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Would you eat alone in the cruise ship dining room? 

I've taken five solo cruises and eaten in the Main Dining Room alone on all but one. At first, I was worried the experience would feel awkward, but I soon found it was a great opportunity to meet other passengers and step outside my comfort zone. In fact, eating alone in cruise ship dining rooms is much less scary and intimidating than you might think! 

From exciting roller coasters to thought-evoking trivia events and robot bartenders capable of crafting unique libations created by you, cruise ships are filled with activities to keep passengers busy. 

You won't have to worry about being bored, that's for sure! If you're debating whether or not you'd have fun on a cruise, here's a list of 101 of the best things to do! 

Offerings vary by ship and cruise line, so you'll want to research which ship is best for you before booking.

To my friends and family, it seems as though I'm always at sea. Having taken fifteen cruises in the last two years, it's hard—if not impossible—to hide my love of cruising. Even so, I have only spent 135 days on a cruise ship throughout my lifetime, ranging from short 3-night getaways to The Bahamas to port-intensive sailings in Europe. 

Would you be upset if your parents went on a cruise without you? Rather than sulking at work, it's best to make light of the situation, even if you are jealous that your parents are sipping tropical cocktails while you're sitting at your desk. 

Vacations are meant to be relaxing and rejuvenating, especially cruises. With fewer logistics to plan, cruises are one of the most convenient ways to travel. Even still, there is nothing better than a cruise going exactly as you meticulously planned; however, this isn’t always how life works, sadly. Unforeseen circumstances or unwanted events can throw a wrench in travel plans.

While enjoying your day in The Bahamas, remember to be aware of your surroundings. 

Would you ever spend the night on a haunted ship? I did—and survived—but I’m not rushing to do it again.

If you're in Long Beach, California, it's hard to miss the Queen Mary ship across the water from downtown. The historic ocean liner, which was originally launched in 1936, has been permanently docked in the city since transatlantic operations ceased in 1967. Now, the vessel operates as a floating hotel.

When cruise passengers arrive at the terminal, they trust porters to safely transport their larger pieces of luggage to the ship. Though bags won't be immediately available outside the cabin, guests expect to find them within hours of embarking. The last thing anyone wants to hear is that the cruise line has misplaced their suitcases. 

Cruise ships operate on a tight schedule and have strict all-aboard times for guests. If you delay your return, you may have to sprint down the pier in a desperate attempt to catch your ship before it sets sail. Known as "pier runners," the frantic dash serves as a reminder of the consequences of spending too long in port; however, it's also a spectacle for those onboard.