The Caribbean and Cruise lines
Five million people who do it every year can't be wrong. Cruising is a great vacation. Besides being affordable, a cruise has all the elements for a good time . . . The luxury of relaxing on deck under a warm sun while it's freezing cold back home. The invigorating sea air. The friendly crew that makes you feel like the ship is your home. Conversation at dinner and all the seconds you can eat. Feeling swell on formal night. Gorgeous beaches on island stops. Skeet shooting, or playing cards, on deck. Romance. It's hard to beat.
But which cruise to choose from the countless offers available on the Internet? Before deciding, take a few minutes to stop by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for an overview of the industry. Baby Boomers and their children dominate the growth market, and you better believe that the industry has their every wish in mind. European-style spas, casinos, conference centers, theaters, miniature golf courses, restaurants, video parlors and pizzerias are standard amenities.
CLIA reports that 60 new ships are on the horizon by 2004. Wider and taller, the new vessels will feature specialized interests for frequent cruisers. With space as large as the Royal Caribbean planned 142,000-ton, 3,224-passenger Viking series, the sky is the limit. Futurists see social trends defining new features, such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, in-line skating, and perhaps even tracks for mountain biking.
Joe Farcus, a ship designer for Carnival Cruises, sees tomorrow's sophisticated cruiser demanding a "niche" experience. For example, Farcus says, a ship built around an art theme might feature an on-board museum rivaling those found in international capitals.
New destinations are the Amazon River Basin, Chilean Fjords and Tahiti. In the next decade, ship traffic is likely to increase in the South Pacific, where I once spent an idyllic three weeks sailing between Singapore, Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Hong Kong. Cruise Asia has some offbeat ideas that sound like fun.
For bargainers looking for a last-minute deal, CLIA mentions several millennium cruises with empty berths.
CLIA provides Cruise Line Links. Honeymooners, first-timers and houseboat renters can get the details on what's available from Sailing & Cruises reviewers. Get Ten Tips for Taking the Kids from Family Magazine. Dreaming of a romantic getaway? Catch Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman doing their "From Here to Eternity" thing.
THE CARIBBEAN
The islands remain the most popular cruise destination. First-time cruisers may want to See Caribbean for a map of the entire area, plus individual maps and descriptions. Among the 30 islands profiled are several which appear as ports-of-call on many itineraries, including:
Jamaica: The name is derived from the Indian word "Xaymaca," meaning the land of wood and water. Indeed, the island's rivers and streams nourish a green landscape and colorful plants. Beautiful white beaches, Reggae music, spicy food, lots of nightlife.
St. Maarten: Shared by the Dutch and the French since 1648, the small (37 square miles) island has an industrial attitude. Excellent duty-free shopping in the Philipsburg capital, good restaurants, casinos, cafes, easy access to the beach.
St. Thomas: The largest and most developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ships anchor directly across from the Main Street of Charlotte Amalie, the capital. A very pleasant day can be spent in the shops, restaurants, the Hard Rock Cafe and hanging out in the bars.
The Bahamas: Actually located in the Atlantic. I find the aqua-color waters of the Bahamas sublime. The Islands of the Bahamas tours the entire island network.
by Luanne Axt
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