Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/561260
CROATIA Mediterranean cruises often sail to Greece, Italy and Spain, but the region's rising star is Croa - tia, which rivals the beauty of the Greek Islands and the culture of Italy. Ships often stop at Dubrovnik, a walled city with a fascinating medi - eval Old Town, and also the charming port of Split. HOLIDAY & THEMED CRUISES Christmas at sea can be memorable with cruise lines offering everything from "snowfalls" in the ship's atrium to deck-the- deck parties. But holiday cruises (including Thanks - giving and New Year's) sell out quickly, so make your reservations early. At any time of year, themed cruises – from food-and- wine sailings, among the most popular, to cruises focused on oldies music, sports, celebrities and more – offer exclusive experiences and the chance to mingle with like-minded aficionados. AERIAL A feature on many ships, this new up-in-the-air trend gets cruisers off the deck, literally. You can scramble up a rock-climbing wall, zoom along a zipline and sky dive inside a glass flight chamber. In ports, airborne adventures are equally thrilling, from pontoon plane flights over Alaska's misty fjords to hovering in a heli - copter above an active Hawaiian volcano – so close you can feel the heat. A C H Expedition Cruising With sturdy ships plying the waters of faraway destinations such as Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands, expedition cruises often include naturalists, historians and other experts leading tours and evening seminars to enrich your journey. Barging ese intimate vessels explore out-of-the-way corners of Europe. Imagine gliding along a canal in France or Holland at a pace so leisurely that you can step off to walk or bike ride alongside. Barges are known for great service, gourmet meals and few passengers. Gratuities Many lines now automatically bill your shipboard account for staff gratuities. Pooling and distributing tips makes sense, especially in an era of open seating, where you may not have the same servers twice. Some smaller cruise lines have nixed tips entirely. FAMILY FUN Modern ocean liners are perk-filled play- grounds for active families. While kids are enjoying elaborate waterparks and sports facilities, parents and grandparents can take bridge lessons, relax with an alfresco massage in a poolside cabana or visit with friends at afternoon tea. Cruisers of all generations will appreci - ate tech offerings, such as bow-to-stern Wi-Fi, computer hubs and even a golf simula- tor, where guests swing real Callaway clubs as they play electronic versions of more than 100 actual courses around the world. Good news for the budget: Some lines offer free travel for younger children and reduced fares for teens on specific itineraries. Dining Good food has always been a key feature of cruising. But now cruise lines are accommodating your desire to dine when and with whom you like. Today, even the largest ships offer some open seating in the regular dining room (for passengers who wish to take charge of their dining destiny), while maintaining some areas of the classic assigned seating that leads to so many long-term friendships. B E G Inside Cabin If you plan to stay so busy that you only use your room for sleeping, save money by opting for an "inside cabin," one without a window. One innovative ship offers a high-tech option – interior cabins adorned with "virtual" balconies, 80-inch LED screens showing live images taken by exterior cameras. I F D F A F A L L 2 0 1 5 | G O I N G P L A C E S 29 (a) royal caribbean line/oasis of the seas, (b) istock, (c) masterfile/robert harding images, (d) regent seven seas/prime 7 restaurant, (e) istock, (f) royal caribbean line/liberty of the seas, (h) istock