4 Places to Take a Cruise

4 Places to Take a Cruise

by Susan Gerle

There are so many choices of destinations and cruise lines for cruising these days.  It is no longer just a way for seniors to travel either.  Young couples or singles and even families are opting for this type of vacation now.  You can leave a major port anywhere in the world!  My cruising has been from North American ports.

Deciding on a length and destination for the cruise is probably the most difficult choice.  I look at the number of days I want to travel first of all.  I have done 4-day, 7-day, and 10-day cruises.  There are also much longer cruises available for those travelers who really enjoy life on the water and have the time to do it.  All major cruise lines offer every imaginable amenity on their ships now.

If you live inland, you have to consider what port you want to begin your cruise. In North America the majority of cruises sail out of New York City, Miami, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Galveston, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Diego. 

1. Caribbean Cruises
In the Western Hemisphere, Caribbean Cruises are very popular.  The combination of sun, sand, snorkeling, and warm turquoise water is the ideal vacation destination.  Throw in some cultural experiences in Jamaica and Mexico and it becomes the perfect holiday for any age. 

2. Panama Canal Cruises
Cruising through the Panama Canal has always been a favourite destination for cruisers.  They get to experience something that is historical as well as an amazing piece of engineering.

3. Repositioning Cruises
I live on the West Coast of Canada.  I can do what is called a re-positioning cruise out of Vancouver over a long weekend.  This is when the Alaska Cruises end and the ship heads back to Los Angeles or further south.  I only travel one way and then fly back. It is a fantastic relaxing way to spend a weekend!

Of course you’re all set to have this wonderful experience and all you want is to sit in a deck chair overlooking the ocean with a tropical drink in your hand.  But there are a few housekeeping rules that have to be gone over before you leave port. The major one of course is the lifeboat drill.  Expect to spend about an hour while you learn how to lineup, put your life jacket on, and find out which lifeboat station you are required to report to should there be an incidence. In all that time I've been cruising I've never had a problem.

Then comes the joy of finding your room on a ship with often seven stories and many hallways.  The first day or two you spend a lot of time lost but that’s okay because the ship is huge and there are lots of things to see. It’s also a good way of meeting new people!

Sailing out of a major port is always such a wonderful experience. It’s fun watching the people on shore, waving to them, listening to the music as the ship leave the harbor.

4. Mexican Riviera Cruises
If you have 10 days or so for a holiday, there is nothing nicer than relaxing on a ship out in the middle of the ocean, soaking up the sunshine as you cruise down the West Coast of California and Mexico. It’s a great way for your over-stressed mind to relax.  Take a romantic getaway or a chance to have a holiday with friends or family. Nowadays it is so easy to get from Vancouver, Canada down to one of the departure ports in California.

I always like to arrive a day before my ship sails, so I have a chance to enjoy some of the area that I’m sailing from. Also, if my luggage got left behind, it has time to catch up with me.

The ports of call I enjoy on the shorter Mexican Riviera Cruise are Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.  There are longer cruises, which go down to Acapulco too but I find 3 ports and a few days at sea perfect for a relaxing holiday.

Cabo San Lucas is a great spot to whale watch or just enjoy the day snorkeling at one of the many secluded beaches.  Enjoy the next port, Mazatlan, by hanging out at one of the beachside tourista cafes.  If you want a true Mexican experience though, grab a cab or bus to the downtown area.  There are loads of shops and cafes that offer wares at local prices.  Both stops are only for a few hours but well worth getting off the ship.  Shore excursions can be arranged ahead of time.

The next stop, Puerto Vallarta, is my favourite port. You can get a taxi to take you downtown for a very reasonable price and the rate is fixed from the cruise ship.  Ask to be let off at the Malecon, which is a good place to explore the beautiful city.  Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront of the gently curving Banderas Bay or enjoy an art walk or other great shopping.

I enjoy the time at sea too.  There are so many things to do on the ship besides eating and drinking and swimming.  Most cruise ships have a couple of show lounges, a theatre, an exercise room, a day spa, and casino.  Many are also equipped with extra facilities like a climbing wall, tennis courts, and a running track for those who want to stay in shape.

Whatever your destination is and however long you plan to travel, just remember to take in every sight you can.  You may never get the opportunity to return to the same place again!