Like many, I was first introduced to cruising when I watched the TV show, The Love Boat, in the late 1970s. It wasn't long before I booked my first cruise in 1982 on one of Carnival Cruise Line's first ships, the Mardi Gras, the reinvented Empress of Canada. This was before Carnival began building their brand-new ships. For me, cruising was all about the nautical experience, being at sea, and it didn't matter that I felt like I was on an old steamer, crammed into a tiny inside cabin with a set of bunk beds, where you could take a shower while using the toilet and where the sink was next to the bed.

This was certainly not the "resort-at-sea" experience so true of modern-day cruising. But then or now, here are my top 10 reasons to cruise:

1.  One with the sea

Being surrounded by the ocean is relaxing. It's an invitation to the senses: breathing in the sea air, feeling the slight movement of the ship on the ocean, and drinking in the deep blue sea for as far as your eyes can see is extraordinary.

2.  Peacefulness

Relaxing on a deck chair surrounded by the sea is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. And being rocked gently to sleep each night is an experience you'll long to re-create afterwards.

3.  Sense of adventure

There's nothing more exciting than boarding a new cruise ship for the first time. You can also try new activities and sports either onboard the ship or in the ports-of-call.

4.  Relatively all-inclusive package

Your cruise fare includes your cabin, dining, entertainment, tips, and more. Not having to wait for the check after dinner every night is a treat all by itself. You dine, and then you get up and leave-go to a show-included in your fare, of course. It's quite freeing.

5.  Self-contained environment

Meeting friends for drinks? No need for a designated driver, although you still need to be cautious so you won't be careless and fall overboard. But you don't have to worry about where to go for breakfast the next day-it's all right there on your ship. Or where to have dinner or see a show-no need to rent a car or worry about parking, etc. You check in, unpack once, and let the ship take you from port to port.


6.  New ports of call

Another advantage is going to foreign ports of call. No need to book several flights, unpack more than once or worry about how to get around. The captain does the driving and you just show up.

7.  New friends

Cruising can be a very social experience. There are opportunities to meet people everywhere. You already have something in common: cruisers love to talk about their cruising experiences and you have a built-in place to meet for drinks, dinner, and a show. And sightseeing ports together is one of the most enjoyable experiences. You won't be strangers for long-unless you want to be.

8.  Treated like a celebrity

Pampering doesn't need to cost extra-it's part of the cruise experience. From the moment you board and a white-gloved crew member escorts you to your cabin (on many cruises), to enjoying a 4-course meal at dinner every night, to having your seemingly invisible cabin steward maintain the cleanliness of your room, along with surprises such as towel animals placed on your bed or a chocolate placed on your pillow as part of a routine turndown service every night, you will feel instantly pampered.

9.  Romance at sea

Whether you're looking to meet somebody new or enjoy a romantic week with your significant other, I can't imagine a more romantic experience. Strolling hand-in-hand on the promenade deck after dinner is one of the most romantic moments at sea or anywhere, for that matter. Strolling on secluded beaches is another priceless experience. For an extra fee, you may enjoy, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two, for example.

10.  Fine foods & wine

Cruising offers opportunities to indulge your taste buds in some of your favorite meals or to try something new. Beef Wellington, lobster, caviar, Duck a l'Orange, and Foie Gras are some of the richer choices, but you can also enjoy regular standbys such as steak, beef, chicken, and fish prepared in various ways-or to order. A wine steward is usually available to pair your meal with a favorite wine or you can order soft drinks, beer, and mixed drinks. It's all at your fingertips.