Cruisin'

We’re mostly talking about travel on Killer Hobbies this week. I’m not going to focus on one destination. Instead, I’m going to rave about the best way of all to travel: cruising!

Imagine days, or even weeks, of being pampered. Fed. Amused. Instructed. Entertained. All of that, on top of visiting some of the most exciting destinations in the world--during one trip. Without having to repack for each change in location.

That’s cruising!

I admit I’m a cruise addict. I’ve cruised Alaska’s Inside Passage three times. I’ve cruised along Mexico and through the Caribbean to different destinations, as well as to Bermuda. I’ve cruised the Hawaiian Islands, including a jaunt to Fanning Island in the Kiribati Republic to ensure that the ship visited a foreign land (necessary for ships not registered in the U.S.). I’ve also cruised the Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, a separate cruise of the Greek Islands, the Baltic, and the Danube River.

One fun thing for a writer is that the cruise lines often have enrichment programs for the passengers for days spent onboard ship and not ashore. I’ve often been able to give talks on writing while cruising, and contact the lines in advance to set it up once I’ve got my cruise booked. They’re usually quite amenable to the idea as long as there is sufficient time on board that isn’t already filled with activities. There are also writers who get their trips paid for by doing speaking engagements, but I haven’t been that fortunate... yet.

So... am I planning another cruise? I’m definitely thinking about it?

How about you? Have you ever been on a cruise? Did you enjoy it?