In one week I will be doing what I thought I would never do in my lifetime: Take a cruise.

Whether it was TV images of disabled passenger vessels, images from the movie “Titanic,” thoughts of shark-infested seas or thoughts of sporadic bouts of nausea, I had vowed never to go on a cruise.

Now, while not excitedly awaiting the day of the cruise, I find myself quite curious about what I will encounter, and about how I will react.

What I propose to do here is to outline some of my thoughts. Then, after arriving home, I would like to compare my pre- and post-cruise thoughts.

Boarding the Ship: Easy. Friendly workers.

Room Accommodations: Comfortable. Everything Working Properly.

Sleep: A Good Night’s Sleep.

Nausea: None.

Dining: Good Food. Good Company at the Table. No Gastric Dilemmas.

The Pool: Beautiful.

Onboard Activities in General: Exciting. Plentiful.

Off-board Excursion 1: Scenic Railway: Wonderful Vistas.

Off-board Excursion 2: Bear Country: Exciting (even if a bear is not spotted).

The Staff: Friendly. Courteous.

The other passengers: Friendly. Courteous.

Bugs: None or Negligible

Worries Aboard in General: None.

If I am really conscientious, I will react to each of these parameters as they come up each day, and write my responses on my iPhone. That way, I will have an interesting timeline chart with which to compare my impressions during the trip.

Bon Voyage!

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com.