So what’s the big deal about tropical cruises?

If you’re looking for a vacation that will help you unwind, why not head for the cool, crisp air of the mountains? Well, besides the fact that it’ll be chilly, there will be insects bothering you, and you’ll have to do some hiking on rough terrain.

What about the All-American road trip? The lure of the open road sounds fun – except for the perpetual gas stops, questionable hotel selection, and all that mind-numbing driving through the middle of nowhere.

Well, if you like tropical weather, why not just head for the beach? Maybe because of the traffic, crowds of clueless tourists, and lack of public facilities?

Yeah. You get it now.

That’s why there’s no substitute for the tried-and-true tropical cruise if you want to relax, chill out, and let your troubles melt away. If you’ve never been on a tropical cruise, here are some of the things you can look forward to.

Pools -- Lots of Them

Rarely does a cruise ship offer only a single swimming pool. These oases run the gamut from heated pools, infinity pools, and wave pools to waterparks and hot tubs. And all of them have plenty of chairs and deck space if you want to work on your tan or just lounge lazily while the cruise staff fetches you as many fruity drinks as you want.

Entertaining Diversions

Many cruises offer live music, dancers, or entertainers right on the deck to amuse you while you enjoy the tropical air. When you need a break from the sun, you can move inside and take in a Broadway-style show, movie, or interactive event at one of the ship’s entertainment venues.

Adventures at Every Port

Part of the allure of tropical cruises is the sights and activities available at every port of call. You may want to try your hand at parasailing, fishing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, or riding personal watercraft on or near the tropical shores you will visit. Or you may prefer leisurely strolls along beaches, cultural demonstrations, or wandering through outdoor shopping districts.

Aaaahhhh…. Spas

Think of it as the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience that travels with you. Most cruise ships offer full spa services including manicures and pedicures, massages, and facial and skin treatments. You may even be able to enjoy these luxuries on an outdoor balcony or on the deck itself.

Time to Party

When the sun goes down, you can move to one of the ship’s bars or clubs and embrace your inner party animal! Enjoy the tropical nighttime experience with the music, beverage, and atmosphere of your choice. Many of these establishments are open-air so you can party under the moonlight to your heart’s content.

Never Going Hungry

Whether it’s genuine tropical fruit or a full-course meal fit for a king, tropical cruises are known for providing sumptuous selections to suit any appetite. Most cruise ships employ chefs who could be found at renowned restaurants everywhere. And most (if not all) of your food is included in the price of your cabin!

Ready to pack your bags? Here are some popular destination packages from some of the world’s most widely-recognized cruise lines.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Company: Carnival Cruise Lines

Ship: Carnival Destiny

Length: 5 days

Ports of call: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Half Moon Bay, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas

Company: Princess Cruises

Ship: Caribbean Princess

Length: 9 days

Ports of call: Hamilton, Bermuda; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Company: Royal Caribbean

Ship: Enchantment of the Seas

Length: 9 days

Ports of call: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands; Samana, Dominican Republic; Labadi, Haiti

Western Caribbean Cruises

Company: Carnival Cruise Lines

Ship: Carnival Imagination

Length: 4 days

Ports of call: Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico

Company: Princess Cruises

Ship: Emerald Princess

Length: 7 days

Ports of call: Princess Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico

Company: Celebrity Cruises

Ship: Celebrity Solstice

Length: 7 days

Ports of call: George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Company: Carnival Cruise Lines

Ship: Carnival Victory

Length: 7 days

Ports of call: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Dominica, Dominica; Barbados; St. Lucia; St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis; Philipsburg/St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

Company: Royal Caribbean

Ship: Serenade of the Seas

Length: 7 days

Ports of call: Willemstad/Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; Oranjestad, Aruba; Roseau, Dominica; St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands

With all of the stress and strain you deal with every day, you’ve definitely earned a relaxing vacation. And what better way to recharge your batteries than by immersing yourself in the fun and tranquility of a tropical cruise?

There’s a reason why tropical cruises never go out of style. It’s because no other type of getaway can match its ability to refresh your mind, pamper your body, and heal your soul.