1. Unpack once.
2. All meals, accomodations, and entertainment are included.
3. Shipboard activities, recreation and fitness centers onboard
4. You can do as much or as little as you want.
5. Special enrichment programs onboard.
6. Many cruise lines offer Children's programs.
7. Great for families, reunions, or groups of people.
8. Cruising is a customizeable experience - provided for by shore excursions.
9. Spa treatments are available.
10. Visits multiple distinations.

Cruising is a wonderful way to travel! Today’s new cruise ships are floating resorts with many of the choices a land-based resort has to offer, only better: they also take you to different places, so you’ll never be bored.  There are many cruises to choose from that can accommodate any taste and budget. The price of your cruise includes your cabin, meals, snacks, and all onboard activities and entertainment. Many cruise lines offer special onboard enrichment programs that let you learn all about new things that interest you.  Best of all, you only have to unpack one time! 

Not included in the cruise cost are gratuities, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, casino gambling, shopping, shore excursions (organized tours & activities onshore), babysitting, nominal fees at some restaurants.

River Cruising is another type of cruise that is becoming very popular and is the best way to travel through many of the world’s most fascinating places.  River cruises offer a  variety of destinations and let you get in-depth exposure to the culture and history of each region.  Unlike ocean cruises, rivers provide easy access to city centers.  They sail directly to the heart of every destination and dock in the middle of town.  Walk right off the ship and join the day’s activities. You spend less time getting there — and more time being there.  River ships are designed to accommodate between 150 and 300 guests so you don’t have to wait in long lines to embark, debark or have a meal.  The flat-bottomed shape of river cruise ships also provides a safe and smooth ride without worries about motion sickness.

	The world awaits. There's a hammock on a Caribbean beach with your name on it, or perhaps a cobblestone street in an ancient Greek village awaiting exploration. With over 90 unique itineraries visiting more than 270 worldwide destinations - from Alaska to Australia, Mexico to the Mediterranean, Princess delivers the world to you.
	For over 165 years, Cunard has proudly offered discerning travelers the ultimate grand voyages on the high seas.  Sail onboard the grand ocean liners; Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 or the Queen Victoria, and experience an entirely new realm of elegance and sophistication.
	"Relax into a world of comfort and easy elegance aboared the ships of the Holland America Line. In public rooms rich, polished woods and soft leather furniture create an inviting ambiance in which to gather. Staterooms, filled with all manner of sophisticated amenities, beckon you to retreat for hours." -Holand America LIne, September 2007-December 2008 Brochure
	Azamara cruises offers a uniquely personal service, unlike large ships, Azamara offers smaller ships thus allowing for a more comfortable atmosphere. A new line born from Celebrity.
	Whatever your concept of adventure, you're pretty much guaranteed to find it when you cruise with Royal Caribbean International, with their wide variety of onboard and onshore activites you can sail over and over again and have a completely different experience. And don't worry - there's something for each energy level, whether you're in the mood for sailing or serious shopping
	Peter Deilmann River cruises.  Our river cruises will bring you to the heart of Europe’s most spectacular rivers and waterways, to unspoiled nature and unique river landscapes. Discover historic monuments, romantic castles, quaint villages and beautiful cities. You will also enjoy gorgeous sunsets on deck.
	Carnival has a fleet of 22 "Fun Ships" which feature everything you would find in a quality land-based resort and then some. We deliver fun, memorable vacations to our guests that no other cruise line can offer.
	"Life is vastly different on an Oceania Cruises voyages, an experience granted by our luxurious mid-sized ships. Consequently, our cuisine soars to new heights, service excels beyond expectation, and our amenities are impossibly indulgent. What a wonderful way to sail to the world's most enchanting destinations, including boutique ports off limits to all but vessels such as ours." -Oceania Cruises 2008-2009 winter collection
	A Celebrity Cruise is more than a vacation, it's a voyage into a world where all your needs are met by a staff dedicated to ensuring that every moment exceeds your expectations. From spectacular dining to indulgent spa treatments, you can satisfy body and soul. Ther are countless entertainment possibilities for all ages - from activities that have been created just for kids to entertaining nightlife for adults.
	We have discovered a new state of being:  “Seabourn yachting life.”  Exquisite cuisine, all-suite accommodations and impeccable service are part of the Seabourn experience.  Sailing aboard the yachts of Seabourn means that you have your own private club in the most beautiful, exotic and exciting parts of the world.
	Windstar Cruises -180 degrees from ordinary. The World's Best Luxury Cruise Line.  Luxury cruise vacations by Windstar Cruises offers its guests the finest cruises to the most desirable destinations. Although we often highlight the intimate luxury of our smaller ships, we admit the experience is ever more enhanced by the intimacy of our destinations.  Windstar transports you to smaller ports for unique chance to see and discover your favorite city.
	It's simple. No other cruise line lets you do what you want to do because Freestyle cruising gives you more choices from everything from restaurants to accomodations. Our big modern ships are designed with the best stuff to see and do. And you'll find just one schedule - yours.
	The Difference is Crystal clear. Not just a destination, but a journey.  Travel is more than going from Point A to Point B; it is a chance to connect with your dreams.  Luxury is in the details that make the difference in a Crystal Cruise.  From the moment you board a Crystal Cruise, you will experience their dedication to making your cruise a perfect one.
	Viking River Cruises River cruising is, quite simply, the best way to travel through many of the world’s most fascinating places such as Europe, China and Russia. Comfortable and convenient, it offers a greater variety of destinations than you could encounter any other way — and lets you get in-depth exposure to the culture and history of each region, while sailing on smaller, intimate ships, between 150 – 300 passengers.
	Dream cruises for all kinds of dreams. Make a wish right now because all types of dreams are about to come true. Right when you step on the ship you will experience a vacation that you can't find anywhere else. After all, that's what a Disney Cruise is all about: making magic happen for everyone who sails and bringing you a special kind of enchantment that only Disney can create.

Disclaimer
Thomas Travel, in making trip arrangements for individuals, acts only in the capacity of organizing said trip, and as such, has no financial responsibility whatsoever in doing same.  In the event of trip cancellation for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to, strike, financial insolvency, fire, acts of governments or other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, or dangers incident to the sea, land and air, Thomas Travel shall not become liable in any manner whatsoever.

"Like fanning through a deck of cards I see all the events of my life, trivial to profound, that converged to re-create this place. Any arbitrary turning along the way and I would be elsewhere; I would be different. Where the expression "a place in the sun" first come from.

- Frances Mayes

Under the Tuscan Sun