First, many people believe mainly old people go on cruises. While there is quite an older population that does enjoy cruising, the truth of the matter is that the growing population onboard ships are families who are enjoying the fact that the parents can have a holiday get-away with the kids, since many ships are child friendly and even have special children's facilities

Two of the other large population on cruise ships these days are the 20-something and teen crowds. These populations have parents who are giving them money and they are spending that money on new experiences, such as short cruise travels.

Another concern may have about cruises is that they are going to have to stick to a strict meal and recreation schedule, seeming more like boot camp than a holiday.

While some cruise schedules may have been tight in the past that is not the case anymore. While there are general times of 2-3 hours when the major meals are served, if you don't feel like eating then, there are always between meal options for those prefer other eating times.

When it comes to entertainment on-board, there will be many things that are specifically scheduled, but if you choose not to see those shows, there are always other entertainment options to keep yourself occupied. Some ships have a number of physical activities to take advantage of including swimming pools, work out rooms, racquetball courts, and even bowling lanes.

There are also additional activities to help pass the time including computer rooms, on most ships, where you can play games, surf the net, or check your e-mail. Many also offer gaming rooms that have card tables, and a number of board games, and even libraries if you are looking for a good book to curl up with.

If you really look at all the entertainment options available on your cruise holiday, you would be busy booking cruise after cruise to experience it all.

While some people think days at sea will be tantamount to torture on a ship with no where to go, the reality is very different. Even the vessel you are sailing in has entertainment possibilities. It would likely take you a good amount of time to effectively tour the ship you are on, and chances are there are some great things to see, and history to learn about the vessel.

Another great aspect of cruising through your holidays is that you're dropped off by your floating hotel at a different unique foreign destination every day, and at the end of the day, your hotel, and all your belongings are waiting for you, with a hot meal being prepared as you enjoy recounting the day's experiences