Cruising off the beaten path

Never have the world's waterways been more available to leisure travelers.

Although the Caribbean Sea was where the revival in cruise vacations began, sleek ships are now nosing into new nooks along the earth's oceans, rivers, canals and lakes. And each year, more passengers discover the pleasures of cruising for the first time, while cruise veterans comb the globe in search of new seas to sail.

Here are three cruise alternatives to consider.

On a slow boat to China

Looking for a way to go to sea that takes you off the beaten itinerary? Travel by freighter.

Many freight lines accept paying passengers at rates that average about half as much per day as a typical cruise liner. But because freighter voyages are longer than passenger cruises, trips can be pricy. A freighter voyage around the world might take four months; shorter itineraries, such as California to Australia, two weeks.

But any mental images about that proverbial slow boat to China may have to be revised. Freighters frequently offer accommodations that rival first-class staterooms on ocean liners. Passengers share dining rooms, lounge facilities, and other public areas with the ship's officers. The food is often excellent, the cuisine reflecting the nationality of the chef and the crew.

Another advantage is that freighters sail to ports that cruise liners never visit. Daily life on a freighter can be fascinating. There's plenty of time for reading, reflecting, and strolling the deck, but passengers usually must make their own entertainment.

A flexible schedule and sense of adventure are important, since sailing dates and ports can change. Because space is usually limited to a dozen or so passengers, most freighter reservations are made well in advance, though last minute bookings are possible, especially if you're not particular about where you're going.

But if you're not easily bored and are looking for a unique travel experience, consider taking a freighter.

Fords Freighter Travel Guide 818-701-7414

Freighter World Cruises 800-531-7774 www.freighterworld.com

Travltips the magazine of the Cruise Freighter Travel Association 800-872-8584 www.travltips.com

How gentlemen can cruise the oceans for free

Though ratios on many cruise ships have been changing, the large majority of single passengers are still women, many of whom like to party in a neutral environment. So for years, most major cruise lines have recruited gentlemen who are willing to dance the night away in exchange for passage. In fact, several lines now openly seek candidates for the job, the primary requirements of which are good dancing skills, a gregarious personality, and plenty of charm.

Gentlemen hosts are generally at least 45 years old, and some are well over 70. Their ranks include retired teachers, entertainers, and military men, and most have previous cruise experience.

Several lines openly recruit gentlemen hosts, and at least one hires them for its cruises to the Orient, South Pacific, and around the world. Cunard puts four hosts on each of its ships, more when the itinerary is longer. Holland American Lines has as many as four hosts on each trip, but prefers to have candidates who have been recommended by travel agencies.

Other lines use an intermediary to recruit their gentlemen hosts. In this case, the broker charges successful candidates $28 for each day of the cruise.

Hosts may also have to pay their own air fare to and from embarkation points. But for days and nights filled with plenty of dancing, entertainment, and great food, it's a bargain by any standards. Of course, it does pay to sign up for dancing lessons before you go.

For information on being a gentleman host, , call The Working Vacation, 815-485-8307 www.theworkingvacation.com

Exploring the Mediterranean

Cruises can make for superb vacations anywhere, but especially in the Mediterranean, which touches so many enticing cities and scenic wonders. Cruise ships call on every corner of the middle sea, and almost everywhere, the harbor is the center of the action. Arriving by sea usually eliminates the need for costly, waterfront hotels. And there are fewer problems for those who don't speak the language.

But apart from the dizzying array of destinations, there's a wide variety of ships, service standards, and on-board styles. Per person prices range from $200 to $2,000 a day. Smaller ships, such as those of Classical Cruises (800-252-7745) and Renaissance (800-525-5350), tend to have laid-back life-styles, special cultural and educational programs, and lots of personal service. Larger ships of other cruise lines, like Costa (800-462-6782) and Orient (800-333-7300), offer an extravaganza of social atmosphere and onboard activities.

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