Want to Go on a Sea-Cruise?

Cruising can be economical. The cost of a cruise includes virtually all food on the trip, although there may be cover charges at some of the ship's fancy restaurants.

This, of course is a good deal. And the food's not bad. We ate mostly in the buffet cafe, which had especially interesting breakfast dishes, ranging from sublime (grits) to the ridiculous (baked beans)

However, my friends who drink warn of the dangers of the little plastic card issued to each guest on the cruise.

If you're lounging on the pool deck, you may see a waiter in a flowered shirt carrying a tray containing tall pink tropical drinks garnished with an orange slice, a cherry and a small paper umbrella.

To obtain one of the festive and refreshing beverages, you simply hand the waiter your card and sign a ticket, which means that your credit card is bill for about 9 bucks, including a tip. (While the food is paid for,  you pay for all booze- type beverages).

This "cashless" system is very convenient, but if you overdo it you can seriously damage your credit card balance.

There's also a casino on board.

So, as the late Johnnie Cochran might say, "If you do the vice, you must pay the price". On the final morning of the cruise, just before disembarkation, final statements are put on each stateroom door, telling you just how much you've spent on those tall pink drinks during the cruise.

At this point you start to hear screams echoing up and down the ship --- followed by splashes ...

(Reprint from Smiley Anders column, Morning Advocate)