, then maybe taking it easy until you get your sea legs would be a good bit of advice to heed.

7) Variety. No matter what type of cruise you take, the size of the ship or the type (container ship, classy cruise ship, gigantic cruise ship or small cruise ship, etc.), there will be a large variety of things to do, people to talk to, foods to eat and drinks to enjoy. Variety is, after all, the spice of life.

8) Romance. When on a cruise ship, there is a bit more of that "free" feeling that people get when away from home, amongst a large group of good-looking people. Whether it is a singles cruise or any other type, there will be people aboard who are looking for romance on the high seas. Cruises are a great way to propose marriage as well. Unless, of course, the answer is no.

9) Different Cultures. The different ports of call offer different cultures, different climates and different wildlife. On a 7-night cruise, you can see 5 or 6 different islands, each offering a different culture, different ways of making a living and different styles of architecture. Bring extra memory cards, or film if you still use an SLR camera, because you will be taking so many pictures, you may end up with carpel tunnel syndrome.

10) Because You Won It! Cruises are offered as prizes in many charity lotteries. The only cost to the winner is the taxes and possibly the transportation to the cruise's starting port of call, unless the food, booze and entertainment are not free on the cruise. As well, the cruises that are offered as prizes are usually for two to eight people, and that means treating your friends and loved ones to the trip of a lifetime.

(Honorable Mention) Pirates! Aye, laddy. And a barrel of rum! Who didn't dream of being a pirate, or played pirates with friends or siblings, using fake swords and bed-covers for capes when they were young? Live out your earliest dreams, and sail the Horn of Africa, or the Gulf of Aden. Somalia's coast may guarantee a good sighting or two, but these are not the romanticized pirates of days gone by, reflected by the distinguished and gentlemanly acting of Errol Flynn, Maureen O'Hara and Douglas Fairbanks. JohnnyDepp, not so much.

Ask a hundred people what the top-ten reasons to take a cruise are, and you will most likely end up with a hundred different lists. The allure of the cruise, the exotic ports of call, the different cultures and climates will almost always be on the lists. If you have not yet taken a cruise, yet love to travel, you really should try one, even on a small cruise ship, just to see if it is, as they say, your cup of tea.

Enjoy the high seas. And try to avoid those nasty little pirates!