What an exciting way to travel around the world. If you enjoy a slow ride and relaxing visits from port to port, an ocean cruise is your best option. Currently, there are 315 cruise lines around the world. The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, Symphony of the Seas, is currently the world's largest cruise ship.

The 8 Best Cruise Lines today are:

1. Royal Caribbean International, www.royalcaribbean.com

2. Celebrity Cruises, www.celebritycruises.com

3. Norwegian Cruise Line, www.ncl.com

4. Princess Cruises, www.princess.com

5. Carnival Cruise Line, www.carnival.com

6. Holland America Line, www.hollandamerica.com

7. MSC Cruises, www.msccruises.com

8. and the Costa Cruises, www.costacruises.com.

Decided to cruise? Tips to follow.

First and foremost, is your passport valid for the duration of your cruise? Booking your ticket is not the first step to take. To make your trip an amazing one, plenty of research should be done. What routes are available to you, what does the liner offer in terms of cabins, entertainment, sport, poolside entertainment, romantic dinners, dancing and not to forget those delicious meals, available to you 24 hours a day.

What’s the best time of the year to travel?

Undoubtedly, it must be during the summer months. Who can resist those sunrises, and sunsets? Depending on whether you are a night owl, or the early bird that catches the best seats on deck, kind of person, you’ll be sure to check out the rise and/or fall of the sun.

Here are a few suggestions on when to take a cruise when exploring different countries.  Alaska: June Through August, Asia: November Through March, Australia: Late November to March, Bermuda: June Through August, Canada/New England: September and October.

Doing plenty of research before your trip, about the actual boat you plan on cruising, can be extremely useful. There are hundreds of online platforms that provide great advice, from packing your luggage to how to use your time onboard to maximise your trip. You should familiarise yourself with the ship’s layout - where the decks are, the dining rooms and the entertainment centres. This is important so that you don’t spend valuable time looking for areas, walking up and down, although there are signs up as to where you might be and where to go when you are onboard. Rather use these as guides when you forget the way or get lost on a romantic walk around the ship. Also, try to see what deals are available to you when you book your tickets.

Want to live on a ship full time? Not all ships allow full-time residents onboard, but many cruise lines make accommodations for seniors who want to become long-term passengers and remain on the same ship for months or even years at a time.

In some ways, being on a cruise ship is as good as being on land, as you have the luxury of having a clinic and doctor available for any minor illness or injury. So for those who worry about this aspect, you can rest easy knowing that they have everything you may require in case of an emergency.

 Being on a cruise can also be used as a time for reflection. Mental wellness is vital, and you can use the time onboard to make plans for your future if you find yourself at a crossroads.  Find meaning in who you are and what you would like to accomplish going forward. Set goals with the quiet of the sea, and enjoy the time away from everyday life. You can forget about what is waiting for you back home and party all night long, or sit by the pool and listen to some live soulful music. Practice yoga on the deck. Visit all the different bars that avail inside and out. You can use the time for anything your heart desires.

Sitting watching the ocean can be a great opportunity to think about how awesome the world is, how great life is. The dark waters are a stark reminder that we don’t know as much about life as we would like to. This planet is an amazing place with so many possibilities. All you have to do is have the courage to explore, and experience it.