Ports

The United States alone has 20 ports around all 50 states and Puerto Rico. You can either book your flight with the cruise line itself (usually better if you don't want to bother with all the scheduling conflicts between boat and plane) or if you've got the knack for flight planning, you can get your own cheap flight. Both options are available on Orbitz, but just make sure the flight times are a few hours within the cruise's departure and arrival so you don't miss the boat.

The ship

Cruise ships are getting bigger and better. With the recent launch of the Queen Mary 2, and other large, luxurious ships in the works, there's no telling what can happen in the near future. Ships today have numerous amenities for everyone, including spas, health clubs, several pools, restaurants, bars and shops.

You can easily say there's something for everyone. If you're afraid of seasickness, it doesn't hurt to bring along your remedy of choice, but ships these days have stabilizers that rival anything you'd read about in Popular Mechanics magazine.

The people

All sorts of people take cruises. Single friends, unmarried couples, retirees, families, family reunions, wedding parties, newlyweds and even business types on corporate outings. People of all shapes and sizes and backgrounds come aboard because well, it's expected. You can choose to interact with people you normally don't meet or just relax in solitary bliss. It's no problem. You're literally on a floating city.

Our dinner table consisted of a retired couple from England, a couple from a farm in Minnesota and another from the coast of Virginia. If you're traveling solo, you'll more than likely have an extra fee for single-room occupancy, but the cruise line may have special offers if you choose to share a room with another single person.