Not sure if you are a person
that will enjoy a cruise?

If your answer to any of the following is YES then you are certainly ready
to take the 'plunge' and soon be on your way to joining us "Cruise Nuts"

Do you like to have an unlimited selection of food available at anytime of the day or night?
Are you a vegetarian or on a special diet and would like an abundant selection of delicious food prepared just for you ?
Do you like to stay up late and party, then sleep in the next morning ?
Do you like to go to bed early and rise with the sun ?
Do you like every minute of your day scheduled with activities ?
Do you like to have nothing to do all day but lay in the sun ?
Do you like to spend time in the spa being pampered ?
Do you like working out in the gym, running laps, climbing rock walls, or practicing your golf swing ?
Do you have handicaps or special needs and need a great holiday ?
Do you want to see distant lands and different cultures ?
Do you want to see different parts of your own country ?
Do you want to experience ancient ruins and extinct civilizations ?
Do you want to enjoy the nightlife in a foreign country ?
Do you love to begin the day shopping, and end it lying on the beach?
Do you want to swim with the dolphins, snorkel or deep sea dive ?
Do you want to only unpack your suitcases one time but still see many destinations ?
Do you want to spend time with your family and friends without interruptions from the day to day world ?
Do you want a romantic time alone with someone ?
Do you want to meet a bunch of new people and make lots of new friends ?
Are you a traveler that wants to take home hundreds of pictures ?
Are you a traveler that wants to take home wonderful memories, but wants the professional ship photographer to record them for you ?
Do you want to combine a family holiday with a casino experience ?
Do you or Granny enjoy playing bingo ?
Do you want your room cleaned twice a day ?
Do you want reliable childcare so that you can do adult things some of the time ?
Do you want to take the children someplace that is fun but might also be educational ?
Do you want to get off the ship and hike up the mountains or kayak in the rivers ?
Do you want to visit ancient cities of Europe or explore deserted islands ?
Do you want to shop in exotic ports and see history come alive ?
Do you want to be sure of a safe, clean room to come back to each night ?
Do you want quality big theater entertainment such as Broadway style shows, small nightclub entertainment and dancing, or movies on huge screens under the stars with fresh popcorn ?
Do you only have three or four days for a quick trip ?
Do you want the normal one to two week vacation ?
Do you have time for a vacation that goes around the world and takes months to complete ?

If you could answer most of the above questions with a "yes" then Cruises are certainly made for you!! If you said "No" then I suggest you get into your car and go and visit the family in Durban !!

So...you have now finally decided to take the plunge and join a cruise huh?

Here are some Do's and Dont's about cruising!

Do: Read everything that you can find on the cruise line and the port destinations before choosing your cruise. Different cruise lines cater to different types of people. Find an itinerary that has ports with things that you are interested in doing. Do you know someone with cruise experience, ask them as many questions as you can. Most "Cruise Nuts" people love to talk about their experiences. Check out the dining arrangements on the ship of your choice. Do they allow personal choice or freestyle dining, or are you assigned a table with a specific dining time? Decide which type of dining appeals to you before picking the ship. If you are at all unsure about how much you would like this type of vacation, make your first cruise a short one just to give you the experience. You can always book your next cruise before getting off the ship, usually at a discount.

Do: Use a travel agent if you are not the type of person to spend time researching on your own. They can make all the arrangements for you and make sure that you have completed all the paperwork necessary for a stress free trip. This is especially helpful for the first time cruiser, or for trips overseas. After you are experienced you can book your own trip online.

Don't: Over pack. The more you take, the more you have to haul around the airport. Consider the length of your trip and the weather you might be encountering. Check out the laundry arrangements on the ship you have chosen. Many cruise lines have laundromats for passenger use on each stateroom deck. These are inexpensive and allow you to travel with less luggage. Almost all ships will offer to do your laundry for you, but beware of the cost, it can be rather high.

Do: Research the electric power provided. Take all the necessary equipment such as adapters and chargers that you will need to keep your cameras, MP3 players, laptops, cell phones or hair dryers working. Consider making that break from your hectic modern life and leave that laptop at home. One less thing to carry, and if you really can't be away from the internet for a week, there are computer centers on the ship where you can rent internet time.

Do: Take binoculars along, especially Do you are going to a scenic wildlife area like Alaska. When everyone on deck is looking at that bear or mountain goat high up on the mountain, you will wish you had brought the binoculars. But don't worry, you can always buy them in the gift shop.

Do: Arrive at the embarkation port the day before your cruise, unless you are one of those lucky people who live a short drive away. Since cruising is a stress free vacation, why start it with a mad rush from the airport. Get into the area the day before, many hotels near the ports will not only pick you up from the airport, they will deliver you to the dock the next day. Since most cruises don't embark until late afternoon, this leaves you plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast (often provided by the hotel), a short walk or a quick trip to the local drugstore for that sunscreen you forgot to pack.

Do: Practice patience once you get to the ship. You will probably run into some long queues as all 2,000+ passengers are wanting to board at approximately the same time. Instead of getting frustrated, start up a conversation with the people around you in the line. You might meet your new best friends and will have the chance to catch up with them again on board during the cruise. Remember, a cruise is for fun and relaxation so you might as well start the party atmosphere while standing in line. If you have made it to the dock on time, don't worry they will get you on board.

Don't: Feel like you have to do or see everything at once. Attend the sail-a-way party by the pool, have a drink, have a burger or hot dog and start to unwind and relax. There will be plenty of time to explore.

Don't: Think that you have to attend every function listed in the daily program. There are lots of choices so that everyone can find something (or nothing) to do. If you are a real "Cruise Nut" person, you will be back for many cruises and will have opportunities to check out everything the ship has to offer.

Don't: Think that you have to get off the ship at every port (although we would recommend it). You might have the pool to yourself or a discount on spa treatments if you stay on board. But don't be afraid to get off and experience a different country.

Do: Lock your valuables in your room safe or with the Purser. It might not be wise to wear every piece of jewelry you own on shore.

Do: Remember the Key to a successful cruise is: relax, have fun, eat and drink, and relax some more. The office problems will still be there when you get back, so don't bring them with you on the ship.