There's a lot of reasons for taking a vacation, and one of them is to break away from the daily, monotonous life of being in the office.

During weekdays, I wake up very early in the morning as my alarm clock wildly ringing.  I take my morning showers, prepare breakfast, check my e-mail while I sip a cup of coffee.  Later on I eat breakfast in a hurry, get dressed real quick and put on my make-ups, and catch the first morning bus to the office an hour away.

In the office, I greet my co-employees, turn on my computer, check my inbox, write my reports, go to the morning meetings, talk to the customers, etc. This goes on and on every day of the week. Although I would say that I enjoy my work not only because it is paying me good money but because I love and enjoy what I am doing, it sometimes become a little bit boring. I need something new. And something exciting.

There is a lot of things too that I would like to do if only I have all the time in the world.

There is a lot of things too that I would like to do if only I have all the time in the world. I would love to go on sailing on a yacht and go fishing. Mountain hiking and camping is great. How about a tour in Europe or in Asia. Or maybe a cruise vacation is more exciting.

On my way home yesterday, I had a chance encounter with my best friend Liza. She and her family, as it turned out, have just arrived from a Carnival Cruise vacation. Liza was excitingly telling stories about their trip.

I have heard from a friend about Carnival Cruise Lines. They operate a large fleet of luxurious cruise ships. They especialize in short and inexpensive cruises around the world. The have cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Carribean, Europe, or any destination around the world that you prefer.

The Largest Cruise Ship in the World

Late in 2009 the Oasis of the Seas will make its maiden cruise through the Caribbean. This cruise liner is the jewel in the crown of Royal Caribbean International’s fleet.

Oasis of the Seas will be the most luxurious floating hotel on the high seas. Fun, luxury, many a Caribbean port to see … relaxation, fine dining and the wonderful life at sea are all a part of life on the largest cruise ship in the world. Read more...

I recently took a five day cruise with Carnival. We cruised on the Inspiration to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. My family had a wonderful time. I was happy with my overall experience, but there were a few things that could use some attention and consideration.  Read more...

I’m not sure who came up with the idea of a family cruise but as my husband and I had taken cruises before, I was designated to coordinate a family reunion on a cruise ship with 28 people, covering four generations. Looking back the first thing I should have done was to sit down and enjoy a nice glass of Sherry to calm my nerves. Read more...

While I was musing over the idea about writing on the subject of toast I couldn’t help but naturally think about the ingredients used to make my wonderful French toast. I thought about the Texas toast used to make my French toast, the eggs, milk, powdered sugar, strawberries and then I remembered the vanilla, the Mexican vanilla I had gotten in Cozumel less than two weeks ago. It’s hard to believe that I was just on a Carnival Cruise headed for Mexico.  Read more...

Cruises have become tremendously popular due to the fact that they combine entertainment, activities and an opportunity to see some of the most fabulous sights in the world. Add in world class food and it is little wonder that so many people choose to take a cruise for their vacation. Read more...

Sex claim clouds cruise

Kiwi cruisegoers have been warned to watch their backs after an alleged sexual assault on "New Zealand's favourite cruise ship". A young woman claims she was assaulted on P&O's Pacific Sun 12 days ago while it was cruising near Noumea. Police boarded the ship when it docked in Brisbane last Saturday and spoke to a number of passengers.

Rec center set for Halloween Carnival

Visitors get the chance to debut their costumes a week ahead of time at the annual Englewood Halloween Carnival that will be held Oct. 24 at the Englewood Recreation Center, 1155 W. Oxford Ave. For one night a year, the Englewood Recreation Center is transformed from a center dedicated to health and fitness into the spooky habitat of cackling witches and marauding monsters.

Today's debate: Which cruise line has the best steakhouse?

What is it about being at sea that makes a big, juicy steak so appealing? We're not quite sure, but over the past two decades cruise lines have struck gold with steakhouses on ships. Just about every major cruise vessel these days has one. And despite extra charges as high as $30 per person, cruisers continue to flock to them.

Superliner visit heralds boom in cruise tourism

Wellington will host the super-liner the Star Princess tomorrow and can expect to see many more cruise ships in the future. An increasing number of Australians tourists are heading to New Zealand, and preferring to travel the old-fashioned way, by boat. Ann Sherry, chief executive of Australian-based P&O Cruises, was joined by Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key yesterday in Auckland to mark the start of the New Zealand cruise season.

WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN YOU GO FOR ...

Before the holiday festivities begin, how about a little rest and relaxation for just the two of you?  Carnival Cruise Line has the Carnival Triumph sailing from New Orleans on Nov. 10 on a four-night cruise. Spend a couple of days at sea enjoying the ship's spa services, casino, bars, lounges and dining venues.  Spend one day in Cozumel either shopping, sightseeing or snorkeling. Round-trip airfare from Evansville to New Orleans and the four-night cruise in an oceanview cabin including meals, entertainment and taxes is $752 per person, based on double occupancy. Passports are recommended but not required.