Although she enjoys some of the days at sea, she likes the destinations and the adventure of getting on and off the ship in a different port each day.

Since her first cruise around Hawaii she has escorted groups to Alaska, North Africa including the Mediterranean and Costa Rica through the Panama Canal.

Other destinations have been the Pacific, Europe (three times), sailing through the Panama Canal, visiting Oasis of the Seas in the departure port of Fort Lauderdale and she was also part of the merry band of Pukekohe Longkeepers group who toured the Caribbean in 1999.

She loves nothing better than being invited to the launch of a new or refurbished cruise ship or to wander and explore one she hasn't been on.

Just being on board Queen Mary on its visit to Auckland was mind boggling and spending three weeks on board would be her ideal.

 

Cruising out of Lisbon along the Portuguese coast, past the Rock of Gibraltar to Barcelona on board Oceania's Nautica brings back wonderful memories of the Spanish culture.

"Cruising for women is superb," says Gail. "No cooking, cleaning, hassles or thinking."

 

 

 

  

Bruce began cruising more than 20 years ago with seven days of relaxation in the Pacific on board Angelina Lauro and from this time on he was hooked.

Since then this cruising love has taken him to Mexican Riviera, many more times to the Pacific, on an Asian Singapore to Singapore return, Australia, Hawaii and a special canal cruise in Sweden. 

Bruce enjoys the relaxation of at-sea days which allow him to try out all the different activities available from deck games (including horse racing and bowls), bingo, quiz shows, the library, piecing together jigsaws as well as listening to the knowledgeable lecturers.

In the evenings he enjoys the entertainment from Broadway shows, musicals, gymnastics, musicians, circus acts and supposed comedians.

In between times the fabulous food stations are given a thorough testing – all healthy of course.

Being a connoisseur of food, he enjoys the variety, choice and quality available at the wide number of restaurants scattered throughout the various ships.

Regent Seven Seas is the best ship he has been on to date, mainly for its relaxed, five-star feeling.

His best port of call is Cabo San Lucas on the Mexican Riviera for its relaxed seaside atmosphere, while the best cruise was through Asia on Super Star Gemini, a smaller ship with the personal touch.

Bruce recommends that everyone should try a cruise at least once to experience the life he loves.