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Added: October 29, 2008, 10:48 am	Share    Print    Email

Cruise ships docked at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, just one of many warm and exotic ports of call just one fun day at sea away from the docks in Manhattan. Photos by Nicole B. Brewer

For a quick getaway, without the hassle and added expense of a flight, the easiest trip to paradise is sitting on the docks in Manhattan where any number of cruise lines are waiting to transport you to the warm destination of your choice.

Think of a cruise ship as a floating city complete with your own hotel room, transportation to exotic places, great restaurants, and entertainment. Your room key is your ticket to everything - food, drinks, shopping. Before you board, you can link it to a credit card or add cash to your shipboard account at the Bursar's Office.

There are two trains of thought when it comes to booking a cruise. Planners start a year in advance, especially for a large party, where you can pick any room. Others book at the last minute when there are plenty of deals but room options are scarce. Some ships will guarantee you the best rate and will credit your room, or offer on-board credit, if you ask and can show proof of a better deal before you depart.

The fun begins as soon as you step aboard with a welcome party and NYC's best sights in the background.

These days you can go casual with shorts and flip-flops on a family trip with Carnival Cruise Lines or go formal with all the bells, whistles, and plenty of black tie nights on Celebrity Cruises. Either way, you need to decide what type of trip you want to take before you begin to plan. It you're looking for a trip with nary a screaming teenager in sight, head out during the school breaks if you can and try Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Royal Caribbean.

After you choose your ship take a look at the available excursions - these are tours and trips for each island or port you visit during your trip. Fees range from $30 for short tours to upwards of $300 for a swim with the dolphins. Excursions book up quickly and many passengers book these way in advance through the cruise line. But don't worry, and never stress - this is a vacation, if you've waited until the last minute there are always tours available with the welcome desks at most ports, and if you head just outside the main gathering area in a port you're bound to find taxis and vans that will give you, and at last seven other tourists, a ride around the islands most popular spots with breaks for shopping for about $20 per person. These are usually locals who work in conjunction with the local tour guides.

Enjoy the ports of call and the days at sea by the pool. Pack as light as you can - storage space is tight so check out the room specs before you pack. Remember plenty of warm weather options and don't forget the sneakers and sunblock if you plan to enjoy the ports of call. Nights get cool when the ship is moving so a light jacket is key. You'll need something dressy since even on a casual ship there will most likely be a Captain's Dinner where a simple cocktail dress and dinner jacket are appropriate.

Palm tree covered islands like Bermuda with its pastel painted buildings await the well rested traveler.

Out of New York most ships in the fall are headed south to stop at various islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, as well as the private island of the cruise line for a beach day.

St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a jewelry shoppers' enclave with shop after shop offering better and better deals on sapphires, emeralds, fancy topaz, and of course diamonds. You'll find many of the same shops in every island so don't feel that you have to buy it all in one place. Take it from a seasoned shopper and ask about special deals and check out the second floor shops too. They are smaller and may be more willing to make a deal that fits your budget.

Many brides and grooms step off the ship and onto the beaches in the Bahamas to say their vows and enjoy champagne with family and friends.

Heading over to the British Virgin Islands, a popular stop is the gorgeous island of Tortola with its pristine beaches and laid back island attitude. Many tourists find a trip to Cane Garden Bay as part of their on-board excursion packages and it's not hard to see why - large beach, great music, and fun dining choices. But if you're looking for a little peace and quiet head over to Brewers Bay and visit Nicole's Brewers Bay Beach Bar and Restaurant and ask Uncle Nick to whip you up a cocktail and a snack to enjoy from a hammock between palm trees.

Bermuda is a beautiful island filled with colorful buildings and pink sandy beaches. In October, this tiny island hosts the PGA Grand Slam and the World Rugby Classic in November. History buffs can spend the day exploring St. George where the "Deliverance" sits across from a cruise ship dock. Shoppers will enjoy the dining and deals just off Front Street in Hamilton.

In Puerto Rico a popular stop is the Bacardi factory where guests learn all about making rum, hear plenty of pirate stories, and sample a few of the newest concoctions. There are also tours of Old San Juan that include the Capital Building and Castillo de San Cristóbal if you're looking for a little history.

Nassau in the Bahamas is a very popular spot for beach weddings at the beginning of a trip you'll see many brides and grooms departing the ship as it docks. Shipboard coordinators will oversee every detail as you plan your trip months in advance. Groups gather on the sand for the services which are usually very quick and end with cake and champagne. With the bright blue waters serving as a backdrop, who could resist the romance of an island wedding and the convenience of a floating hotel?

Back on board there is plenty to do starting with the food (drinks are not included in the cruise price and you will need to keep your room key handy to pay for those) - options range from casual buffets near the pool to upscale specialty restaurants where reservations and dinner jackets are a must. Many ships offer dining options where you eat when you want to and where you want to - this is great for couples but large parties need to plan in advance. On one ship guests could enjoy a teppanyaki style Japanese cooking experience, a specialty Italian restaurant with wines from all over Italy, and a steakhouse with a piano player at the top of the ship - so many delicious choices! Take note here - specialty restaurants charge a fee of at least $20 per person.

Many cruise lines offer a beach day on their own private islands filled with snorkeling, sunning, and other activities.

For those going traditional don't worry - traditional dining on most ships includes a set dining time, early or late, and table with up to eight guests that you may or may not know. Many find this easier to remember after a busy day - you know where and when you have to head for dinner and can meet up with other members of your party, no confusion of where to go and when. You can choose from the evening's menu which typically includes a starter, salad or soup course, main course, and dessert. After you get to know your waiter, you can easily ask for anything off the menu. In most cases you can have lobster and filet mignon each night and as many desserts as you can manage, all you have to do is ask.

After dinner most ships offer Broadway-style shows and comedy acts as well as nightclubs, piano bars, jazz clubs, karaoke, casinos, and so much more. Now, each ship has its own style so if you're looking for a big party that never seems to end plan accordingly. First night parties, dock parties, and more - every night is a party by the pool on most ships with a themed buffet, audience participation entertainment, contests, and drink specials.

If you want more relaxation inquire with the spas and make plans for massages early in your trip. Usually you can find a deal when the ship is docked in a port of call so you can head out early and make it back in time for a massage before dinner. After a morning hike it is well worth the cost. Fitness centers on-board have expanded as well and are usually open early so you can keep to your regular routine. Most ships offer a running track, typically located on the top decks around the pool area, with a fantastic view whether you're docked or not so enjoy the views.

Now that we've gotten you started - Happy Sailing!

The fun never ends - here two ships are docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico hosting midnight fiestas as the ships prepare to move on to the next port of call.