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So, you're thinking about taking a cruise for the first time, and as anyone
should, you have questions. What is cruising really like? Is it right for me?
Where should I go? What can I see? WHO IS A TYPICAL CRUISER?
We don't believe there is a
"typical" cruiser. Cruisers are as wide and varied a lot as the ships that they
sail on. Some are young, some older, some are looking for non-stop fun and some
want cultural enrichment. Unlike in the days of yore - pre-1976 (about the time
the original "Love Boat" was on TV), cruises are not just for the elderly and wealthy.
Back in the 1960's and 70's, when cruising was in its infancy, the majority of
cruisers were more mature, had plenty of money and plenty of time. It was not
uncommon for a ship to depart New York City for a three-week jaunt to the Caribbean.
But over the years, cruising has evolved into "everyman's holiday". On a
cruise
ship today, you are likely to find passengers
from all ages, income levels and backgrounds. According to the Cruise Line International Association, the majority
of cruisers today are under 60 years old and has an annual household income of
$60,000 or less. In fact, the average age of cruise passengers has decreased
year over year to the mid-40s and cruise lines are re-tooling their on board
products and offerings to appeal to even younger and more active passengers. In
fact, many of the cruise lines are now recognizing the Gen-X'ers (25-35 years
old) and the Gen-Tech'ers (15-25) as the two age groups that hold the most
promising prospects as future cruise customers.
In actuality, on a typical 7-night Caribbean cruise, you are likely to find
the majority of the passengers in the 35-55 age range, but a good rule of thumb
is that the longer the cruise, the older the average age will be. Of course, on
shorter three and four night cruises, you may find a younger crowd but it is
just as likely to be a widely varied lot with younger and older couples,
singles, families and seniors.
IS CRUISING RIGHT FOR ME?
Well of course it is!! Cruises
offer something for just about everyone. Some people cruise just for the sheer
joy of being at sea. It's a magical feeling of relaxation, elation and freedom
from the stress of everyday life. Or some cruise to experience the convenience
of visiting up to six different ports of call in one week, all without having to
worry about packing and unpacking, making hotel reservations or catching flights. The ship is your floating hotel and
magically transports you from one exotic destination to the next. What do people find so appealing about a cruise? Cruises offer excellent
value as they include your accommodations for the length of the cruise, meals
and entertainment. On board the latest generation of cruise ships you'll find
multiple dining options ranging from formal sit-down restaurants, to pizza, a
grill serving hot dogs and hamburgers, casual buffets and informal bistros.
You'll also find a myriad of entertainment options with lavish Broadway and
Las
Vegas style revues, live rock and country-western
bands, cabaret, jazz, piano bars, discos and casinos. You'll also be able to
keep up your workout regimen with the state of the art fitness facilities and
spas, not to mention jogging tracks and swimming pools. On some ships you will
even find ice-skating rinks and rock climbing walls!! Today's modern ships also
follow and feature many of the popular trends found in world-class resorts and
major cities such as Martini, Champagne and Caviar Bars, Cigar Clubs, cozy
bistros, Coffee Bars and Internet Cafes.
The myriad of on board activities can range from napkin folding and vegetable
carving to sports competitions, lectures on the fine arts, politics and world
famous authors. Then there is the simple, yet hedonistic allure of simply
relaxing in a deck chair with a view of the sea and being waited on hand and
foot by your ship's onboard staff.
So, as you can see, life on board ship is not so different than vacationing
at a large resort or in a large city. You can have and do it all or do nothing
at all.
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