So why does a boat project website contain a Caribbean Cruising section? Well, in Michigan, we can only boat 6 months out of the year, and we need to do something in the off-season; so we go Caribbean Cruising. So while not technically a boat project, it is at least boating-related; if you stretch your imagination enough.

My purpose here is to provide details of my cruise experiences and tips of what I have learned, so that the first-time cruiser might gain a bit of insite as what to expect. Over the last few years, we have been on 7 cruises - all with the same cruise line; and we are booked for two more cruises in 2010. Do I know everything after taking 7 cruises? No. I am not claiming to be an expert. There are cruisers that have 10, 20, or more cruises under their belt that are far more expert than I am. So in this regard, the ideas contained here are in the framework of my experiences and what I have done in the past.

I recall when we took our first cruise, there were a lot of unknowns. It would have been helpful if we knew a little bit more information then. True, there are many websites on the internet where you can obtain tips for the first-time cruiser. But if you want another point of view, or possibly discussion of topics not found on other websites (photographic tips for instance), then this web site is for you. Besides, I simply had some left over space on my boat-project website....

Over the last few years, it does seem that the cruise experience has changed. Whether or not this has to do with cruise line changes due to simple economics, the changing world, or simply a change in my perspective I do not know. But one thing has changed for sure, cruising is more affordable today than ever.

Navigating this site is easy, as you have three options. You can read each page sequentially by clicking on the "Next Page" link at the very bottom, or you can select from the Table of Contents to the left.