In these days of faster everything, including faster and larger commercial airliners where passengers are packed in like sardines, one thing remains constant. That’s the wonderful and leisurely world of cruising. For many years the troubled airline industry has experienced many setbacks, while the cruise industry has been growing by leaps and bounds. There are many reasons why you should consider being a part of this amazing phenomenon. Here are some.

According to recent research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), ninety-five percent of cruisers give top marks to their cruising experience and more than seventy-five percent plan to cruise again within three years.

Contrary to what some people might think, cruises are very affordable. With most vacations you end up paying for air flights, hotels or resorts, restaurants, entertainment, and sometimes car rentals. If you add all these costs up, cruises can be a real bargain. When you book a cruise, in most cases you pay for the airfare and cruise. However, if you live close enough to your cruise ship departure port, you may be able to drive there much cheaper than you can fly.

Even if you have to fly to the departure port you can always get a flight and cruise package deal which is usually less expensive than purchasing your flight and cruise separately. You’ll save even more money as your lodging, restaurant meals, and entertainment are all included.

When you book luxury a cruise vacation, more than 85% of your holiday is prepaid and that’s including all meals, stage shows, night clubs, movies, and entertainment, as well as many other activities and amenities. In addition, most ships have onboard activities such as swimming, scuba diving lessons that can lead to certification, golf, rock climbing, dancing, Pilates, yoga, and fitness trainers. You can also pamper yourself with relaxing spas and body massages.

Another way to save big bucks on a cruise is to book an inside cabin. If you do not need to have a cabin with a balcony or ocean view, then you will save a lot of money. You have use of all the shared amenities that your fellow passengers have, but it’s costing you a lot less.

You can also save a bundle on repositioning cruises. A repositioning cruise is made possible at certain times of the year, usually in the spring and fall, when cruise lines relocate their ships from one part of the world to another.

There are many luxury cruise vacations to choose from, ranging from three day mini cruises to several month long cruises as well as a fantastic around the world cruise odyssey.

When you cruise, you are traveling in the lap of luxury in a floating five-star hotel. You will be pampered and feel that you are living the life of a king or queen, not only for a day, but for the entire length of the cruise. Elegant surroundings, gourmet dining and impeccable service are a few of the superlatives that can be used to describe cruising.

If you like delicious food you will certainly love gourmet meals and scrumptious desserts prepared by incredible chefs and served in a variety of restaurants. There are also huge, delightful buffets available throughout the day and even midnight buffets. There are a number of themed lounges located throughout the cruise ships for your convenience.

Love watching Broadway style shows as well as theater performances without having to make reservations or pay exorbitant prices for tickets? Then going on a cruise is the answer. There are so many things that are included on cruises which make them such an incredible value for your travel and entertainment dollar.

From children to great grandparents, there is always something to interest everyone on a cruise. You have the option to be as active as you like or you can just relax and experience magnificent sunrises and breathtaking sunsets while watching the world go by. So many wonderful, precious memories and experiences will stay with you a lifetime when you take a luxury cruise.

Like to party around the clock? No problem. Whether you are with a partner or single, it is always party time. You don’t even have to plan the party or clean up after it, just have a lot of fun!

Businesses around the world book team building get-togethers, conferences, seminars, product launches and employee reward events on cruises. Cruise lines do not charge extra for conference room facilities and the use of audio-video equipment.

Group cruises aren’t only for companies and business people. Weddings and honeymoons, family reunions, sports groups and clubs, charities and fund raisers are only some of the many types of groups that have their events on cruises.

When you cruise there is no hassle of having to pack and unpack again and again every time you travel to a new location. Another bonus is there is no limit on the amount of luggage you can bring on a cruise.

People with disabilities should have no problem getting around on a cruise ship. Cruise lines have made onboard accessibility a non-issue as their ships are equipped with ramps, elevators and easily accessible cabins and state rooms.

Modern cruise ships have dramatically reduced the problem of seasickness. Today’s larger ships slice through the waves instead of riding on top of them. Also, new innovative technologies like stabilizers and counterbalancing systems have greatly reduced the pitch and roll of cruise ships, all but neutralizing any problem of seasickness.

A doctor and medical staff are never more than minutes away on a cruise ship should any passenger have to see doctor. Most common passenger minor mishaps and ailments occur less on cruise ships than on shore.

Cruising is one of the safest modes of travel. The cruise industry has an excellent safety record. And as far as assaults and robberies are concerned, they’re over a hundred times less likely to occur on cruise ships than in your own home town.

For vacationers who have a fear of flying or don’t enjoy being stuffed like sardines into commercial airplanes when traveling to their destinations, here’s some great news. The cruise lines in the U.S. are making terrific progress catering to the cruise passengers needs. They are opening up new ports of call on both the East and West coasts so more and more people who would love to take a cruise but don’t want to fly, can easily drive or take a bus or train to most departure ports.