Is it true what they say about cruises? Maybe not...

Invariably, when I have just returned from a cruise – looking rested and feeling contented – I will encounter a "nonbeliever," the kind of person who "hates" the notion of a cruise even though, typically, he or she hasn't actually sailed on one. The reasons for not wanting to go on a cruise – often based on misinformation – prompt the following personal "primer" that answers the question, "What, in fact, have I learned about cruises?"

Cruises are not, as some imagine, the exclusive domain of rich retirees. Twenty-nine years ago, I sailed on my first cruise. I was heady with expectations, elated at my good fortune, and vaguely suspicious of all these shipmates who wanted to be my friends. Aboard our seven-day voyage to ports in Greece and Turkey, I encountered college kids, honeymooners, families with children, singles, and grandparents.

Some, like me, had seriously economized to afford the cruise. (Back then I paid $325. Imagine!) Others who were more affluent viewed the cruise as a familiar and frequent entitlement.

All in all, we constituted then (and cruisers still appear to be now) a rather egalitarian demographic.

Proof? Recent statistics for the cruise industry suggest that the average cruiser is about 51 years old, with a median income of $64,500 (a healthy sum, to be sure, but certainly not stratospheric).

In short, today's "average cruiser" is probably neither rich nor a retiree. Baby boomers are big cruisers. Of those who've cruised in the past five years, about 70 percent are under the age of 60.

Though I have no statistical evidence to back up this observation, it is apparent to me that younger cruisers (and families) are more visible on itineraries that embrace the sun (the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, etc.), while more mature travelers seem to gravitate to cooler climes (Scandinavia, Alaska) where sun worship is not the preeminent pastime.

You get what you pay for. On my first cruise, I could afford only the least expensive accommodations. I settled for an inside cabin on the lowest deck. No porthole, no window, no balcony.

No more. Though sanguine "old salts" continue to counsel, "Don't worry about your cabin, you'll hardly spend any time in it," I have found that the second part of that axiom holds true only if your cabin resembles a broom closet and cultivates chronic claustrophobia.

When you're on a ship, the vista should include the sea, and I, for one, want to see it. I don't require a balcony – though I prefer to have one; there is no more conducive spot for breakfast, reading, writing postcards, watching port arrivals and departures, and quiet time.

Nowadays, an increasing number of new ships offer a significant percentage of outside cabins – many featuring balconies or verandas. If you can afford bigger, brighter, and balconied, go for it.

The clientele matters as much as the ship. As a matter of fact, the ship's "persona," ambience, and reputation are often defined as much by its passengers as they are by its service, cuisine, and itineraries.

While it is true that the onboard cast of characters may change from destination to destination, and even from voyage to voyage, a cruise line is defined by the company it keeps.

With whom do you wish to be traveling? Singles? Late-night revelers? Old money? Seasoned sophisticates? Families? First-timers?

No one can predict, yet alone guarantee, the exact composition of the onboard clientele of a particular ship, but input from a savvy travel agent – together with knowing comments from cruising friends whose tastes mirror your own – can provide valuable predictions and insights.

Oh, so you think none of this matters?

Wait until you and your hubby sit down for dinner with a group who consider tabloids to be great literature ... or until you find yourself surrounded, on a shore excursion to legendary and historic ruins, by dudes who have heard there's a great beach "not far from the castle."

The issue is neither snobbery nor pretension. For your cruise to be a success, you have the obligation to research the clientele with whom you are likely to be sharing your cruise experience.

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