Cruising the nightlife aboard a cruise liner, Cathy and Tom West, far left, enjoy meeting new people and visiting with old friends.Photos Provided

Don’t overpack. Be prepared to eat well and often. Wear sensible shoes.  Relax and enjoy. You are going on a cruise.


 For many baby boomers, the ocean cruise has become the ultimate vacation — and more than just one time.


 Big Wheeling Creek residents Cathy and Tom West have taken to the high seas three times within recent years. Each time they have learned more of the tricks for an enjoyable cruising experience.


First they joined with other local residents on each cruise as there are discounts offered for groups.


“If you book early, you get more perks like upgrades, fruit baskets, gift cards, things like that, “ Cathy said.


On their first official cruise, the Wests decided February would be a good time to leave the cold and gray of the Ohio Valley.


“The first trip we took was to the Mexican Riviera. We flew out of Pittsburgh on a cold day in February. It was winter there as well but we felt it was very nice. The local residents on the Riviera were wearing wool sweaters and leather coats and we were in shorts and T-shirts,” Cathy recalled.


However, one day on the ship the wind kicked up and the Wests said the decks were virtually empty because the air was so cold.