People who know me are surprised that, although I created an airfare alert site called Airfarewatchdog.com, I'd much rather take a cruise (or an Amtrak train) than fly somewhere. And living in midtown Manhattan, I can actually walk to our cruise terminal and take off on a cruise to somewhere or nowhere. In November, for example, I'm taking a two-day cruise to no place in particular on Celebrity's newest ship, the Silhouette, and yes, I'll hike the eight blocks to get there. And how did I spend my summer vacation? On a cruise from Athens to Venice-- I did have to fly to get there--on Seabourn Cruise Line's newest ship, the Quest.

The advantages of cruising are many. Foremost, there's the value for money. Although airfares and hotel room rates are up in recent years, cruise fares have remained low. You can still find a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean from Florida for $399 per person plus tax, double occupancy. Or a four-night cruise for $199. That's $50 per person, per night. Try getting meals, entertainment, and lodging for that price any other way.

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Last year, the ultra-luxurious Seabourn line was offering one-week cruises in Europe, including round-trip airfare from the U.S., for $2,200 per person. Considering that the airfare alone, had you bought it separately, would have cost about $1500 per person round-trip including tax, you were getting unlimited Champagne and caviar plus all the gourmet meals and stellar entertainment for $100 per person per day. Amazing. And although I can't imagine that deal being offered again, never say never. So sign up for e-mail alerts from Seabourn and other cruise lines or you might miss out on a great deal.

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And how was my summer cruise on Seabourn? In a word, perfect. Whereas when you fly, there's always something to gripe about—uncomfortable seats, less than enthusiastic staff, bossy TSA agents, crowded airports, bad or no food—it's a different world aboard a cruise ship. Usually when I stay in a hotel, I can find one little thing to complain about, but honestly, on my Seabourn trip I was so blown away by the quality that I actually wrote the captain a thank-you letter (I hope he shared it with the crew).

And yet, surprisingly, only 20% of Americans have ever taken a cruise. On my most recent voyage, I brought along a friend who was in the 80% demographic. Near the end of the voyage, he discovered (without any prompting from me) the other major joy of cruising: You get to see a lot of different places without packing and repacking. If you hate to pack a suitcase as much as I do, but like to see as many different locales in as short a time as possible, cruising is the way to go. Or even if, like me, you'd be happy never to get off the ship and just stare at the open sea rushing past from your stateroom's balcony, cruising is a great experience.

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Now, admittedly, cruising isn't for everyone. But unlike the airlines, which are despairingly generic these days, the cruise industry has segmented itself into market niches. Got teenagers or are you the antsy type? Go with Royal Caribbean's mega ships with their basketball courts and climbing walls. Infants and toddlers along for the ride? Disney Cruise Line is the one for you. Just enjoy being on the open ocean for days on end, attending lectures and dancing to a big band orchestra? Go with Cunard. Younger and looking for a fun atmosphere? Carnival. Foodie and a Four Seasons Hotel fan? Seabourn or Crystal. Hate crowds? Check out Sea Dream Yacht Club (112 passengers served by 95 staff). Whoever you are, there's a ship or a line that will float your boat.

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And who knows, your trip might even begin with a leisurely stroll to the pier, instead of a barefoot pat-down at an airport screening line.

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George Hobica is the founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. Airfarewatchdog features the best airfares on thousands of routes verified by a team of expert fare analysts.