I was on a jogging trail doing my workout routine. Somehow I overheard two active athletes who seem like good friends ahead of me having a conversation. One of them mentioned, "I have never gone on a cruise vacation and wonder why so many people are getting in to it”

The other friend responded excitedly about her first cruise vacation experience.

Anyone considering taking a cruise must give some thought to incidences of noroviruses that have been reported on past cruises, and may worry that they face danger of contracting the illness. This is largely due to many myths surrounding norovirus and cruise ships.

While incidents have been noted on cruises, the chance of contracting the virus is no greater on a cruise ship than anywhere else. In fact, because cruise ships have extremely high standards for sanitation quality, passengers do not have any increased chance for getting the virus when traveling on a cruise.

Cruise ship’s outbreak of diseases has decreased dramatically since the formation of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) in 1975 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This program assists cruise ships to develop and implement environmental health programs. It also conducts regular inspections of ships.

In a lifetime, it is calculated that people spend more time with co-workers than they do with their own families. The valuable vacation time is much anticipated as being relaxing, enjoyable and carefree. So the question among parents may be: should kids come on cruise vacations?

Some advisors tell their friends to lose weight before a cruise vacation, so that they will not experience the ‘horror’ of their gained weight when they depart the ship. Luckily, now with Princess Cruises, there is no need for such worries, as fitness options are readily available.

For anyone with special needs, no door should ever be closed. Cruise ships are no exception, and they have done an admirable job to meet the needs of those who need a few adjustments to make their cruise experience just as pleasurable as any other guest.

You are packed and ready to go on your cruise. There were so many last minute things to take care of, you had no time to go to the salon and you do not look your best. You are also tense from all the errands and from the anticipation of your vacation. No worries, pamper yourself with onboard salon and spa services.

It’s not that your favourite cheesy, creamy, seafood indulgences have been wiped out completely by cruise lines, it’s just that now with your high-cholesterol options, you will also have leaner, more wholesome, healthier options alongside of the gluttonous indulgences.

The fears of the health-conscious travelers concerning an unjustified stereotype of junk-food dominated cruise ship catering may not be placed completely at ease, but......

There is no law concerning smoking on cruise ships as they travel across international waters, nor are there any laws concerning smoking on cruise ships when docked.

A recent survey conducted by Cruises.co.uk found that 66% of the respondents were unaware of smoking policies onboard, and the reality is that there is no universal policy adopted by every cruise ship. Each has been to their own, and passengers have reported both personal confusion and concern for their own health as well as the health of fellow passengers and staff.

Let’s face it, the airline industry has done a better job of taking care of people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities than the cruise line industry; especially concerning on-land tours post disembarking. ‘If you can’t walk a few steps and transfer to a standard bus seat, the shore excursions the cruise lines offer are generally not wheelchair-accessible,’ commented Karen Joyce Baker to TheNewsTribune.com, who went on a solo trip to Europe due to a friend’s cancellation at the last minute.