In days past, you had to sail from Miami if you wanted to take a short cruise, but not anymore. The larger number of ships
these days means companies are embarking on weekend cruises from ports all over the United States, including New York, Baltimore,
Galveston, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. With so many ports available, it's easier and less expensive to get to your ship.
Where do you want to go?
Royal Caribbean offers three-, four-, or five-day cruises to the Bahamas, Mexico, New England, and Maritime Canada for very
reasonable prices. Depending on the time of year, a cabin will run less than $300 per person. If you're traveling with your
family in tow, a Carnival "Fun Ship" cruise is a good option. You can cruise to the Caribbean from Florida, Alabama, or Texas
with plenty of entertainment for the little ones. Fun Ship prices start at $249 per person.
Don't think you're limited to those huge ocean liners, though. Riverboats like the Mississippi Queen and smaller boats such
as the Maine Windjammers offer shorter, more intimate cruises that are often more affordable. Traveling the interior United
States also means no passport hassles—and many departure points closer to home. Day cruises can be an exciting option, too. Whale watching cruises sail from ports all over the United States, including Alaska,
during different points in the mammals' migration schedule. These trips can be half-day or all day, depending on how far out
the feeding grounds are located. Similarly, depending on where you want to go, you may be able to embark on day cruises that
offer bird watching, deep sea fishing, sightseeing, concerts, or romantic dinners.
What do you want to do?
Indeed, theme and hobby cruises of all lengths are becoming more and more popular, especially with solo travelers or groups
of friends who share the same interests. Suppose your passion is photography and you've always wanted to go on a cruise but
were intimidated by the thought of meeting 800 strangers. Chances are, there's a cruise available where the other passengers
are as into photography as you are. Suddenly, you'll want to get out there, meet all those people, and talk digital vs. film.
It's mingling made easy—and rewarding—especially if that cruise takes you to ports where you could roam about taking amazing
photos with your newfound friends.
Theme cruises are packed full of special classes, Q&A sessions, lectures, movies, and guest celebrities. If you want to start
a hobby, look for cruises that cater to beginners. Or, if you're an expert, contact the cruise administrator. You may be able
to parlay your experience and willingness to teach others into a free cruise.
Some cruises keep the theme confined to the ship, with land excursions as a nice bonus. Others extend the theme to their ports
of call, like learning to cook Jamaican style and then visiting a market on land for ingredients. Regardless of the type of
cruise, you will receive a newsletter detailing the next day's events and classes. Remember, however, to book your land excursions
and classes early, as many of them fill up quickly.
One of the best things about a cruise is that you don't have to do anything. If the ultimate way for you to unwind is just to sit on deck and read a book, you're in good company. But
there are plenty of hobby cruises that let you relax while immersing yourself in a craft, game, or study. Whatever your hobby—gardening,
astronomy, bridge, foreign languages, history, model railroading, or fan clubs—chances are there is a cruise devoted to it.
Here are some of the most popular themes:
Crafts. Knitting has become so trendy that theme cruises are often subdivided into different types of knitting. There are sock cruises,
sweater cruises, and handspinning cruises complete with spinning wheels for rent. Other crafts—like quilting, beading, and
scrapbooking—are popular options where beginners and experts alike come together to share secrets, techniques, and inspiration.
Practice Tools
