Unlike sail boats, motorboats and houseboats, cruise ships are floating paradises and are like staying in a 5-star hotel. All the amenities offered on cruises are equivalent to the hospitality offered in grand hotels or resorts of the highest cadre and make a "cruiser" feel on top of the world at sea.

Cruise ships are usually huge and have a large crew to cater to every individual traveler's needs. Hospitality rates high on cruises, and vacation packages might be expensive but offer a luxurious and unique experience.

Many consider vacationing in the high seas the ultimate in romantic vacationing, and cruise liners are striving to prove this to be true with elegant and romantic settings onboard, along with quality, intimate services and a wide range of entertainment and recreational activities.

Excellent packages are available for cruise ship vacations. Depending on the package, travelers usually decide what places they would like to visit, what type of atmosphere and conditions they'd like their cruise to consist of, i.e., singles cruise, freestyle or traditional. Most of the time, travelers are allowed to go off the ship for day trips to various destinations. These trips usually include a sight seeing guide who is well versed on the port of stay and eager to relate historical and interesting facts.

Ships are often equipped with swimming pools, formal staterooms, lounges, casinos, health clubs, spas and salons. Entertainment is varied and goes on nightly in various staterooms and clubs. There are great travel package specials for cruises if you plan ahead. Vacationing by sea is a unique experience -- a combination of all the elegance and sophistication of a 5-star hotel on the ocean.