Top 10 Reasons To Take A Cruise

Every year more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. Last year alone, more than 12 million people took a cruise. So, what's the big attraction? Here are the top 10 reasons that make cruising such an attractive vacation.

Make new friends

Today, cruise travel is no longer exclusively for retired seniors, but is becoming populated by young singles, couples, honeymooners and families. Because you are on the same ship for so many days, you can really become good friends with your fellow passengers. In fact, many people have made life-long friendships on cruise ships.

See the world

Cruising the high seas is one of the most relaxing ways to explore the world and every destination imaginable. Cruise lines echo the fact that one of the key attractions is that you can visit the globe's most famous destinations including intriguing world capitals and exotic tropical ports-of-call like Tahiti. Traveling on a cruise ship also provides for a stress-free experience since you don't have to worry about oddities and discrepancies with foreign hotel rooms and food.

You only unpack once

The joy of cruising is that you have to unpack only once and you visit new destinations each day. With cruising, you have everything with you; your "home" takes you wherever you go.

Get pampered

Regardless of budget, cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock. Crave a bit more pampering? Hit the ship's spa and choose from dozens of spa treatments that are sure to leave you feeling completely relaxed.

Fabulous food

All the great things you've heard about dining on a cruise ship are true. Cruises are feasts for the eyes and stomach. Depending on your mood, most cruise lines allow you a choice of where to dine either in a traditional dining room, small romantic venue or in a casual eatery.You will wine and dine on gourmet meals. Even children have their own menus. The best part is that there is virtually no limit on what or how much you can order. If you have the late night munchies, check out the late night dining venues, or order room service. Most cruise ships offer 24-hour room service, which is included in the price. Contrary to popular belief, you can certainly manage to stick to a healthy diet and still enjoy all the good stuff. Most cruise lines offer low-calorie and spa type cuisine in addition to their regular menu.

Entertainment galore

Entertainment on a cruise is second to none. There is something to do around the clock. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues or a quiet evening gazing at the stars. If you're into gambling, most cruise ships offer a wide variety of options. You can hone up on your Poker skills or play the slot machines.

Adventure awaits

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. Some cruises offer soft adventure expeditions to exotic places like the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica, while for some experienced vacationers, the cruise is focused on specialized culturally-rich ports of call like Athens or Venice with tours centered around history, treasures and antiquities.

On every cruise, shore excursions are offered and are the best way to enhance your vacation by allowing you to see and do more in the places you visit. Shore excursions are offered in most cruise ports and highlight the best local attractions, sight-seeing opportunities and high adventure activities like zip-lining along the tree tops, cave tubing, and dog sledding.

Stay in shape

Cruise lines have incorporated more comprehensive fitness options into their shipboard offerings, including lappools, putting greens with golf simulators, and gyms with state-of-the-art equipment that offer popular workout programs like aerobics, Pilates, circuit training and yoga. You can easily use your cruise to get into far better shape than when you left home!

All-inclusive value

It's easy to see why cruises are so popular today. First off, the fare includes accommodations, m and all on-board activities and entertainment, and most meals -- you know what your cruise will cost before you go. Best of all you get to visit some of the most enchanting places on the planet.

High satisfaction

According to travel agents, cruise vacations have a much higher percentage of satisfied customers than other types of vacations. A cruise vacation is a better value for your money and there is a cruise package for every budget.

You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make new friends, bond with your family, and steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, it's yours on a cruise vacation.

Anita Dunham-Potter Anita Dunham-Potter is a Pittsburgh-based travel journalist specializing in cruise travel and cruise vacations. In addition to writing pieces for Princess Cruises, Anita is a weekly travel columnist for MSNBC.com and Tripso, and she is a contributor to Fodor's "Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises 2007