In this era of faster everything, including faster and larger commercial airliners where passengers are packed in like sardines, one thing seems to remain constant. That is the wonderful, leisurely world of cruising. For many years the airline industry has experienced numerous setbacks, while the cruise industry has been growing by leaps and bounds. There are many reasons why you should consider becoming a part of this amazing phenomenon. Here are some of them.

Some recent research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), show that ninety-five percent of people who have cruised give top marks to their cruising experience and more than seventy-five percent plan to cruise again within three years.

Contrary to what some people may think, cruises are very affordable. With most vacations you end up paying for flights, hotels or resorts, restaurants, entertainment, and also car rentals. When you add all these costs up, cruises can be a great bargain. When booking a cruise, in most cases you pay for the airfare and cruise. However, if you happen to live close enough to your cruise ship departure port, you may be able to drive there a lot cheaper than you can fly.

Even if you have to fly to your departure port you can always get a flight and cruise package deal that is usually less expensive than purchasing your flight and cruise separately. You will also save even more money as your lodging, restaurant meals, and entertainment are included.

When you book a luxury cruise holiday, well over 85% of your vacation is prepaid and that includes all meals, movies, night clubs, stage shows, and entertainment, as well as many other activities and amenities. In addition, most ships have onboard activities such as rock climbing, golf, climbing, dancing, swimming, scuba diving lessons which can lead to certification, Pilates, yoga, and fitness trainers. You can also treat yourself to relaxing spas and body massages.

Another way to save a bundle on a cruise is to book an inside cabin. If you don't need to have a cabin that has a balcony or ocean view, then you will save a lot of money. You have use of all the shared amenities with your fellow passengers, but it is costing you a lot less.

You can also save a bundle on a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise is made possible at certain times of the year, usually in the spring and fall, when the cruise lines relocate their ships from one area of the world to another.

There are numerous luxury cruise vacations to choose from, that range from three day mini cruises to several month long cruises as well as an incredible around the world cruise odyssey.

When you cruise, you are traveling in the lap of luxury in a floating five-star hotel. You will be pampered and feel that you are living the life of a king or queen, not only for a day, but for the entire length of the cruise. Elegant surroundings, gourmet dining and impeccable service are a few of the superlatives that can be used to describe cruising.

If you like delicious food you will absolutely love gourmet meals and scrumptious desserts created by great chefs and served in a variety of restaurants. There are always wonderful buffets available throughout the day and even midnight buffets. A number of themed lounges are located throughout the cruise ships for your convenience.

Love seeing Broadway style shows and theater performances without having to make reservations or pay outlandish prices for tickets? Then taking a luxury cruise is the answer. So many things are included on cruises which make them such a great value for your travel and entertainment dollar.

From children to great grandparents, there is always something to interest everyone on a cruise. You have the option to be as active as you like or you can just relax and experience magnificent sunrises and breathtaking sunsets while watching the world go by. So many wonderful, precious memories and experiences will stay with you a lifetime when you take a luxury cruise.

Feel like partying around the clock? That's not a problem. Whether you're with a partner or single, it's always party time. You don't even have to plan or even clean up after a party, only have a lot of fun!

Businesses from around the world book conferences and seminars, team building get-togethers, new product launches and employee reward vacations on cruise ships. Cruise lines do not charge extra for conference room facilities and use of audio and video equipment.

Group cruises aren't only for companies and business people. Weddings and honeymoons, family reunions, sports groups and clubs, charities and fund raisers are only some of the many types of groups that have their events on cruises.

On cruises there is no hassle of having to pack and unpack again and again every time you travel to a new destination. Another bonus is that there is no limit on the amount of luggage you can bring on a cruise.

People with disabilities should not have problems getting around on a cruise ship. Cruise lines have made onboard accessibility a non-issue because their ships are equipped with ramps, elevators and easily accessible cabins and state rooms.

Modern cruise ships have dramatically reduced the problem of seasickness. Today's larger ships slice through the waves instead of riding on top of them. Also, new innovative technologies like stabilizers and counterbalancing systems have greatly reduced the pitch and roll of cruise ships, all but neutralizing any problem of seasickness.

A physician and medical staff are never more than a few minutes away on cruise ships should passengers need to see doctor. Most common passenger ailments and minor mishaps happen less on cruise ships than on shore.

Cruising is also one of the safest forms of travel. The cruise industry has an exceptional safety record. And as far as assaults and robberies are concerned, they are over a hundred times less likely to occur on a cruise ship than in your own home town.

For vacationers who have a fear of flying or don't enjoy being stuffed like sardines into commercial airplanes when traveling to their destinations, here's some great news. The cruise lines in the U.S. are making terrific progress catering to the cruise passengers needs. They are opening up new ports of call on both the East and West coasts so more and more people who would love to take a cruise but don't want to fly, can easily drive or take a bus or train to most departure ports.