Close your eyes and relax, breathe deeply, and exhale with the knowledge that with that last bit of breath goes the weight of the world from your shoulders. Your next deep breath in fills that void with excitement, curiosity or contentment. It is this simple but powerful process that draws veteran cruisers back to the oceans, rivers and seas of the world. When people say cruising, most people see giant floating cities. If you looking closer, or rather smaller, there is a whole new image that comes to to mind.
For a much smaller, but growing number of people who consider themselves to be travellers on the journey of life, their choices resonate deeper and evoke another layer of experience. These discerning travellers increasingly find themselves far from the maddening crowd, unless of course, their passion is to be thrown into the middle of a city halfway around the globe teeming with infinite opportunities for unforgettable human contact but always returning to the intimate, personal small ship, barge or river boat.
Yes, there is life beyond the major cruise lines and ships. Even within the major lines, there are niche products that offer unusual and more personal, in depth experiences that are characteristic of this sometimes old and sometimes new breed of travellers, many of whom do not fit the conventional “cruiser” profile. Did you know that if you are a professional, you can fulfill your continuing education credits and partially write off your vacation? Many times there are time sensitive or exclusive offers that you can get by registering your email or name with your travel specialist.
Have you considered a river boat or barge experience in the USA or in Europe? You will come away with a heightened appreciation for the history, food, and lifestyles dictated by mother nature. For that matter, charter your own and be your own captain!
Some lines you can feel like you own a yacht and share it with a small group of friends. Goodbye formal wear –hello yachting life where you can even raid the pantry!
If you live to travel, there are ships where you can actually own your own cabin and travel the world getting on and off at will! The World of ResidenSea springs to mind, but there are also limited rental opportunities. Now you can experience this lifestyle without the investment or maintenance! Oceania Cruises, Azamara, Inner Seas Discovery and other lines have capitalized on the high customer satisfaction ratings of a more intimate deluxe product replete with gourmet dining and an enviable size of under 700 passengers.
If you like your vistas up close and personal, then there are many different small ship and adventure class ships as well as live aboard dive boats and research vessels that offer naturalists, sports instructors, academic credits and land excursions included that reinforce what you learn on board. Be charitable. Don’t forget to bring things to leave behind if you are going to underdeveloped areas and always be sure your are protecting your investment by exploring insurance options to cover any contingencies. The last thing you want is to lose your vacation and your money! Cruise Critic, Frommers, Small Ship Cruising or Cruise or Virtuoso travel specialists are great resources for small ship cruising.
Bon Voyage! Don’t just join the crowds-Small ship cruising is the wave of the future.
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