I never considered myself a “cruise” person. In my mind, a Caribbean cruise was for newly-weds and nearly-deads. I pictured crowded buffets, jam-packed pool decks, windowless cubicles masquerading as staterooms.
photo: Daily Express UK
Turns out I was looking at the wrong cruise lines.
The Mystery and Romance Cruise, dreamed up by the dreamers at Vacations By Design, is the one you want.
It’s an eleven-day indulgence you’ll never forget.
Okay, so some of you are objecting to the price. I don’t blame you. An eleven-day cruise is going to cost you. But let’s face it—eleven days on ANY vacation is going to cost you.
I’m good at math. Used to teach it, in fact. So let’s do the math. What does a nice hotel room—a suite—run you these days? Probably around $300 per night. And meals (we’ll assume meals for two, and we have to include drinks and tip)—breakfast, $30. Lunch, $50, afternoon tea, $40, cocktail hour, $40, dinner at a nice restaurant, $100. Entertainment—live shows, music, films, dancing, sports…The sky’s the limit, but let’s say you go to a performance every day, which is what you’ll do on the ship. Minimum $100 for two seats at a live show. We’re already up to $680 per day, and that’s without the complimentary butler you get to have on the cruise. So you can see that a do-it-yourself vay-cay is a lot more trouble and a lot more expensive than a cruise.
On this cruise, all-inclusive actually means ALL inclusive:
INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE FARE :: Spacious suites with private verandas :: Butler service in every suite :: Free WiFi throughout the ship :: Personalized service – nearly one crew member for every guest :: Multiple restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining :: Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits :: 24-hour dining service :: Onboard entertainment and enrichment lecturers :: Complimentary transportation into town in most ports :: Onboard gratuities
Wait. What? “Enrichment Lecturers”??? Readers, meet your Enrichment Lecturers!
Yep, that’s us. Susan and Elizabeth. Plus you can read to your heart’s content without being interrupted by ringing phones, work emergencies, needy family members, or whining pets. And on this particular cruise Elizabeth George and I will hang out with you.
I mean. What’s better than that?
You could pick Jerry’s brain about apparel design.
You could see for yourself that Elizabeth George’s husband looks like Steve McQueen.
All the while visiting San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Barthelmy, St. Kitts, Tortola, Punta Cana, Grand Turk…With variety, adventure, romance and relaxation all expertly woven together, coupled with an overnight in fabulous Saint Barts, this cruise is truly the ultimate getaway.
If you’re a writer, the cost of the cruise is a business deduction because you’ll be writing, networking with other writers, and doing research for future writing projects.
If you’re a teacher, bookseller, librarian, editor, or otherwise involved in publishing, it’s a professional development activity and I bet your CPA would find some deductions.
If you’re retired, then just come. You earned it.
See you onboard!
WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT! Because I love Fresh Fiction and I really want you to join us, I’m giving a $100 on-board gift certificate to the first reader to sign up and mention Fresh Fiction! Call 800.828.4813, sign up and ask them if you’re first!
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