Nothing you can do on land compares to a vacation at sea. Life onboard a ship is so unique it just can’t be experienced anywhere else. A few days of gliding through sky blue waters and the sun on your face are almost certain to give any passenger a new lease on life. Combined with days of luxury and round-the-clock, first-class treatment, you’ll soon discover the sea air and the pleasant motion of the ship have worked wonders on your frame of mind and outlook. There’s simply nothing like a cruise to bring out your best.

Cruise prices are much less than many travelers expect — and cover a lot more than they may realize. For the same average cost of a good hotel or resort, a cruise meets all your basic needs — and then some. In addition to your stateroom with an attendant who looks after you day and night, there are six leisurely meals and snacks each day, special parties, live professional entertainment covering everything from magic to chorus lines to Broadway, a myriad of activities, duty-free drinks and run-of-the-ship facilities, plus transportation to exciting ports of call. Anyway you look at it, cruising is a true bargain.

From the time of the first whistle at bon voyage until the last goodbyes at dockside, you are somebody special — and the shipboard world is your oyster. You unpack and relax in one place for your entire vacation — a blessing when you consider the many uncertainties and delays in today’s world of travel. No luggage limitations. Dress as you like. And how nice to step onboard and let the ship’s staff handle things while you relax an enjoy yourself, without a worry in the world.

Experienced travelers agree that service on a cruise ship is vastly superior to service on shore. It’s a tradition that extends all the way back to the beginnings of sea travel. Every man and woman who serves you has chosen a career of service. Their pride in the job they do and their desire to please show the moment you step on board.

In most ports, your ship will tie up right in town or a short tender ride to the town dock. Exciting things to do in the Caribbean include visiting Trafalgar Square and sampling local specialties (filleted flying fish and Mount Gay Rum) in Barbados. You can also tour the only half-Dutch/half-French island in the world in St. Martin, drive in a tropical rainforest in Puerto Rico, and buy luxury goods from all over the world at hard to believe prices in St. Thomas. In Nassau, if you can tear yourself away from the casinos, visit the incredible Straw Market, the exciting Pirate Museum and watch the “military” marching flamingos. And in Bermuda, play the emerald courses of the island with more golf per square mile than any other country on earth.

On most cruise ships, morning bouillon, afternoon tea and a late evening buffet are added to your expected three meals a day. And everything on the considerable menu is fair game. Have two entrées and skip dessert, if you like. No additional cost for any items on a cruise menu. Breakfast in bed is accepted as normal on a cruise and shipboard food may well make you forget your favorite land-based restaurants. You can also choose your spirits, wines and beers from a large, worldwide seagoing stock. Though the days of the 25 cent martini are long gone, drinks on board usually cost less than those on shore and the variety is endless.

Entertainment and activities are high-quality and countless. Most entertainers are onboard for the full cruise offering a chance to meet and get to know them. Many ships have a full orchestra, an instrumental and singing group, dancers, singers, comedians and specialty acts. Activities include deck sports such as basketball and table tennis, swimming, exercise classes, a golf driving range, bridge/dancing/snorkeling lessons, sauna and massage, tours of the ship, and financial seminars, to name just a few. Or, you can spend the day with a crossword puzzle, board game, a book from the library or simply snooze in a chair out on deck. It’s all up to you.

Pick a cruise as short as two days or as long as two weeks. Choose from a variety of itineraries and ships. Choose a stateroom that suits your taste and budget. And most every place you cruise to welcomes you without the need of passport, visas or special inoculations. You can choose where, when and how you want to go. Most other methods of getting somewhere aren’t that easy anymore and can’t promise you all those options, but cruising does — and it makes a big difference.

Most cruise ships offer a Captain’s Cocktail Party on one of the first nights out so staff and passengers get to know each other. It’s a great way to enjoy free drinks, sample a few specialty goodies and decide who you’d like to spend more time with over the next few days. Also, there is usually a gala Farewell Dinner with sparklers, entertainment by the dining room staff, special menu treats, and a very fancy dessert (one line serves Cherries Jubilee over Baked Alaska). The operative word is fun and these are just a few examples of the special extra touches cruise lines provide to make sure your cruise will be your best vacation ever.

CI Travel's Cruise Consultant will help you select and book your best cruise — easily and at no cost. As independent Cruise Consultants, CI Travel knows what ships, ports, season and itinerary are best for each client. How? Because they have spent 35 years in the world cruise market. That’s particularly important when the ship and cruise are your entire vacation, and not just a night or two in a hotel. The best answer for the best cruise is "talk to CI Travel."