Try a cruise for a new kind of experience

The morning sun crested over the edge of the Earth as I firmly grasped my steering wheel and started my car. The day was dawning on a new adventure as I drove to the Cape Girardeau Airport in anticipation of what lay ahead.

My day started off with excitement for sure! "Oh by the way, your flight has been canceled," the gate agent advised. I looked at my watch, two hours to my connecting flight into San Francisco "Great!" I mumbled under my breath.

The million dollar question -- could I make it to St. Louis Lambert and catch the only plane that would get me to my final destination on time without speeding and getting a ticket that would cost more than my airfare? Fortunately the answer turned out to be a stressful yes! Which confirms what I tell people over and over -- pack light.

However, I rarely practice what I preach, and in this case I somehow had packed my entire desk and every piece of reading material in my house. I lugged my heavy carry-on through the airport and on to the plane and settled in my seat amazed I had made it. In all fairness, since Corporate Airlines has been operating the flights out of Cape Girardeau the on-time service has greatly increased. So I would certainly continue to fly out of Cape Girardeau Airport, this just happened to be one of the rare times the flight was canceled.

I was off to the inaugural cruise of the SS Carnival Spirit, the brand new 85,000-ton vessel designed to meet vacation dreams. I understand why people say they can leave their heart in San Francisco. As I sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge the golden fingers of the sun swept away the morning mist. I was fortunate to have a balcony cabin.

The thing I love about cruising is I can do as much or as little as I want. On this particular trip I was in need of some real R&R. There is something about sitting on the deck with the sea wind in your face that soothes the soul. I enjoyed a day of exploring the ship -- the new Spirit is different than any other Carnival ship and is filled with exciting and hidden nooks and crannies.

This ship has a diversity in an eclectic design that differs from room to room. Chinese in one, art deco in another, Italian in one and Greek influences in another. I felt like I had visited 20 different worlds all within one day.

I loved this trip as I tried new and different foods and experiences. I took a yoga class, got a massage, met new and interesting people, saw entertaining shows, laughed at the late-night comedy show.

By day two I had thrown my weight watchers book in the trash and realized I'd used in one day more food points and calories than I would normally use in a month. Thank goodness they have a world-class gym and personal trainer on board for those racked with guilt after their decadence.

I loved the classical music in the lobby, circular staircase, Egyptian monuments, and 24-hour pizzeria. What I love about Carnival is their mix of formal and casual areas on the ship. The ship is filled with restaurants and areas to dine in casual attire. For those who love the experience of dressing for dinner and being served a seven-course meal under star-filled skies, Carnival has added more ocean view tables and a specialty restaurant with a glass domed roof.

As with all vacations this one ended too soon. Since the events of Sept. 11, cruising has become the new vacation of choice. I again heard President Bush encourage Americans to travel and not allow terrorism to paralyze Americans with fear.

If you are not ready to board a flight or jet off to a far land, perhaps a cruise close to home is something to consider. There are cruises for every length of stay and for every destination -- the Caribbean, Hawaii, New England states, Bermuda, Alaska. They are all affordable close to home.