Once on board a cruise, you don't need car keys, credit cards, or even money. You pack and unpack once although you go to many destinations. You can dine at any number of venues without a reservation. You don't have to worry about maps, getting lost, or missing your flight.

No wonder cruises are such popular vacations.

Cruise activities are varied and numerous. Whether you are an avid athlete or a stroller, you'll find plenty of exercise opportunity. Not that exercise will necessarily be top of your list, for you can gamble to your heart's content or play Rummy on deck.

You can watch any number of shows from dancers to singers to magicians to whatever they can get on board. Or, you can laze around the pool reading a mystery novel.

At night, you can trip the light fantastic or fantasize about lighting up the dance floor. It's your choice.

When you reach a port of call, you can get off and explore ... or stay on board playing shuffle board.

Perhaps the most difficult decision you have to make while on a cruise is whether or not to sit starboard or larboard. Or whether to have two desserts or three. Or whether to have pizza at midnight ... or not.

But hey making decisions is good. It keeps your mind from going to mush -- which is definitely a danger when you are cruising. But the cool thing is that there are no wrong decisions ...

Karen Kirby has over 25 years' experience in the computer industry, an MS in Computer Science, and a BA in Honors English. Karen is the webmaster for Vacation Cruising where you can find great deals on cruises: http://cruises.shopper-discounts.com