[Balanceinfinity]

Cruising is kind of fun. I've traveled every way, from backpacks and youth hostels to four star hotels - they each have their merits. No, if you take a cruise and stop in Maine, it won't be the same as staying there for a week with friends (I've done both), but if you haven't done it don't mock it. If you just want a day to look a city over (or maybe take a hike in a national park) but don't want to shlep in and out, cruising is a fun way to go.

One great thing about cruising is this (same is true of resorts in general), if you have a large, diverse family, you can all get together for meals or activities on some days, but go off and get away from each other on different days - so you don't all drive each other crazy. Also, when you get older, it makes traveling a lot easier.