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Prepare to enjoy yourself. I have been on quite a few cruise vacations in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediteranean. Just the right mix of enjoying entertainment and mellow relaxation.

Do you like:

Gambling? The casino will be open anytime you aren't in port. Have a blast.

Food? It is impossible to go hungry. There is always a kitchen or restaurant open somewhere. Make sure you hit the midnight pizza buffet for me. Most isn't the highest gourmet quality, but it is good enough. Make sure you hit the formal dining time at least a couple times, you'll have assigned tables and you'll meet new people to laugh with (or at). definitely go for the last night, the show is worth a few laughs.

Nightlife? There is always a bar/nightclub open. Want to dance? go to the danceclub. Want to hear piano music? Go to the piano bar. Want silence? go to the library. Want a show? The theater will have many choices of shows. comedians, revues, game shows.

Relaxation? Lay by the pool or hottub. Wife wants to show off the hooters? take her up to the topless sundeck. Sit under the stars on the deck sipping a beverage and listening to the waves. Go to the spa. Go to the gym. Learn to ballroom dance. Whatever your interests there is something.

I highly recommend that you arrive early so you can board ASAP. Get your gear into your cabin, relax, settle in, then head up to the pool area for some beverages and listen to the music. Usually they'll be playing beach-type party music. Did I mention that English probably won't be their primary language so it can be pretty funny. Just sit back and watch people.

Leave your cash in your room safe, everything you do on board (except the casino) will be charged to your room for you to settle at the end. Prices for beverages aren't out of line with what you'll find on land. I have alway lived by the BYOB system though. Grab some of your favorite drinks and load them in your luggage. Beware they can confiscate the bottles, but it's never happened to me. We usually pack a couple full size bottles of rum because you can get them in plastic bottles and just put them in with your toiletries. Whatever floats your boat.

Unless you are EXTREMELY sensitive you won't have to worry about seasickness. We encountered a REALLY nasty storm on one cruise but it felt like a couple bumps in the road, nothing more. ironically, you probably will feel a little dizzy about 5 hours AFTER getting off at the end of the cruise.


Oh yeah, you also can have plenty of fun in your ports each day.

have fun.

**treat your cabin steward well. They'll treat you well and entertain you. Keep some cash back and tip them discretely and directly - that is all they're likely to get. The company keeps your cabin steward charge that is applied to your bill. Same with your waiter for the formal dining room. Screw the maitre de dude - he's part of management and paid well.

We're going to Hawaii next month, but I would much rather go on a cruise. I loves 'em.