If you are able to leave at any time, or can do a bit of research beforehand, there are lots of cruise vacations available on the ‘Net, and likely through your local travel agent. Add the average price of a hotel room in a major city, which even with discounts averages more than $120 a night, to meal prices daily per person at about $30/day, transportation to fly to a place round trip like Cozumel, Mexico at $781 at the lowest price for an adult ticket and entertainment for a two-hour live show of music and dance at $25 - $30 nightly (and that’s a low ball average) for five days for a couple, not including tips, and you’ll spend about $2660 on most traditional vacations.. A five-day cruise to Cozumel and return with a sojourn in another town as well costs about $1000 for a couple, and that includes taxes and port fees. That’s a savings of more than $1600. It’s also why cruising has become popular for the middle class, and why something that used to be only for the wealthy is now accessible to many people, including children.

Those who live in Louisiana are fortunate to have a number of ports from which to take cruises within less than a day’s drive. Cruise ships leave out of Mobile, Alabama, New Orleans, Louisiana and Galveston, Texas. Out of New Orleans cruise down the river to the ocean, along the city’s coastline and  look at the lights from small towns as the boat makes its way in the early evening. A couple hours of wait time in lines before getting onto the ship is well worth the experience of having a wonderful view from the port side as night fell along the Mississippi.

Most people who cruise the first time take too much luggage and therefore spend more time getting on and off the ship then the veterans among us. Women who want to look good, can make that happen with a few simple outfits planned carefully and organized well. Layer simple knits, mostly in neutral colors that can be paired with neutral blouses and scarves. That’s important because of weather changes that occur on many cruises.  Fake pieces of jewelry, tastefully, but uniquely constructed, can round out or vary the look a woman needs for formal occasions on board ship. All of that requires a single piece of luggage, especially when clothing is rolled, using suitcase corners.

Many folks make new friends on cruises and find that one of the highlights of the vacation. Racial and religious divides disappear as people from a variety of places in the United States and the rest of the world find their way together to meals, shows and various activities aboard ship. Those who haven’t experienced much intercultural mix in their hometown find that cruising allows them to learn about others in a friendly and open atmosphere. The crew members of most cruise ships are usually from many different countries, and it isn’t uncommon on board for that to be reinforced during evening entertainment.  Differences dissolve in the casual ambiance of a cruise. It’s a small world after all, and you can find that out on the cheap when you take a cruise.