The Seven Seas Cruise

Why check in and out of hotels while on a vacation tour? Instead, touch upon several destinations as you sail in vessels of pure luxury. Travelers tell you why going on a cruise is a better vacation 

En voyage 

Cruise ships, be it an exotic passenger cruise liner or a smaller vessel (size is relative) are as much a destination as their ports of call. On short duration cruises (three to four nights), the pace is generally more hectic than on the longer runs. The destination also determines the intensity of the pleasure package. Alaska, Europe and the Round the World cruises are relatively more leisurely compared to the Caribbean and Bahamas or, for that matter, the Far East options.  

The great thing about cruising is that your floating five-star hotel transports you, from one destination to the next, at no extra cost, even while you party or sleep. To add to the experience is the option of no packing and repacking, no checking in and checking out of hotels, no airport or railway transfers. Today, people have started to realise that it's easier to fly out and catch the ship from almost anywhere! And since most of the big cruise companies have local representatives in India, the market and the world of waves is opening out rapidly.  

Excursion exploration 

Some of the more popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, trans-Atlantic crossings, the Mediterranean and the Far East. 

The Caribbean and Bahamas are year-round destinations. The cruises in this region are hectic, so you need to pack in as much fun as you can. The Alaska cruise season is May to September. Most sailings are week-long and start in Seattle, USA or Vancouver, Canada. Norwegian Cruise Lines is the only company that has a cruise ship placed permanently in Hawaii. 

Trans-Atlantic sailings are between New York and Southampton, UK. These are five-day options, undertaken when ships are repositioned during the winter and summer seasons. Like Alaska, most Northern European cruises are during summer. These are generally longer sailings (up to a fortnight). The Mediterranean, however, is a yearround affair with ships offering different itineraries between Spain, the French Rivera, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. 

Star Cruises is the main player in the Asian cruise market. Its main hubs are Singapore andHong Kong. It offers short three-to-four-night sailings that visit the neighbouring countries-Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Enjoy the blend of oriental and western influences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and lose yourself in the vast spread of French colonial architecture. When in Malaysia, do not miss the paradise-like view of Pulau Redang Island known for its spectacular marine life and snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving. So gear up to the seas' calling, as you regale in the luxurious voyage, and ride high on the waves... literally!  

Cruise guide 

Show time: The highlight of a cruise is often the live performance at the ship's theatre. Indeed, some of the newer, mega-sized ships have hi-tech stages at par with the best on Broadway. Many even stage Broadway productions like Hair and Chicago. 

Dressing right: Casual is the catchword during the day. Come evening and it gets formal. Men should pack at least one suit or dinner jacket, while women, an evening outfit, as most voyages have a formal night when the captain of the ship hosts a cocktail ball (it's the only occasion when the drinks are on the house). 

Tipping tips : Don't be surprised if, on the last day of your cruise, you find an envelope placed discreetly in your cabin. They're usually for you to place your tips in them for the cabin stewards, head waiter and his assistants. The total amount of tip 'recommended but expected' varies from ship to ship, but it's generally about USD 10 per person, per day.