Now cruise ships are as big as aircraft carriers and offer just about every activity except flying lessons. There are casinos, miniature golf courses, ice-skating rinks, exercise gyms and elegant spas. Musical productions, magicians, jazz groups, karaoke bars and leathery cigar clubs. Cruising has other lures, especially the price. It is by far the cheapest vacation, except driving to Aunt Ida's in St. Petersburg.
Families can expect to pay less than half fare for children staying in the same cabin.
Compare that with a week on a Caribbean island at a fancy hotel, or a flight and tour of London and Paris. On a cruise, transportation, entertainment, five or six meals a day and sleeping accommodations are included. You pay extra only for soft drinks, beer and cocktails, shore excursions and tips, and, if you choose to visit them, intimate gourmet restaurants. Another plus is the variety of cruise experiences available. There is even an annual Merry Widows cruise for single women who love to dance the ship line recruits retired gentlemen who get a free trip in return for being dance partners.