travel connection

Myth: “OK, I’m sold on dining venues, but I’ll gain too much weight.”

COURTESY OF HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Reality: You don’t have to! You’ll enjoy great food on a cruise, of course. But menus include selections that are low in calories and cholesterol, and offer heart-conscious and vegetarian dishes too. If you think you’ve gained a pound or two, go for a workout in the ship’s gym.

Myth: “A week aboard a ship would bore me and my kids to tears.”

Reality: That’s highly unlikely. You’ll call at several ports, with opportunities for sightseeing, shopping or beach visits. At sea you’ll find a full program of activities for all ages, including keep-fit classes, bridge lessons, wine tasting, ice-carving demonstrations, bingo,

Cruise myths are passé enrichment lectures, trivia quizzes, professional entertainment and supervised kids’ programs. The spa, casino, bars and shops are open, and the swimming pool looks inviting. But if you are searching for a quiet spot where you can stretch out on a deck chair and read the latest bestseller you can always find it.

Today’s exciting vacations at sea:
definitely not your father’s cruises

_{By Gordon Turner} Myth: “I’ll be forever digging into my pocket for tips.”

THE MYTHS of cruising die hard. Most have Reality: Not really. Generally, $10 to $15 per
been around for decades, and maybe some passenger per day covers dining locations and
were once true. But that was then and this is cabin service. Most bars add a 15 percent ser-
now. Let’s take a close look at those myths and vice charge. On some ships, cash tips are pre-
contrast them with today’s reality. sented on the last night of the cruise. On
others, gratuities are charged to your ship-
Myth: “Cruising? It’s strictly for old folks.” board account. (When you settle your account,
Reality: It just ain’t so. The average age con- you can increase or decrease the amount at
tinues to drop. You’re pretty sure to find other your discretion.) On still other lines, gratuities
people aboard in your own age bracket: parents are included in your cruise fare.
with kids, young and middle-aged couples,
the attached and the unattached. Senior citi- Myth: “A luxury cruise is stuffy and snooty.”
zens? Yes, you’ll come across them, and, age Reality: Not so. While some luxury cruise
notwithstanding, they are often an active, lines are known for their traditional flavor,
even lively, bunch. Some cruise lines, though, many newer lines in the luxury category offer
seem to appeal to particular age groups, so do a country-club-casual ambience with the
your research on the type of clientele your ^{Whether you want an active or} emphasis on gourmet food for the discerning
cruise line caters to. ^{relaxing time, today’s cruises offer} palate, an elite selection of fine wine, world-
^{something for everyone.} class guest lecturers and upgraded stateroom

COURTESY OF CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Myth: “I'll have to wear a tux every night.” amenities. The atmosphere is refined in an Reality: Some people just love to dress up Myth: “I’ll have to eat in the same old dining understated way. on a cruise, and some people don’t. This is room three times a day, seven days a week. I’d reflected in the cruise lines’ dress policies. get tired of this after a couple of days.” These points should help you separate myth Here’s the suggested dress code for dinner in Reality: The era of a single “one size fits all” from reality when you decide that a cruise is the main dining room on a typical seven- dining room, with two sittings and fixed just the ticket for your next holiday. C night cruise on a mainstream ship: two for- hours, has virtually ended. The principal din-mal nights, when men are encouraged to ing room remains popular, especially for peo- Gordon Turner has written cruise-related wear a suit or tuxedo, women an evening ple who love cruising’s time-honored articles for magazines, newspapers and Web gown or cocktail dress; three informal traditions, but ships nowadays may have one sites. He travels extensively by ship and occa- nights, with jackets for men, dresses or or two specialty restaurants, a 24-hour cafete- sionally leads tours to Norway. pantsuits for women; and two casual nights, ria, a pizza parlor, an ice-cream with sports shirts and slacks for men, stand and a burger grill. And dresses or slacks and blouses for women. what could be more tempting

And most ships provide alternatives to the than breakfast on your state- The Costco Connection main dining room, which leads us neatly to room balcony? You don’t have to Costco Travel offers a wide range of cruise vacations. the next myth. dress up for that. Visit costco.com or call toll-free 1-877-849-2730.