by Sarah Henshall

Every year more than 7 million people take an ocean cruise and while the number grows annually, there are also millions who have never ventured onto a cruise ship.

The reasons for not cruising abound: fear of being bored, too claustrophobic, what if I don’t like my dinner companions, shore excursions cost too much, I don’t like to dress up, I don’t want somebody telling me what to do when I go on vacation, how do I know I will like the people I meet, etc.

When someone raves about the great cruise they just took, the non-cruiser feels compelled to explain why they haven’t been on one.

As someone who has been on more than two dozen cruises and looks forward eagerly to the next one, here are some tips to consider about cruising.

• If you feel bored, you’re not paying attention. Cruise ships are floating resorts with dozens of activities, from simply sunbathing on deck inhaling fresh sea air to playing tennis or practicing your golf swing.  A typical cruise ship may have at least two dozen options daily, including aerobics, lectures, movies, massages, arts/craft classes, a casino, bingo, gym, etc. Onboard libraries are stocked with hundreds of books and DVD’s.

• Many of today’s cruise ships are huge (Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas accommodates 3,600 passengers/double occupancy). You won’t feel cramped when you realize it may take two or three days to learn your way around the ship.

• Experienced cruisers often like sitting at a table with others (lifelong friendships have begun at those tables). You can request a table for two or four if you wish. At a larger table, if you wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d’, who will make the change discreetly and politely. No matter where you sit, however, you will dine on fabulous food – and if on a special diet, most ships can accommodate salt-free, low carbohydrate, low cholesterol, diabetic or other diet preferences.

• Shore excursions offer experiences and insights into the culture of the port city and there are often several choices ranging in price. You can tailor your activities to your budget, including just visiting an area on your own, or renting a taxi for the day to tailor the visit to your own tastes.

• Reflecting today’s lifestyle trends, many cruise lines have a more relaxed dress code with attire dictated by the occasion. Even for special events, like dinner at the Captain’s table, a dark suit or cocktail gown is acceptable. Don’t buy a tuxedo for a cruise; most ships offer tuxedo rentals.

• A cruise is the ultimate in vacation freedom.  You can pick and choose your activities – or sloth – depending upon your own individual tastes. Companions can go on separate shore excursions or undertake different activities at the same time. No one is ever required to do anything, except participate in the one-time, on-ship emergency drill.

• Ships have personalities. Some cater to an older, more sophisticated crowd; others may cater to young people with a propensity to party. There are themed cruises, such as jazz festivals, bridge tournaments or murder mysteries at sea. Cruise destinations include Antarctica, the Amazon, Greek antiquities, Norwegian Fjords, Hawaii, the Caribbean or Russia. It’s easy to find travelers aboard with the same interests.

Here are some other quick insights:
Tipping today is often included in the price. If not, the guideline is $3.50 daily for the cabin steward and dining room waiter, $1.75 for the bus boy. Other tips should reflect a reward for special service.

Motion discomfort is a rarity today with modern stabilizers. A pick-up truck ride is more unpleasant.

Laundry and dry cleaning is available, usually for a fee.

Medical service is usually available 24 hours a day.