I recently completed my 16th cruise in 25 years  -  a wonderful 12-day Mediterranean  adventure on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. I say, cruising is the BEST way to see the world!  More on that in a minute, but first, the latest trip:

The  Nieuw Amsterdam just launched this past summer and so reflects the highest quality (as my fellow blogger Paul Lasley noted as he viewed the ship's construction and detailed its impressive art collection), along with friendly and efficient staff.  Our itinerary included Venice, Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Ephesus, Santorini, Olympia and two days at sea. My husband and our friends shared the experience. The dynamic and social captain was everywhere – on the intercom, walking throughout the ship, hosting events, and assuring us he had competent help at the helm while he socialized!

We had perfect weather with smooth sailing the entire voyage. The ports of call were very busy with several cruise ships unloading their passengers at the same time.  That means the shops could be crowded and attractions featured long lines, but cruising still amazes and thrills me as I wake up each morning in a wonderful new venue … beats airport congestion any day.

Highlights from this cruise included
Venice: it’s beautiful, it’s really sinking a foot each decade and it’s all about walking everywhere - along narrow alleys, across 400 bridges, and into tiny specialty shops. We also visited the island of Murano, the famous home to glassmakers located about 20 minutes away by water taxi. Our ship was berthed on the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice and we were able to come and go for two days.
Athens: The Acropolis and the centuries of history associated with this amazing collection of ruins are breathtaking. We had lunch along the Mediterranean and ate the freshest ingredients. No wonder some folks in the area live to over 100 years old!
Istanbul: I was on the balcony of my cabin on the ship when I heard the 6:00 a.m. prayers across the city.  I’m a really hearty shopper, but the famous Grand Bazaar intimidated me - 4000 shops in 1200 covered acres. It’s interesting that only men sold the merchandise, but many women were shopping.  The numerous mosques and minarets are architectural enigmas. The guys seemed to particularly enjoy the belly dancers as part of an evening entertainment event. 
Santorini: A friend of mine, a world famous photographer, claims this is the most picturesque place on the planet. I skipped the donkey rides to the top of the mountain this trip. The ship advised against this activity since the owners are said to be treating the animals inhumanely.
Mykonos: The beaches, the shopping, and the dining. It’s Greece at its most intimate and finest.
Ephesus, Turkey:  What an amazing surprise. This ancient city boasts the Virgin Mary’s last home, along with the location where Paul preached to the Ephesians, and is really beyond description. I think it’s more dramatic than the ruins in Rome.
Olympia, Greece:   Where the first Olympics were held in 700 A.D. It’s a beautiful location and I felt it was alive with the “spirits” from those early heroes claiming athletic victories for themselves and their villages. Did you know that only one award was given for each event in those early days?

We combined several port tours offered by the cruise line, along with private van tours offered by AAA’s partner, Travel Bound.  I’ve found each approach fills a different need and a combination of both works well for the itinerary and the pocketbook. I felt safe and secure in each port. The ship incorporated numerous check points to ensure only ticketed passengers boarded the ship.

My Conclusion?  Crusing Is The BEST Way To See the World
I know not everyone agrees with my opinion, but perhaps I can convince even one skeptical person who thinks cruising means being trapped onboard a floating barge, or that it’s mostly for senior citizens, or that interminable bland buffets will only expand your waistline, or that bingo fills the days and nights.

Over the years, I’ve seen amazing changes in ship construction, onboard amenities, ports of call, dining options, and demographics.  In the early 80s when I cruised with savers from the bank for which I managed marketing efforts (remember the days of free toasters, blankets or trips for savings deposits?), the ships were somewhat claustrophobic with small, filmed-over portholes, unstable flotation often causing seasickness, mostly dominated by very senior cruisers, and lacking in exciting onboard activities.

Fast forward to 2010 – it’s all changed! Today we enjoy brand new ships with state-of-the-art navigation and floatation systems. They are traveling resorts with balconied rooms, numerous pools and spas, a wide array of dining experiences, world class entertainment, and fun, fun, fun.  There are singles, married couples, families, grandparents, affinity groups, and lifers (those cruisers who stay onboard for numerous itineraries all in a row!).

Ok, not EVERYTHING is totally perfect on a cruise (but almost!). Over the years, I’ve gotten really seasick on a couple of cruises. Now, I start each day of the cruise with an over-the-counter anti-nausea and motion sickness pill. I’m the person who gets sick on a merry-go-round, so I take preventative measures.  My husband and I both got very sick with a gastrointestinal virus on this past cruise. We were in bed for two days and felt lousy for two more days. Lots of cruisers on the ship were sick along with us. But, our traveling friends were just fine with no hint of the illness. Go figure! 

Numerous precautions were taken, from hand sanitizers everywhere to limited ability for passengers to handle any food, condiments, utensils, etc. that might pass along the virus.  Room service proved invaluable for delivering liquids during those days we were bedridden. Our balcony afforded us the ability to step outdoors occasionally for some air and observe a beautiful view.

The “challenges” I just mentioned will never stop me from cruising. I figure I can get sick anywhere, anytime, not just on a cruise ship. I’m willing to take my chances on these minor challenges to continue to explore the world via one wonderful port after another.  My husband and I have cruised with just the two of us, with numerous friends, with our children and grandchildren, and for business occasions. I’m hooked, addicted, and in for the long haul. I have places to see, people to meet, cultures to explore and I plan to do much of it on a cruise ship!