Cruisers continue to flock to the Caribbean and ships such as this one by Royal Caribbean, shown in port in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. (Sun Media/Barb Fox)

Perhaps it's time to "let go the lines" and sail away on a cruise vacation.

An estimated 12.8-million people will do just that as they take to the seas in record numbers this year.

It's not a surprising trend as vacationers look for more varied destinations, specialized shipboard amenities including fine dining, spas, adventurous shore excursions and good value.

"Cruising is growing in leaps and bounds" said Pauline Jafri, store manager, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Cherryhill Travel Store in London.

"The cruise lines have brought on so many new ships that they now have a surplus of staterooms," she said, adding: "The price of a cruise has dropped so much in the past 10 years so it's now very affordable."

First of all, put aside all preconceptions - there's a cruise experience to satisfy everyone.

With the huge diversity of the fleet and 35 new ships coming on stream in the next five years, there's something to match every demographic, lifestyle and desire.

So, plan carefully and pick the ship or line that's a good fit.

And don't fret over a little "motion on the ocean" as today's modern liners have magic stabilizers that help keep an even keel even in the roughest seas.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has identified four key emerging trends in a survey of 1,000 North American travel professionals:

- The fastest-growing market segments are families, multigenerational cruisers and baby boomers, with both cruise virgins and repeat mariners among the largest groups.

- The Caribbean remains the top market but other destinations are booming, too.

The Mediterranean, Alaska and Hawaii are the fastest-growing destinations with impressive growth in Central and South America, Northern Europe and the Baltic, and Australia/New Zealand.

Alaska is a hot destination in the summertime while cruising is a "great alternative way to see Europe, with the biggest growth in riverboat cruising," Jafri said.

"Europe can be very expensive for accommodations and food so when it is packaged and prepaid with a cruise it helps control costs."

- Traditional cruises of six to eight days remain the favourite but there's strong demand for short cruises (three to five days), river and coastal cruises, longer cruises (nine days and more), theme cruises, small ship cruises and luxury voyages.

Many early retirees opt for the longer cruises to more "exotic" destinations, Jafri said, noting they can "explore new destinations, knowing they're covered with accommodations and food that is known to you."

- Top reasons for taking a cruise are value, with accommodations, meals and entertainment included, an opportunity to see multiple destinations in one trip and convenience.

"We are starting to see the cruise lines offer an all-inclusive pricing package because they want to go head to head with the all-inclusive hotel stays," Jafri said.

Consumers enjoy the increasing diversity and flexibility of dining options and new shipboard activities, which can include ice skating, rock climbing, aqua parks and bowling.

They also like the at-sea connectivity with Internet cafes and wireless access, high-tech innovations and upgraded beds and accommodations found on today's ships.

Agents predict even more choices coming for enrichment programs, entertainment and recreational facilities while most new ships have full-service luxury spas and some even have water parks.

They also point out the myth about gaining weight on a cruise is outdated.

Cruisers can eat what they want while savouring an abundance of healthy menu and fitness choices to stay in shape. There are well-equipped gyms and three or so laps around the Promenade Deck equals a one-kilometre walk.

The most important tip from agents is to book a cruise as early as possible, with many people committing up to a year ahead to get the best price, choice of stateroom and itinerary.

"I recommend spending the extra few dollars to get a verandah suite - it makes all the difference in the world with how you feel on board," Jafri suggested.

Agents suggest a pre-cruise stay in the city of embarkation to relax and minimize the stress of travelling to reach the ship on time.

Bon voyage - and don't forget your passport.