Water all around - You can smell the ocean - The cruise liner gently breaks friendly waves - The sun smiles at you while you drink a cocktail on one of the upper decks.

What's next, You think.

Take a dip in the pool? A relaxing massage? You close your eyes contemplating. Suddenly you realize you haven't been thinking on work, deadlines and the stress headache you are so familiar with, seems ages away. Suddenly there is some excitement on the cruise liner; Barbados in sight. Within a few hours you'll set foot on again another tropical island.

Finally you decide to take a quick dip in the pool. After you finished your Cocktail of course…

Let's be honest. Who wouldn't want to experience the luxury of a cruise? It is a great way of spending your holidays. Today, you find many countries and companies offering cruises of different budgets, destinations and onboard programs.

Because you have so many choices, there is no need to jump at the first cruise that you come across. Do some research and planning to choose the cruise that's fits you best. As a Cruise line captain, I've seen to many guests that where disappointed by their experience. Dreams shattered, budgets wasted. It can be avoided, by doing some research.

Planning for the right cruise not only depends on the right destination, but also on choosing the right cruise line. When choosing your cruise, you have to keep your preferences in mind. Do not book a Caribbean Cruise if you can't stand the Caribbean Sun! Be aware that Norway is a beautiful destination, but don't be surprised if you can not go on deck because of the low temperatures.

Please, please, please remember to find out what weather is expected during your cruise as nothing is more frustrating than a vacation getting spoilt due to bad weather. And take my word for it; the captain can set the temperature in his ship but there is nothing he can do about the temperatures on deck…

Take Your Priorities Into Consideration
With the many cruise vacations available today, it proves to be rather difficult to choose the right cruise line. There is lots of competition amongst the various cruise lines. So to choose the best cruise line, it is better to use the help and advice of a travel agent to get the best cruise vacation you can have. Then go to the internet and read whatever you can find on the cruise he or she advised. Still feels good? I think you found your cruise!

Find out if the cruise requires special clothing as some cruises need certain types of clothing when you attend their functions and restaurants. Go through the itinerary as its pace is very important as some cruises tend to spend more time at sea than other cruises. That's ok if you like to be out on the sea, but it is frustrating if all you want is to see as many ports as you can.

When choosing the cruise, also consider your lifestyle, and if the cruise activities and other passengers of the cruise are of your type. This helps you feel comfortable in the trip. It is not advised to go on a cruise if you intend to just relax with a book for a week or so. It will be a waste of money as you won't be using the facilities of the cruise.

So when choosing your cruise, you have to take your priorities into consideration to make the right choice. Here is another often overlooked no-brainer; if you have teens in your cruise group, it is very important that you find out what the ship offers to keep them busy. Otherwise your cruise may prove to be the worst vacation you have ever had!

A Cruise Really Is A Dream Come True

The price of the cruise is another point that has to be taken into consideration. Individual cruises offer different rates for the different cabins you choose in the cruise.

The inside cabins of the cruise are basically cheaper; however there is no point in opting for an inside cabin if you can't live without natural light. It proves to be better to have a look at the ship before you actually choose your cruise. Though older ships provide cheap cruises, you may miss the glamour of the glass elevators, large spas and the grand atrium the modern ships provide.

Whatever you do, whatever you choose, keep in mind that a cruise is something wonderful. With the proper preparations, a cruise really is a dream come true.

Did you know you can submit your own articles? Tell the rest of the world about your cruise. Isn't that fun? Go to ‘Submit articles' on the left and you'll see how easy it is. I love to hear your cruise stories!

Cruise and have Fun!
Captain Jack

www.captainjackscruise.info