N E A R + FA R
The Viking Star, docked at Kotor, Montenegro
SMOOTH SAILING A seasoned cruiser’s take on 3 ships and the right voyage for you
I
STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY HOWARD T. SWAIN JR.
began cruising the high seas in 1985. My greatest fear as I walked the gang plank that first time was seasickness. My second fear — in the era of “The
Love Boat” — was sailing with a ship full of “old people.” After the mandatory safety drill, I returned my life vest to my stateroom and then headed to the deck. I was surprised to see the skyline of Miami disappearing beneath the horizon. I had no idea that we were moving! The ship was so smooth, seasickness was not a problem. And, to my delight, the ship wasn’t overrun with senior travelers. There were plenty of young people, couples and families aboard. Over the past 35 years, I’ve enjoyed more than 20 cruise vacations on eight cruise lines that have taken me to Australia, Russia, Tahiti, South America
the world, I enjoy
booked a fall foliage cruise from upper
the flexible pace of
Canada to Boston, and a Christmas
the cruise lifestyle. Shipboard activities are numerous and varied. There are
cruise from Florida to Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras. Currently, the marketing of cruise
lectures, cooking classes, luxury shop-
vacations seems to be geared toward
ping, spa treatments, art auctions, dance
newer, bigger and more luxurious ships.
lessons, exercise classes, and yes ... even
My advice: Select an itinerary and a
napkin-folding classes. In port, you have
level of accommodation that suits your
from a tiny interior cabin with no win-
the option of an add-on shore excursion
personality and needs; determine a
dow to a two-bedroom, two-bath suite
or time on your own.
price point that fits your budget; and
and many ports in between. My adventures have ranged from eight to 31 days, and all have been memorable. Accommodations have run the gamut,
complete with wet bar and 24/7 staff and
Shipboard dining ranges from casual
room service. (The latter can be quite
to formal, with plenty of opportunities
economical for friends traveling togeth-
to try new and sometimes exotic fare.
er and splitting the cost of the suite.)
For these reasons and so many more,
Most often, I opt for a stateroom with a
2020 will see me sailing to the western
veranda or balcony.
Caribbean on a new “Golden Girls”-
Along with seeing ports of call around
34 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 2 0
themed cruise from Miami. I also have
work with a reputable travel agent to get the best deals. Remember, you can be as active or as laidback as you like on a cruise. After all, it’s your vacation. In 2019, I sailed on three relatively new vessels from three cruise compa-
