| Cruising is one of the fastest-growing sectors of | | | | routes include exotic itineraries such as Southeast |
| the travel industry. In the 25 years from 1980 to | | | | Asia; on-board options now venture far beyond |
| 2005, the number of Americans taking cruises | | | | shuffleboard and bingo and into ice-skating rinks |
| rose from 1.6 million to a staggering 9.6 million. | | | | and rock-climbing walls. As for the ships |
| Fears over airline security after September 11th | | | | themselves, well, they just keep on getting bigger. |
| led directly to a surge in interest in cruises, which | | | | With so many choices of where, when, how |
| became more popular than ever. And now, with | | | | much, and how far, it can get confusing and |
| the frustrating nickel-and-diming tactics of the | | | | expensive.So, here is a primer on how to find and |
| airline industry, cruising is set to become an even | | | | book the right cruise at the right price and the |
| more attractive option. | | | | right time and how to make it live up to your |
| The cruise industry has responded to increased | | | | expectations. |
| interest with more choices than ever: newer | | | | |