Quality Cruises: Part One

I still remember my first cruise with Matson Lines in 1960 from San Francisco to Hawaii. As travel writers, my husband and I cruise "considerably." I treasure memories of other cruises to China, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska and other areas. My husband, Louis isn't as sold on what he calls "jail" cruises. He likes plenty of uncrowded shore time, and favors calm water or river cruises where getting sick is never a problem. Others take a different approach. We shared a table on an Alaskan cruise with couples who rarely got off the ship. They watched the scenery and played bridge instead. Another couple we met on a Hawaii cruise never left the ship without golf clubs and managed to get in at least 18 holes a day. Last cruise to Hawaii I flew in sailplanes and helicopters, we rode bikes, snorkeled, body and board surfed, road outriggers and fished between scenic drives. Last summer's cruise to Alaska found Louis fishing -- what else? -- while I went up in float planes and helicopters. To find the cruise that suits you best, research first. Every cruise line we know has a net site and you can find a host of general, senior or small ship sites as well. This seems the best approach, for while you can get valuable booklets and handouts from travel agents some of this literature isn't up do date. Most agree agents in firms that specialize in cruises who have visited ships or cruised provide the most valuable help. Just remember they work on commission and you can sometimes find better prices.

You should also check the library for articles and books on your area of interest. These help you compare the shore activities, car rentals etc. offered on board with those you can often find for less if you book them on your own. Friends provide useful information ONLY IF they have taken enough cruises to evaluate ships, and their interests match yours. Ships do change over time. Some improve, some deteriorate, but only heroes take maiden voyages when anything that can go wrong will. The type of cruise seems as important as the location. You don't get much swimming on Alaskan cruises and sedentary folks who can't stand up to the heat miss much of the action in the tropics. So what's the weather like when you plan to cruise? Early and late summer cruises often test your sea legs with storms. So check the temperature, rainfall and the possibility of storm seas during the months you plan to sail.

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