Love cruising? Hate getting to the ship? Join the crowd! Even as an avid cruiser sometimes the thought of driving to the airport, leaving my car, going through the security screenings, waiting for the flight and worrying it might be cancelled or delayed has discouraged me. Of course, if you’re really concerned about trouble with your flight you could go a day early. Then you get to pay for a taxi to and from the hotel, unpack, find a place to have meals, repack, pay for your hotel, get to the port and begin the security screening for the ship. When does the fun begin?

If you’ve cruised before, you know the festivities begin the minute you walk onto your ship. A beautiful, tranquil environment greets you immediately along with a glass of champagne and lunch. The relaxation is immediate and the opportunities for fun are unlimited. Somewhere about midway on your trip however, you start thinking about repeating the whole process of flying home. Is there an alternative?

North Carolinians, your prayers have been answered! Since 9/11, cruise lines have started looking to new ports all around the country to make cruising easier. You may set sail from Norfolk, Charleston or Baltimore. You can experience all the luxuries of cruising without having to fly to the port! Several destinations are available with cruises ranging from two to fourteen days. Drive up to the stevedores (the baggage handlers), unload your luggage, park in the secure parking lot, check in and board your ship. What could be easier!

Cruise lines have spent millions of dollars building new ships. The general public is learning the glories of cruising and discovering it's not just for the rich and glamorous. With all the new cruise ships on the seas, the prices have never been lower. Cruises on the new ships often cost less than 20 years ago and you are treated like royalty! A cruise vacation is one of the most economical trips you can take, particularly when you drive to the port and save the airfare.

Here are some of the ships that will be leaving from nearby ports in the next year. Your cruise specialist will be able to find the best rates and answer all your questions. Hopefully the specialist will have been on all the ships so he or she can describe in detail how each one differs. As mentioned last month, ships and cruise lines can be very different. This information will get you started:

The Celebrity Horizon leaves from Norfolk, Virginia to go to Bermuda on six to eight day sailings. Celebrity is known for fine food and service. When you dock downtown at Hamilton or St. George in Bermuda you have a better location than even the most luxurious resorts on the island. You can easily sightsee, golf, see the wonderful caves or shop at the Isle's wonderful British stores. The ship is nearby for lunch or to rest then start again. Because of the high prices in Bermuda, a cruise is a great way to see the island.

The Norwegian Majesty leaves from Charleston, South Carolina for seven-day western Caribbean trips calling on Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West. Norwegian is known for their "Freestyle Cruising" meaning it's always your call! Eat when and where you want with whomever you want. Attire is "resort casual" with formal nights optional. Freestyle disembarkation (the day you leave the ship) means you can relax and linger over breakfast and coffee. Since you will be driving, there's no rush!

Holland America has several ships leaving from Baltimore, Maryland and Norfolk. Sailings last either ten or eleven days and go to the eastern Caribbean ports of San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas and Tortola. These ports are a shoppers paradise with duty free merchandise and low prices. History buffs will be enticed by the island’s history.

Carnival is known for their "Fun Ships." Activities abound on these cruises with something for everyone. From games on deck for all ages to specialized children programs (giving mom and dad a chance to relax), the fun never ends. Carnival offers two day cruises “to nowhere” for a quick getaway or to see what it’s all about! Five and six day cruises go to the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean and Radisson Seven Seas also leave from these nearby ports with a variety of destinations. Remember all the aforementioned locations are warmer than North Carolina. Your cruise specialist can give you detailed weather information.

These new ports offer an affordable luxury vacation all within driving distance. Cruise date options are not as numerous as larger ports but they are available. Consider family reunions, church trips, golf getaways, holidays, anniversaries, birthdays. Celebrate an occasion or take a well-earned vacation. You deserve it!