Travel is...

Cruising.

For the many who have never traveled by sea, the cruise business is the great unknown. I know it well and I never tire of the rhythm of life aboard ship. To me it is a serene and comfortable way to travel.

I am just off the coast of Ocho Rios, Jamaica now and while I didn't actually go ashore (I have many times before, but had an interesting interview here aboard ship, more about that later), I enjoyed the beauty of this island.

But when it comes to beauty, the ship I am on -- MSC POESIA -- is a real winner. The one-year-old ship is one of 10 in the MSC fleet, and is brand new to Caribbean sailing. European in design and decor and with Italian officers and an international crew, the ship is hospitable and comfortable and a wonderful home away from home.

From the magnificent lucite piano on deck 5 to the soft-serve ice cream on deck 13, from the delightful theater to the two graceful swimming pools and from the delicious spa and fitness center to the interactive in-cabin television sets, the ship is designed to make a sea-going vacation as comfortable as possible.

I believe in criusiing. I think that despite the growth of cabins which has probably doubled in the last 10 years, the demand for this kind of vacation for all ages will also continue to grow.

In the case of MSC cruises the offerings can take travelers to South America, throughout Europe, Canada and New England, and here in the lovely, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.

Bon voyage.