How many people are tired of going on holiday to the same dingy place? How many people are looking for excitement, new experiences and the chance to travel the world without depleting their life savings? Cruise ships have always been a luxurious retreat from the daily messiness of society. Since the first transatlantic cruise in 1900, more than 1 billion passengers have set sail on the high seas, and half of those passengers are repeat flyers. Today I want to share the secrets of why cruising is the best vacation ever and only an experienced cruise traveler would know. I'll explain the ins and outs of planning a cruise and shortcuts that could save you some hassle when planning your dream cruise. First of all, the best proof of citizenship for traveling around the world by ship, plane or even on foot is your passport. Virtually every continent requires a traveler to have identification. This document is necessary to be able to travel freely throughout the world. I must stress the importance of having the required documentation when traveling to foreign countries that are not your home. Having a passport is essential if you wish to sail through international waters. In general, the government says it takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks to get a passport, but I would start applying a year in advance. It's always easier to be prepared for future problems when you take the necessary steps to avoid them. For example, my family had a cruise planned for December 2009; I didn't apply for a passport until the end of November 2009. I was a year late in applying for a passport and was AFRAID of missing the cruise. I check the status of my passport online and discover that in order to go on the cruise I would have to...... half a document...... citizens. The ship has a European feel with people from New Zealand, South Africa and even Canada. Activities on board cater to both adults and children with clubs, bingo, dance shows and even karaoke. With so many cruise lines to choose from, you'll be sure to find a ship that will meet your family's needs and also provide the little touches of home. Overall, just as there are hundreds of cities, there are also hundreds of cruises ready to set sail on the high seas. You can travel through the EXOTIX jungles of Latin America, sip margaritas in Mexico, or battle the dazzling snow-capped peaks of Antarctica. Why not start planning now, because all you need is your passport, your destination and a cruise line. Cruising is a great experience, because who would choose to sit in heavy traffic on I-4 when you could be sipping a Pina Colada with a cabana boy?.