American adults are not giving up traveling, especially travel that relates to personal interests that they're passionate about.

In fact, 87% of respondents, in a recent American Express survey, indicated that the number of vacations involving one or more personal "passions" would either remain the same or increase over the next two years. Of those, 28% indicated that they expect the number of trips to increase.

This is despite the fact that 90% of respondents indicated that they feel the US economy is currently in or edging toward a recession. But economics don't hold a candle to the benefits of travel, according to 60% of respondents who said that travel is very important to their mental health and lifestyle.

Theme cruises are becoming very popular.  For example, many cruise lines are offering a Mind, Body, and Spirit cruise that is the ideal setting for building strength and finding balance in your life. Take full advantage of your chance to get or stay in shape with lectures and instruction in yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and general fitness. Learn about Alternative Medicines, and Healthy Aging.

 Or did you ever dream of playing the piano? Could your palate improve with coaching from the Society of Wine Educators? Is there a great designer hiding inside you?

Life on board cruise ships can bring out the best in you by enriching your mind, body and spirit and by extending new opportunities for personal growth. For instance, Crystal Cruises offers expert instruction from partners such as Yamaha, Berlitz, Tai Chi Cultural Center, The Cleveland Clinic and The Society of Wine Educators. Classes are offered with expert instruction and lectures in the fields of entertainment, business and technology, lifestyles, such as feng shui, textile arts, event planning, candle making, or take an acting workshop or learn a new language! All classes and workshops are designed to expand your knowledge in an entertaining, hands-on style.

Or perhaps music is your passion?  Celebrity Cruises is offering a Smoothe Jazz cruise January 31. 2009, for six, music-filled days, from Miami. How can you fulfill your music passion?  Take one luxury ship exclusively reserved for smoothe music enthusiasts, add three extraordinary ports, fabulous food, sensational spas, tantalizing beverages, and, above all, Grammy award winning stars such as such as Boney James, Mindi Abair, Larry Carleton, Acoustic Alchemy and you have all the ingredients to rock your world!

It’s all out there – so join an adventure, follow your passions and fulfill your dreams!

Robin Miller, owner of CruiseOne, has recently achieved Certified Expert status on Princess Cruise Lines. She can be reached for information on any of these fun-filled cruises at 828-298-6552 or visit her online  at www.outcruises.net.