Twenty years ago, most cruise passengers didn't plan on doing anything more strenuous than jockeying for their favorite deck chair. But today there is a dynamic explosion in cruising, with travelers demanding the same type of variety and activities on deck that they would expect from other types of vacations.
Today's ships offer options like skating rinks, horseback-riding shore excursions, luxury spas, cooking lessons and rock-wall climbing. You can have your family reunion or take a "kid-free" cruise. You can go on a gospel-themed voyage or a girlfriend getaway. Here's how to pick a cruise that's right for you.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
IF YOU LIKE TO: Cruise with other brothers and sisters from around the country--or the globe
CHECK OUT: Royal Caribbean International. The cruise line offers three ways to connect with Black culture: the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage; the National Professionals Network (NPN) Leadership Summit and Spa at Sea; and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) Alumni Cruise.
VIBE: These options are definitely the way to cruise with "flavor." They're almost like traveling with a very large extended family. The Fantastic Voyage is now a yearly ritual for folks looking to combine their vacation with support for historically Black universities and colleges. The NPN cruise provides a power-networking opportunity, and the HBCU Alumni Cruise is a great way to relive the spirit and pride of your college years.
HIGHLIGHTS: On the Fantastic Voyage, check out the art auction, daily workouts with fitness diva Donna Richardson and a star-studded entertainment roster. Passengers on the NPN cruise can schmooze with high-powered guests like Howard University's president, H. Patrick Swygert, and ABC news correspondent Carole Simpson. HBCU Alumni cruisers can sport their school colors at step-show competitions, participate in bid whist tournaments, and then dance the night away at the Players' Ball.
CONTACTS: Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2005, May 29-June 5; (972) 980-SAIL (7245), blackamericaweb.com
National Professional Network 2005 Leadership Summit and Spa at Sea, August 4-13; (877) 416-3005, npncruise.com
HBCU Alumni Cruise, October 23 30; (800) 966-6512, hbcucruise.com
STAY-FIT PROGRAM
IF YOU LIKE TO: Exercise no matter where you are
CHECK OUT: Crystal Cruises' Walk On Water program, featuring fitness expert Debbie Rocket's Walkvest, a lightweight cotton vest with strategically weighted pockets around the midsection. The vest fires up your walking routine by providing better resistance, support and equilibrium control than that of handheld or ankle weights.
VIBE: Luxurious fitness with a mind toward keeping cruisers disciplined and helping them push their boundaries.
HIGHLIGHTS: The promenade decks on each of Crystal's three ships are devoted entirely to the Walk On Water program. Walkvest representatives offer support and encourage a vigorous onboard routine. Organized groups for beginner, intermediate and advanced walkers. CONTACT: Crystal Cruises, (866) 446-6625, crystalcruises.com. For more information about the Walkvest, telephone (877) WALKVEST or visit walkvest.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOVES
IF YOU LIKE TO: Keep the kids active while you relax on deck
CHECK OUT: The Holland America line. It's a leader in innovative onboard child care and entertainment with its Club HAL Program, aimed at cruisers ages 3 to 17.
VIBE: Organized fun. All activities are supervised by Club HAL directors and assistants, all of whom have degrees in education, child development, recreation and other related fields. You'll have peace of mind, knowing there are plenty of age-appropriate activities to keep the kids happy and safe, as well as opportunities for the whole family to play together.
HIGHLIGHTS: Structured activities such as storytelling and arts and crafts for younger children, miniature golf and scavenger hunts for older ones. The alcohol-flee teen disco and the kids-only shore excursions to Holland America's Half Moon Cay Island in the Bahamas are highly popular.
CONTACT: Holland America, (877) SAIL HAL, hollandamerica.com
CUTTING-EDGE EXCURSIONS
IF YOU LIKE TO: Walk on the wild side
CHECK OUT: Celebrity Cruises. It's the first line to feature performances by Cirque du Soleil, the international circus troupe, on board its ships Constellation and Summit. (Last year the cruise line also introduced Celebrity Xpeditions, which offers once-in-a-lifetime trips to destinations like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.)
VIDE: Dreamlike--the unexpected whimsy will take your breath away. A Cirque du Soleil Masquerade Ball and performance are presented once on each cruise. For two hours each night, vividly surreal characters greet cruise guests. "The Wave Correspondent" carries bottles containing messages from the sea; "The Lantern Tuner" transforms the atmosphere around him with beams of light; and the joyful, rotund "Pez Erizo" delights the crowd.
HIGHLIGHTS: Shop at the Cirque boutique and nosh at The Bar at the Edge of the Earth. Cirque representatives also participate in Celebrity's lecture series.
CONTACT: Celebrity Cruises, (800) 437-3111, celebrity.com
CRUISING THE WEB
As ocean voyages become more popular--and more affordable--there's really no reason not to take the plunge. increased competition for cruise tines has yielded great discounts, membership perks and last-minute blowout sales. Start with your travel agent, or go directly to the line's Internet homepage. You can also land a fantastic deal on your own. These online sites can help you snag amazing deals on your dream cruise:
CRUISE MATES (cruisemates.com), CRUISE ADDICTS (cruisefi.com) and CRUISE CRITIC (cruisecritic.com). These three leading sites are mandatory stops for information about new ships, ratings and great deals.
CRUISECOMPETE.COM (cruisecompete.com). Allows customers to research and select a specific cruise ship and sail date, and then receive quotes from competing travel agencies to gel the lowest price.
02 CRUISE (02Cruise.com). Offers the CruiseDividends frequent-cruiser program to reward people who sail on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Travelers can earn points redeemable for cruises and thousands of name-brand merchandise items.
CHEAP LUXURY CRUISES (cheapluxurycruises.com). You can snag that last-minute trip on the Queen Mary 2 or another luxury liner at 40 percent or more off.
CRUISE.COM (cruise.com). Think of it as the cruise-deal supercenter; you'll find links to all the major lines and featured deals du jour.
Rachel Jones is a freelance journalist and frequent contributor to National Public Radio.
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