Getaways for the Non-cruiser

I guess it’s my fault—since I love to cruise so much, all I talk about is cruise vacations. Agape Travel is much more than that. We are a full-service travel agency. I realize that not everyone wants to take a cruise, and there are many more options I want to share with you.

The Disney parks are great places to visit. I was a lucky kid; I grew up 15 miles from the front gate of Walt Disney World in Orlando. Talk about a place where memories are made! I spent many of my teenage years running around the park. We had our high school prom there, I attended the park’s annual Grad Night, our school choir sang there two or three times per year, and I participated in the “Living Christmas Tree.” (The park wasn’t just for special occasions, though. On a regular day, I could hitch a ride with my friends who had summer/weekend jobs at Disney, and after they signed me in, I would have the run of the place.) Still today I love going there for people-watching. I confess, I almost cry when I see a young girl meet Cinderella for the first time or see kids of all ages getting their pictures made with one of the Disney characters. It is truly one of the most magical places on Earth, especially for a family vacation!

All-inclusive resorts are very popular as well. If you aren’t familiar with all-inclusives, know that the name says it all: Everything—yes, everything—is included. Food, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), water sports (motorized and non-motorized), entertainment, room service, tips…the list goes on. So you can see why they are very popular. All-inclusives, like cruise ships, come in a large array of prices, themes, and facilities. From those that are “economical” and geared towards families to those that have world-class golf or are adults only, for one price you can live like you own the place.

An exciting piece of news for the thrill-seekers out there is that adventure travel is really on the upswing. Trips to places like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, or other wilderness are sought after by those who are well-traveled and looking for something different. These types of vacations are on the expensive side, but you go places and see things that few have. For example, the Galapagos Islands only allow a limited number of visitors and place a lot of restrictions on those visitors (since they are trying to preserve the pristine environment of the islands), but signing up for an adventure tour there gets you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Seeing the world is amazing, but I have to agree with a friend of mine on one thing: We spend a lot of time and money visiting other places when we have some great places to visit right here in the good ol’ USA. In northwest Georgia, just a few hours from where I live in Raleigh, is one of the USA’s deepest gorges. Washington DC is another great place to visit; I didn’t go until I was in my 40s, and I fell in love with the city. I have never really been out West, but I have flown over the Grand Canyon, and it's amazing! I also would like to visit Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota, drive the Pacific Highway, and travel what’s left of Route 66. There are just so many places to see.

I hope you’re feeling inspired to check out a new corner of the globe. Agape Travel can take care of all your travel needs: hotels, flights, car/RV rentals, theme park tickets, and much, much more. Have an idea? Give me a call and let’s make your dreams come true.

Happy Traveling!

Rick

Halloween Cruise, Carnival Fascination, Great Cruise

First, let me say, we had a wonderful cruise on the Carnival Fascination. We had 6 in our group. My wife and I, an accountant and travel agent respectively, have had 18 cruises, 14 of them on Carnival. (This was our fourth cruise on the Fascination.) Also with us was my brother- and sister-in-law (a retired police officer and his wife); they cruise with us most of the time, so they have as many cruises as we do. The final members of our group were two sisters (a registered nurse and administrative assistant) who were on their first cruise. My DW and I booked a suite since we were celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. The suite was nice, but for the extra price we paid, I think next time I will just stick to a balcony or ocean-view depending on the class of ship. We are planning a 15-day Hawaii cruise on the Splendor in 2013; I think we will have to book a balcony on that one. I love leaving the door open at night and listening to the sea.

We checked in at Jaxport about 10:30 Saturday; by 11:15 we were on the ship. We parked at a local park-and-ride lot for just $5 per day, and they were Johnny-on-the-spot as far as getting us to the ship and being there when we got off. In contrast, the cruise port in Jacksonville charges $15 per day to park. I noticed as we set sail the Jaxport parking lot was only about 1/3 full, even though we had a almost full ship. It appears that cruisers are cutting corners by using these park-and-ride lots around the cruise ports. Can you blame them?

Our first night at sea was a great kick-off to our cruise. Our wait staff, WeeWee and PeePee, were great. Our drinks were kept full, the bread hot and fresh. Our food was delivered in a very timely manner and was pretty good. Carnival has changed their menus and some of the dishes. My wife, who loves soups, commented that they were very good but not as good as past. I had a steak one night that was on the tough side, but the next one I had a couple days later was much much better.

Our first full day was a “Fun Day at Sea.” The food throughout the day was very good. Lines were not too bad; I don’t think anyone in my party had to wait in one more than 15 or 20 minutes. The pizza was great, and the deli sandwiches were outstanding. All day long there were plenty of activities. I’ve read several pieces that have put down the CD, Jen. However, I thought she was pleasant and did a good job. Her staff was well prepared for all the activities they were responsible for. I have been on cruises where the CD staff was late for every event.

Our sea day also included Formal Night. I really am disappointed that a good many of the passengers do not dress up for formal night as they did when we first started cruising 10 years ago. I have a tux I wear, and my wife will dress up also, but I only counted three other tux-wearers in our dining room. 650 people in our dining, and many of them were dressed like it was any other dinner seating! And the other nights the dress for dinner has gone downhill. At one time, shorts and T-shirts were not allowed, but that’s not the case anymore. The show the first night was the same old tired show that Carnival has been doing for 5 or more years. It’s a great upbeat show, but I think it’s time for a change.

The weather and seas were a bit choppy that day. We had a passenger get very ill around dinnertime, so the CD announced that we would have to go into Miami to get the passenger off the ship. As we made the turn back to the west, the waves went from 4-6 feet to 8-10 feet. As we got closer to Miami’s port, the rain was hard and winds picked up. It took about two hours to get into the Port of Miami, get the sick passenger off and get back on our way. We were scheduled to get into Key West at 7AM the next day; however, we didn’t dock there until about 8:30. We did get to stay until 4:30.

Though our ride to Key West was bumpy, the day is Key West was absolutely gorgeous. We docked at the Navy base and had to ride a tram to the main areas. That went very smooth, and there appeared to be a steady flow, so I don’t think anyone had to wait long. This is a wonderful island, and we enjoy our time there. This time, we just made our pilgrimage to Kermit’s Key Lime Shop for a frozen slice of pie dipped in milk chocolate. Baby, this is so good, “It would make a puppy pull a freight train!”

Day three we found ourselves in Nassau. We have been there several times. We now take the #10 bus from downtown to Cable Beach, $1.25 each way. We visit the Sheraton, which charges a daily fee of $25 per person to use their beach, pools, and non-motorized water sports. It was windy, and light showers moved in and out as the day progressed. We splashed around in the warm waters and enjoyed the time relaxing.
On our way back to the ship on the bus, part of Bay Street was blocked for road work, so our driver took us the scenic route. If you have never seen the neighborhoods of Nassau, it’s something to see. The people along the path we took were very poor, but they appeared happy. Some of the roads we traveled down, I wasn’t sure if they were actual roads or someone’s driveway. At one point the traffic was backed up and our driver had to aggressively apply the brakes, leaving some tire marks on the road and making the passengers on the full bus gasp. However, no harm, no foul.

We made it back to the port area and were walking into the terminal/mall, and I noticed that the usual tourist harassment about taxis, hair breading, etc. wasn’t as in-your-face as it has been in the past. There was some, but a polite “No, thank you,” seemed to do the trick.

We were not slated to leave Nassau until 10PM that night, so dinner population was light. This was a good thing, though, since this was the night of the past passenger reception. I don’t drink, so I wasn’t there for the free alcohol, but to cheer at the ship slideshow. I did get on stage for the Carnival trivia contest. I won it two years ago on the second question; this time, I was out on the second question. I couldn’t remember the first Carnival ship that had the “whale tail.”

We didn’t go to the show that night as we had seen it several times before. We elected to sit on the Lido deck and play several rounds of cards. I did sample a calzone from the pizza bar. It wasn’t a tasty as is looked, so I picked it apart and shared the pepperonis with my wife, Shirley. The next day, the ship turned north, and we had a great day at sea. Between my wife and me, we totaled three 24-Carat-Gold-Plastic Ships-on-a-Stick. My wife also won a medallion. We really enjoy playing the trivia games. I also got on stage for the disco dance lesson. I did it to get our two “blue card” cruisers up there. I did pretty well since it had been several decades since I did my last disco dancing.

The show that night was based on the 1980s. Before the show they played a 30-minute video of 80s commercials and TV shows. I like it; it brings back some good memories of my younger days. The Carnival dancers were very good; the male dancers were some of the best I have seen on Carnival. The two lead singers were good as well. We have had the female singer on other ships; she tries to sing notes that are too high for her, but she did blend very well with the guy. Getting off the ship when we returned to Jax was flawless. One of the CD staff told us the night before that Carnival already knew they would not be able to sail out for the next cruise until 8PM because of the high tide and bridge clearance, and they had already canceled their port call to Freeport. Bummer for the next cruisers.

Overall, we had a great cruise. Of our 14 Carnival cruises, this would be in the top half of all of them. I read a lot of the reviews, and I see many negative remarks about Carnival. They are a good cruise line. Are there some problems? Yes, but what large cooperation doesn’t have them? Can they do better with customer complaints? Many times. But there are people who will let one irritation fester the rest of the cruise and will then blast everything about the cruise. My DW and I try to find the positive and just enjoy our time together getting away from it all.

Home-Away-From-Home for the Holidays

Cruising during holidays is one of the best times to take a cruise vacation! What makes them so great? Well, where do I start? We have been on several holiday-time cruises. I’m not just talking about Christmas; we have also been on cruise ships during Labor Day weekend, around the Fourth of July, and on Halloween. Each of these times has been a unique and fun experience.

Labor Day cruisers tend to be the people who really want to let their hair down, since two- to four-day cruises that sail over the weekends have a tendency to attract the “partiers.” Even though we are not into the party atmosphere, there are enough activities to keep us entertained and enjoying our vacation. We have learned to avoid the areas where the lounges are located so that we’re not overwhelmed by the wilder crowd. It’s funny to see that the intoxicated passengers are the ones walking straight when the ship is rocking from side to side, since they’re used to a spinning room—those of us who do not drink are the ones that end up bouncing off the walls as we walk!

We have taken one July cruise, and let me tell you: It was HOT! Another feature of summer cruises is that there tends to be a lot of families, since the kids are out of school. From that perspective, if you are not a fan of having children running all around, summer cruises are not the best choice for you. If you have kids and you are used to the commotion that they can cause, it’s a wonderful time to vacation. They’ll have a great time meeting others just like them! That’s one of the great things about a cruise vacation: There is something for everyone. All major cruise lines have areas dedicated for kids, and they have trained staff to keep the kids engaged and entertained. The cruise lines have it figured out. If the kids have a great time, the parents have a great time, and everybody’s happy, then a cruise vacation will be at the top of the list for next year.

Most of our holiday cruises have been over Halloween. If you take a Halloween cruise, be ready to laugh and laugh and laugh. Cruisers really use their imaginations when it comes to picking their costumes. Even the adults get dressed up and transform themselves back to when they were trick or treating, and this is a site to behold, so make sure you have your camera! There is usually a parade of costumes down the through the common areas, with stops along the route for dancing and showing off. We are going again this Halloween and, if I do say myself, we have really outdone ourselves with our costumes! Sorry I can't reveal our costumes at this time; they’re top secret! I’ll post pictures after we get back.

Our near-Christmas cruise was one of the best ones we have done. I was very surprised how much the ship’s decorations slanted towards a Christian theme. There were several banners hanging in the main atrium and traditional music piping through the sound systems, but the most striking to Shirley and me was a gingerbread city at the main entrance to the main show theater. This was a complex city with decorations and lighting, but one thing in particular got our attention: In the center of the city was a large church with a steeple rising high above the rest of the city, and written on it was “He was born to save the world.” We just couldn’t believe that, in this world of political correctness, this was on display. And it wasn’t in a place that no one would see it; everyone who went to the show theater passed right by it. We were impressed!

I have some clients who have decided they must be on a cruise ship on Christmas Day. They are a very sweet and kind retired couple, and this will be the fourth Christmas I have booked them. This year I asked decided to ask them: Why Christmas? Don’t they miss all the grandchildren coming over on Christmas Day? Annie answered, “That’s why we go on Christmas. We want our holiday to ourselves.”

There are a million reasons to spend the holidays at sea! Whether it’s a fun-filled summer trip, a shipwide Halloween party, a stress-free winter getaway, or a romantic Valentine’s escape, you’re guaranteed to find a cruise that lets you celebrate the way you want. It’s not too late to book your December cruise, and it’s not too early to start planning next year’s family vacation. Call Agape today!

Making Moments Count

Over the past couple of years the economy has been on a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Things are not turning around as fast as those in the government have promised. But I'm not here to make a political statement; that's not my expertise. I'm a travel agent. Yeah, you're right: I make money by your traveling, so naturally I want you to travel, and I want your business. However, that is not the sole reason that I'm penning this article. I want you to consider how these times add pressure to your life and your family. Most companies are asking us to do more at work with fewer people and in the same amount of time, if you are an hourly employee. But if you are on salary, now you can easily find yourself putting in 60 or 70 hours per week when you used to do 40 or 45. Why? Because the work is there and the boss expects it done.

This is where I come it. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, calls the seventh habit—and it might be the most important, the one we tend to neglect the most—"sharpening the saw." He discusses how we work very hard at our jobs weeks and weeks on end. As a result, we don't spend the proper time with our families. Our children grow up in the blink of an eye, and after time has passed, we can't get that back.

I know with both my children and stepdaughters, time has just flown by. I look back and wish I would have taken that afternoon with them to take a walk, play a board game, or just talk. Now all three of my girls have graduated from college and are starting lives of their own. My son is in high school, and before too long he will be in college. I say all of that to say this: Why? Why do we let these moments pass? Even as I am writing this blog, I wonder if there is something that I should be doing with my kids. And what about my wife, a lady who has dedicated her life to our kids and who has sacrificed more for us than I'll ever know?

Time. I'm talking about time. We only have so much of it in the bank. We really can't add to it, and each second we make a withdrawal. And it’s not like our checking accounts: We can't overdraw, and when the time bank is empty, we step into eternity. Where is your eternity? If you know Jesus as your savior, your designation is Heaven to reign with Him forever. If you don't know Him as your savior, your eternity is not very bright. If you don't know what I'm talking about, please check out the Plan of Salvation on my church's website.

So the point of today’s blog is this: Don't let this time pass. There are a lot of inexpensive travel deals out there, and I pride myself in being able to find something to fit almost anyone's budget. Anything you can do to get away with your loved ones will help you recharge and reconnect. September is fast approaching, and after Labor Day, the hotels around the beach areas offer great deals. I know the kids are back in school, but you know what? School is school, and it will be there until they are 18 years old and beyond. What would it hurt to pull them out of school for two or three days for a long weekend? We would take Tiffany and Courtney out for a week at a time on a cruise in September or October. Their teachers knew well in advance and would give them the assignments they‘d be missing. You tell me what’s more fun: doing schoolwork in a classroom, looking out the same old windows, or doing homework for a couple hours a day on a cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean?

We at Agape Travel will work with you, setting up payment plans with low deposits. When should you start planning? Now! I have prices for cruises through 2013. Also, know that Disney requires just a small deposit for their parks, and final payment isn’t due until about 90 days out. I will be more than happy to set up a layaway type of plan for you. You make the deposit and monthly or biweekly payments that fit your budget, and before you know it, your family vacation is paid for! Want to save more? Set up a group. A lot of hotels and resorts give comp rooms for as few as ten rooms booked. Cruise lines give one free cabin per fifteen cabins or one berth for every eight cabins.

So, if you need to sharpen the saw and you need some ideas to make it happen, let's talk. I'm sure we can find something for your family. Don’t waste another precious moment!

Happy Sailing,

Rick

Cruising for ARC: February 2012

I really love working with nonprofit groups, helping them raise the much-needed money to support their causes. There are some organizations out there that really need our help in this time of lean wallets. During the past few years I know the American Red Cross has really had to help people through a number of natural disasters, not to mention the daily assistance it gives families displaced by fires, emergency evacuations, or other accidents. I know here in Raleigh, we have had some apartment fires that have displaced dozens of families, not to mention widespread tornado damage. No matter what, it always seems like the American Red Cross is there.

Not only does the Red Cross assist in local emergencies and natural disasters, it helps save lives on a daily basis. Every pint of blood collected can save as many as three lives. So if you donate a gallon of blood over time—that’s eight pints—24 lives have been impacted through just one person. Wow! Taking 30 minutes of your time, undergoing a small bit of discomfort, can make a big difference someone you don’t even know. And how about CPR and first-aid training? Who knows how many lives these have saved over the years? I know that I personally used these skills countless times during my careers in the medical and law enforcement fields, and I know of at least three people who are alive today because I knew how to do CPR.

I feel it’s now time for us to give back. To do that, Agape Travel is sponsoring a fundraising cruise called “Cruising for ARC.” The cruise will be on the Carnival Ecstasy. We will sail from Port Canaveral on February 13 and visit three fabulous ports of call.

Nassau, Bahamas, is on Paradise Island, named such because it’s like being in paradise. The warm ocean breeze, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, and world-class shopping make this port of call one of the most popular in cruising. The next day, we visit Freeport, Bahamas. Another beach-lovers’ destination, the golf, deep-sea fishing, and world-class resorts make Freeport another very popular stop for cruise ships. The next port of call is Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States. This tropical destination is one that you will not soon forget. The ship docks right in the middle of downtown, which makes shopping easy and fun. There are also great museums, and let’s not forget Ernest Hemingway’s house and his famous six-toed cats.

What a great vacation, and what a great cause! For every cabin that is sold, Agape Travel will donate $100 to the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Each cabin will also receive a $100 shipboard credit to be used on the ship however you want. So let’s get on board and support our Triangle Area ARC. They do so much to help our community; I want to do something to help them. I want to give back, and I hope you will support this effort.

The cruise is $500 for an inside stateroom and $550 for an oceanview stateroom. We will have several private get-togethers, including a welcome aboard party. We are planning guest speakers and entertainment just for us. So, get on board! Normally on a five-day cruise like this, the deposit is $200 per person; but working with Carnival, we are able to offer a reduced deposit of $50 per person (fully refundable) that will hold your space. The reduced deposit is only available through September 4. Your next payment of $200 isn’t due until October 1, and final payment is due December 1, 2011.

This would be a great Christmas present for someone special. Give it to him or her on Christmas morning, and since the cruise is over the Valentine’s holiday, simultaneously give the love of your life an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. But most importantly, you are giving back to the organization that has given our community so much. Book today while there is room. We have a limited number of oceanview and inside staterooms which will go fast. If you would like to book a suite or take the kids along, give me a call, and I can make the arrangements to accommodate families.

If you have any questions or would like more information, just give me a call at 919-971-9836 or email rick@agapecruisetravel.com. Also follow us on Facebook! We are Agape Travel, and we want to be your travel agency for life.

To learn more about the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, please visit www.triangleredcross.org.

Thanks,

Rick

Agape Travel visits the Holy Land, coming Dec. 05, 2012.

Just announced, Agape Travel in partnership with Educational Travel Services is taking the trip/tour of a lifetime. The Holy Land. Yes, the place where our Savor was born. We will depart on a 10 day tour from RDU, via JFK on this life changing experience. The Holy Land, the place where it all took place, every major Religion in the World has a part of this magical and sacred ground. Join us as we explore the land of Christ.

Your journey of a lifetime includes:

o Roundtrip Airfare from RDU
o Deluxe Motor Coaches
o Guided Sightseeing
o Entrance fees to sites visited
o Bible Study guide
o Superior 1st Class Hotels
o Buffett Breakfast and Dinner Daily.

All of this, including an evangelist (TBA) traveling with us for Biblical clarification and counseling.

The price, $3500. (Pastors are free for congregations/groups from their church of 10 or more people.) We have limited space. A deposit of $300 per person is required at time of booking. Final payment is not due until Aug. 01, 2012. Payment plans are available. This price includes all taxes, fuel charges, and fees.

Its time to stop saying, someday… today is that day, do not miss this opportunity to visit the Holy Land. Take it from me, I was there in 1981, it changed my life. Now when I read my Bible, I have been to many of the places, so it really comes alive for me. Pastors I know who have visited the Holy Land take their messages to a new level. You will never experience something like this in your life, as I have said; this is a life changing event.

Show your pastor how much you love him and his wife, for Pastor Appreciation Day, award them with this trip. Church with 10 couples attending, Your Pastor and his wife to attend with you for free.

Start planning now. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make plans to attend. Contact,

Rick Trollinger
Agape Travel
(919) 971-9836

Halloween Cruise is set... jump on board and come with us.

Well judging by the heat during the day and not the calendar, summer is here. We still have a couple weeks until the official 1st day of summer, but I think Mother Nature is giving us a bit of a preview here in North Carolina.
I’m really excited about this up coming fall. As many of you know, that’s when my lovely wife and I take our annual cruise. This year we have selected a 5 day cruise from Jacksonville, Florida on the Carnival Fascination. We depart on October 29 and return on November 3. Yes, it’s a Halloween cruise. This will be our second one. We went during Halloween about three years ago on the Carnival Glory, and it was a blast. Some of the costumes were very imaginative and funny. Shirley and I went as Fred and Wilma Flintstone, while Tiffany and Courtney complemented my brother-in-law Gene and his wife Donna, dressing up like elves vacationing with Santa and Mrs. Claus on a vacation before the Christmas rush. As far as I was able to tell, they were the only Christmas group, while there were two or three other Fred-and-Wilmas. Not sure what it will be this year… but what ever we dress up as, I’m sure it will be fun.
The cost of this cruise is $385 for an inside stateroom. Not bad for a 5 day cruise. And what’s nice about going out of Jacksonville, we can drive there in about 6 hours. Normally we stop over night in Savannah, Ga. Last time we had dinner at the “Moon River Brewing Company.” There are so many restaurants to choose from, who knows what it will be this time.

A day at sea... what to do...

It has been so long since I have written; I really want to get better at writing more often. I can’t use time as an excuse, since we all have those issues. I would love to say it’s baseball season and I spend a lot of my time on a baseball field, but that’s not all that great of a reason. I really think it’s that I just don’t think about it except when I’m on a ship. Our family finds ourselves trying to pin down a cruise for this September. I have a group going on the Carnival Inspiration Labor Day weekend. It’s a great price for a holiday weekend: $360 for an inside and $390 for an oceanview. Just one port of call, Cozumel, Mexico, and two wonderful days at sea. Shirley and I really love the days at sea. There is so much going on all over the ship, we get a bit frustrated because we have to narrow the activities down so we can get the most out of our day. We love to play the different trivia games. We have about 15 of the coveted “24-carat gold plastic ships-on-a-stick.” People have been known to do some pretty strange things to get one. On one cruise our good friend, Ellie, corned one of the ship’s staff and talked him into giving her one. She wore it around her neck all day like a very large “bling.” But she was smiling from ear to ear. There are a lot of other activities. My sister-in-law Donna and her husband Gene spend a lot of time at the art auctions. If you are patient and have a keen eye, there are bargains to be had. Shirley likes the artist Jean Claude Picot; she has collected several of his prints. I have purchased some sports memorabilia. My two prize possessions from the Park West Art Auctions are a signed photo of the great third baseman Brooks Robinson and a Hall of Fame commemorative baseball signed by Oakland A’s pitching great, Rollie Fingers. (What a great baseball name for a pitcher.) We have a few other treasures we have brought home: a full uncut sheet of Charlie Brown/Peanuts trading cards that we got for Courtney, and Tiffany likes Anatole Krasnyansky. Not only can you get some good deals on paintings and prints from artists like Thomas Kinkade and Peter Max, the auctioneers go into the history of the artists and who or what influenced them. They also will offer a lecture on how to collect art and what the different media are. It’s actually very interesting. Another of our “sea day” things we like to do: putt-putt! Yes, many ships have a nine-hole putt-putt course. Sometimes there are a few kids running around the area, but most of the time, they’re having fun and don’t really get in the way. It looks easy, but with wind across the deck and a rolling ship, putting can be a challenge. Sometimes, missing a close putt can tempt one to throw a club into the ocean. Then you remember: The club is checked out to your room and if not returned … someone has to pay for it. One little secret: It’s okay to check out your putter and ball on the first day of the cruise and keep it for the entire cruise. Putt-putt at 1:00 a.m. in the dark can also be a challenge. I have never done it — I’m normally asleep by then — but it’s the thought that counts. Also, a sea day is a great time to do some shopping. The ship, depending on the size and age, has four or five shops selling everything from candy, T-shirts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry (watches, gold, silver, diamonds), purses, clothing, alcohol … it’s a real shopping experience. And believe it or not, the prices are not that bad and they’re tax-free. But be carful how much you spend, or US Customs will have something for you when you get back. Now if you are into that sort of thing, the casino is in full swing. Table games, slots, cards, and tournaments. The players tell me that the ships don’t pay as well as shore-based casinos, but I have seen some nice payouts. My sister, Lee, plays penny slots and will be there for several hours at a time, enjoying herself. If you don’t know how to play the different games, the ships offer gaming lessons. They also have the Ocean Players Club that rewards points and prizes; the last cruise we were on, there was a large group from the Ocean Players Club. Before you know it, the day is over and it’s time for dinner — like you really need a meal after snacking all day. Everywhere you walk on the Lido Deck, where most of the outside activities are, there is food. Grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, buffets, deli, fish and chips, ice cream, cookies, cakes, and did I mention ICE CREAM? Well, this is just a very brief discussion about a normal at-sea day. I had someone tell me the other day that he didn’t want to take a cruise because he didn’t want to be on a ship with nothing to do. That’s the beauty of a cruise: you can do everything or nothing. It’s up to you.