Off Duty....

CRUISING TO THE

VACATION OF A LIFETIME

Your ship has come in! In fact, lots of ships have come in and one of them can take you on the vacation of a lifetime. You just can't lose when you take a cruise.

In so many different ways, a cruise vacation is the ideal getaway. More and more people every day are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of cruising. More singles, couples, honeymooners, families, and groups are sailing away on a variety of ships.

"Now is a better time than ever to take a cruise vacation," says Bob Dickinson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Carnival Cruise Lines. "Cruising not only offers value, convenience and affordability, but it is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation options available."

The price of a ticket to the vacation of a lifetime is a great value. Anyone who can afford a vacation can afford a cruise. The average all-inclusive price of a week-long cruise is less that $200 per person per day and prices start as low as $75 per day. These rates usually include airfare, accommodations, transportation from the airport to the ship, all meals, shipboard entertainment, recreation, and as many exotic ports of call as time permits.

This vacation on a floating resort is relatively inexpensive when compared to a land-based resort vacation. After adding up all of the base costs of room, transportation, transfers, car rental, meals, and extras, cruising is a great deal (and so much more).

The cost of a cruise package will depend on the ship, the length of the cruise, and the time of year. A vacation shopper would be wise to research the "shoulder" periods for even lower rates. Smart cruisers also use travel agents who specialize in cruise travel to examine all of the possibilities.

For families and friends vacationing together, most cruise lines offer reduced rates for third and fourth passengers sharing a cabin with two full-fare passengers. Many lines offer extensive children's programs and some provide free children's passage or discounts.

Early booking incentives are typically available for those who can plan in advance. Many cruise companies also offer "stand-by" fares for travelers with flexible plans.

Christopher Columbus "cruised" the Caribbean in 1492 and many people are discovering the advantages of cruising 500 years later. The future holds many vacations of a lifetime. "I predict cruising will continue to lead the travel industry in customer satisfaction and give customers their most memorable vacation experience," says the president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), James G. Godsman.

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination in the world and for good reason. Upon returning to Spain, Columbus reported, "I saw so many islands that I hardly knew to which I should go first." Cruise ships visit as many as six Caribbean islands in a week and more Americans are finding out that cruising is the best way to "discover" the Caribbean that Columbus grew to love.

More cruise ships ply Caribbean waters (composed of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Eastern Mexico) than anywhere, bringing more than 56 percent of the cruising public to the region. The Bahamas are great for quick three- and four-day excursions, while the rest of the Caribbean is reserved for longer itineraries.

One currently popular option is to use San Juan, Puerto Rico as a port of embarkation to head to islands further afield. San Juan is also great for pre- and post-cruise visits. Nearby, St. Thomas is very popular for shopping stops, while other eastern Caribbean ports of call include St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Croix, Virgin Gorda, St. Bart's, St. Kitts, Anguilla, Antigua, Tortola, and the Dominican Republic.

Western Caribbean itineraries include calls at Mexico (Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen), Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. A few lines include a private port of call on one of the islands or a visit to Key West in this itinerary.

Islands located in the southern Caribbean are becoming much more popular with cruisers. The ships head for exotic ports like Barbados, Nevis, Martinique, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Mareau, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent.

Some smaller vessels depart from islands such as Barbados, Aruba, Jamaica, St. Thomas, and Antigua and include more exotic islands or their sailings. These cruises explore secluded islands like Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, Tobago Cays, Carriacou, Montserrat, Bequia, and Mayreau. Mostly smaller in size, these lesser-known islands offer a glimpse of the region's isolated communities for a look at the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle.

But the Caribbean isn't the only spot for North American cruisers. The California coast, Hawaii, and Alaska also offer possibilities. Among these, Alaska is by far the hottest (if not always warm) destination. The scenery--glaciers, fjords, and stunning mountain ranges--is among the finest in the world for cruising. While the majority of sailings are one week in length, three- to fourteen-day itineraries are also available, departing from such ports as Vancouver, Anchorage, Whittier, Juneau, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

But whether it's the Caribbean, Alaska, or somewhere in between, cruising is the way to go. The following cruise lines are those most popular with military vacations. To receive information, write or call the cruise line. Travel agents can also be incredibly helpful and cruise lines encourage contacting one directly.

ADMIRAL CRUISES

Admiral Cruises' two ships, Azure Seas and Emerald Seas, offer cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Departing from Port Everglades, the newly refurbished Azure Seas sails a seven-night itinerary to San Juan, St. John, St. Thomas, and the exclusive port of call, Labadee. Also departing from Port Everglades, the Emerald Seas sails three- and four-day cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and the private out-island, CocoCay. A relaxed, casual atmosphere is found on both ships. 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132, (305) 539-6000.

AMERICAN HAWAII CRUISES

American Hawaii Cruises' ships, Constitution and Independence, are medium-sized ocean liners. Departing from Honolulu, the ships visit the four main islands of Hawaii: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii on three-, four-, and seven-day cruise packages. The three- and four-day packages are couple with three- and four-day resort stays. American Hawaii operates the only major ocean-going American-flagged cruise ships currently in operation and offers casual elegance with a Polynesian flair. 550 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, (415) 392-9400.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Carnival Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the world, offers three-, four-, and seven-day cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexican Riviera aboard its fleet of nine "Fun Ships." The "Fun Ship" concept is to provide an affordable vacation experience offering an array of daytime activities and nighttime entertainment options that appeal to passengers of all ages and backgrounds. Carnival is also the parent of Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises. 3655 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33178, (305) 599-2600.

CHANDRIS CRUISE COMPANIES

Chandris Cruise Companies operates the premium Celebrity Cruises and the value-oriented Fantasy Cruises. Celebrity emphasizes extraordinary dining on its luxury vessels Meridian and Horizon, sailing to Bermuda and the Caribbean. Their newest ship, The Zenith, offers year-round Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale. Fantasy provides wide market appeal with a fleet of smaller vessels that sail to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and South America for long and short cruises. 5200 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL 33136, (305) 262-6677.

CLUB MED

Club Med, the pioneer in all-inclusive resort vacations, operates Club Med 1, a 617-foot, five-masted sailing ship designed to make passengers feel as they are aboard their own private yacht. Clue Med 1 sails seven- and fourteen-day itineraries to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The ship is exceptionally sports-oriented, with a stern that opens up and transforms into a private marina--sailboards, scuba gear, snorkel fins and masks, and even sailboats are furnished. 40 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, (212) 977-2100.

COMMODORE CRUISE LINE

"Get Out of Town" on Commodore Cruise Line's affordable seven-day cruises to the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera from Miami, New Orleans, or San Diego. Commodore's fleet of three classic, mid-sized ships, Caribe I, Enchanted Seas, and Enchanted Isle, offer spacious, comfortable accommodations and friendly, attentive service. Commodore appeals to the experienced or first-time cruise looking for a fun, active vacation experience. 800 Douglas Road, Suite 700, Coral Gables, FL 33134, (305) 529-3000.

COSTA CRUISE LINES

Costa Cruise Lines offers Caribbean, Mediterranean, European, Alaskan, South American, Panama Canal, and worldwide cruises. This year, the line introduced two new ships--the 1,300-passenger CostaClassica and the 800-passenger CostaAllegra. These ships will debut "EuroLuxe Cruises," emphasizing European style and service. In 1993, the sister ship to the CostaClassica, CostaRomantica, will also begin service. World Trade Center Building, 80 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33130-3097, (305) 358-7325.

CROWN CRUISE LINE

Crown Cruise Line fulfills the savvy cruiser's need for a deluxe, intimate cruise experience from and to exclusive ports, with very high standards and unique cruise programs. The new Crown Monarch offers seven-day Caribbean cruises from the exclusive port of Palm Beach, featuring a private beach experience at Labadie Shores. This fall, the Crown Monarch and the brand-new Crown Jewel are offering unique seven-day, five-port Canada/New England cruises from New York and Montreal. 800 Douglas Road, Suite 700, Coral Gables, FL 33134, (305) 529-3000.

CRYSTAL CRUISES

Crystal Cruises' Five-Stars-Plus ship, Crystal Harmony, offers sophisticated cruisers the opportunity to sail in style and refined elegance to such worldwide destinations as the South Pacific and Australia, Europe, New England and Canada, and the Trans-canal on cruises ranging from 10 to 63 days. Crystal Harmony is dedicated to offering a first-class experience, where the luxury of "choice"--in accommodations, dining, and on-board features, amenities, and activities--is one of the highlights. 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (213) 785-9300.

CUNARD LINE

Cunard's fleet of seven ships offer four different sailing styles, including superliner Queen Elizabeth 2, classic cruise ships Sagafjord and Vistafjord, "yacht-like" Sea Goddess I and Sea Goddess II, and the less-formal Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess. Offering luxury cruising at its best, Cunard itineraries range in length from two-day cruises to 107-day world outings. 555 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 880-7500.

DELTA QUEEN STEAMBOAT CO.

Delta Queen Steamboat Company operates two steamboats, the Delta Queen, the country's only floating landmark, and the Mississippi Queen. Sailing the Mississippi an Ohio Rivers on three- to twelve-night cruises through America's heartland and the Old South, the ships allow cruisers to explore America from a unique vantage point. On board, passengers enjoy a folksy quality and a return to yesteryear. 30 Robin Street Wharf, New Orleans, LA 70130-1890, (504) 586-0631.

DIAMOND CRUISE

The brand-new Diamond has a unique twin-hull design that provides maximum cruise stability, minimum vibration, and wider, more specious decks. Sailing both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, the Radisson Diamond is one of the most talked-about new ships plying the waters of the world. It has been referred to as "The Concorde of the Cruise Industry." 2875 NE 191st Street, Suite 304, N. Miami Beach, FL 33180, (305) 932-3388.

DOLPHIN CRUISE LINE

Dolphin Cruise Line's Dolphin IV sails three- and four-night cruises to Nassau Blue Lagoon Island, and Key West. The SeaBreeze offers a unique Sunday departure and separate Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Since the ships are smaller than many others, they offer personal service, fine cuisine, and value-packed rates. 901 South America Way, Miami, FL 33132-2073, (305) 358-5122.

EPIROTIKI LINES

As a destination-oriented cruise line with 3- to 21-day itineraries, Epirotiki focuses on a variety of exotic ports of call, from the biblical lands bordering the Red Sea to the Caribbean and South America. The cruise company has a 130-year seafaring tradition. 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 605, New York, NY 10176, (212) 949-7273.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Holland America Line is known for its tradition of Dutch seamanship and impeccable Indonesian service. Its fleet of large luxury cruise ships--the Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Westerdam--operates cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and longer Pacific and South America itineraries. The Westours subsidiary is the largest and most experienced cruise and tour company serving Alaska and the Yukon. 300 Elliott Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119, (206) 281-3535.

MAJESTY CRUISE LINE

Majesty Cruise Line's $220 million masterpiece--Royal Majesty--will sail three- and four-night itineraries from the Port of Miami beginning December 18. Quality, grace, taste, and casual elegance are what passengers will experience on Royal Majesty's three-night Friday departures to Nassau and Royal Isle, Majesty's own private tropical paradise. Key West is an added stop on the four-night Monday departures. 901 South America Way, Miami, FL 33132-2073, (305) 358-5122.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Cruise Line operates a fleet of six ships on three-, four-, and seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, California, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. The official cruise line of the NFL Players Association and National Basketball Association appeals to active and armchair athletes alike. It is also the official cruise line of Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida and offers many entertainment-oriented and theme cruise programs. 95 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, (305) 447-9660.

PREMIER CRUISE LINES

Premier offers vacations combining a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise with a Walt Disney World vacation. Its three ships depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, with some sailing to Abaco Out Islands, Premier's exclusive cruise destination. The official cruise line of Walt Disney World, Premier emphasizes family fun with the world-famous Disney characters, such as Donald Duck, Goofy, and Mickey Mouse sailing year-round on-board every ship. 400 Challenger Road, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, (407) 783-5061.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Princess's famous fleet of nine "Love Boats" sails to more worldwide destinations, with cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, Hawaii and Tahiti, Trans-canal, the Orient, and New England and Canada. The richly-appointed ships are known for their extra-large staterooms and overall spaciousness, as well the on-board experience of lavish, Las Vegas-style entertainment, fine dining, and a friendly crew. 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (213) 553-1770.

REGENCY CRUISES

Regency targets the heart of the cruising market with unusual destinations and amenities of higher-priced cruise lines--at affordable rates. The on-board experience is distinguished by European-style service, continental cuisine prepared by French master chefs, and a warm, gracious atmosphere. Specializing in innovative itineraries, the three-ship fleet cruises the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, New England and French Canada, the Panama Canal, and Hawaii. 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, (212) 972-4774.

RENAISSANCE CRUISES

Renaissance Cruises takes it fleet of eight "yacht-like" luxury vessels to exotic ports in the Virgin and Leeward Islands; Africa and Indian Ocean Islands; Chilean Fjords, Argentina, and Brazil; New England and Canada, Asian Islands; the Mediterranean; Europe; and Scandinavia. Ships specially-designed with a shallow draft navigate into some of the world's most remote ports of call on cruises from 7- to 28-days. Emphasizing quiet elegance, style, and unique itineraries, all of the cabins are suites. 1800 Eller Drive, Suite 300, P.O. Box 350307, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33335-0307, (305) 463-0982.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, boasting nine ships, offers three-, four-, seven-, eight-, ten-, and twelve-night cruises to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico. The lines vary in size from the 726-passenger Sun Viking to the new megaships, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas, each accommodating 2,354. 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132, (305) 539-6000.

ROYAL CRUISE LINE

Royal Cruise Line's three luxury ships, the Crown Odyssey, the Golden Odyssey, and the new Royal Odyssey, offer deluxe worldwide cruises, primarily on two-week itineraries. Among the intriguing destinations are new cruises in the Orient, India, Africa, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, and Alaska, as well as the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, South America, Hawaii, and Canada and New England. 1 Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA 94111, (415) 956-7200.

ROYAL VIKING LINE

Royal Viking Line's itineraries range from 7 to 97 days, calling at six continents. The Royal Viking Sun has itineraries to Russia, South America, New England and Canada, and the Mediterranean. This year, the line introduced the all-suite Royal Viking Queen, which will offer sailings to Africa, India, Russia, the Mediterranean, and the Panama Canal. 95 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, (305) 447-9660.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE

Seabourn Cruise Line offers itineraries to the unique Atlantic Frontier (Eastern Canada and U.S. ports), the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, South America, and Southeast Asia. The lines Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit contain all suites. The passenger-to-staff ratio is one of the best in the industry. 55 Francisco Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, (800) 422-8000.

SEAWIND CRUISE LINE

Seawind Cruise Line offers seven-day itineraries to the unique "South Seas" of the Caribbean and South America. The Seawind Crown--based in Aruba--calls on such ports as Curacao, Caracas, Grenada, Barbados, and St. Lucia. The vessel successfully combines spacious accommodations with a sense of intimacy for more experienced cruisers. 1750 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, (305) 854-7800.

SEVEN SEAS CRUISE LINE

Seven Seas Cruise Line operates the Song of Flower, offering seven- to fourteen-day itineraries to both Alaska and Southeast Asia. The "Five-Star-Plus" vessel features open single seating dining, complimentary wines and liquor, and a strict no tipping policy. Song of Flower has quickly established itself as the vessel of choice in the upscale Alaska market. 333 Market Street, Suite 2600, San Francisco, CA 94015-2102, (415) 905-6000.

SUN LINE CRUISES

Sun Line provides cruises of various lengths to South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Mexico. Their three ships, the Stella Solaris, the Stella Oceanis, and the Stella Maris, provide the intimacy of smaller vessels and exceptional destination-oriented ports of call and activities. 1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 315, New York, NY 10020, (212) 397-6400.

WINDSTAR CRUISES

Windstar's sleek four-masted ships with computer-directed sails pioneered modern luxury sail cruising. The Wind Star, Wind Song, and Wind Spirit each carry only 74 couples in spacious modern staterooms. Unregimented activities and personal service provide guests with a cruise experience "180 Degrees from Ordinary." Destinations include the Caribbean, French Polynesia, and the Mediterranean. 300 Elliott Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119, (206) 281-3535.

WORLD EXPLORER CRUISES

Cruising Alaska since 1978, World Explorer offers in-depth fourteen-day itineraries with more than forty different shore excursions. During the summer season, the Universe sails the Inside Passage, with a focus on cultural and educational activities amid the diverse beauty of Alaska. World Explorer's educational emphasis includes an extensive lecture program, as well as a botany program and herbarium onboard. 555 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111-2544, (415) 391-9262.