Just about anyone who has ever been on a cruise before can relate. You've just experienced a week or more of heaven on the high seas. You arrive home to a pile of laundry, mail, bills and an empty fridge. Suddenly, this feeling you can't quite explain hits you like a brick. A feeling of gloominess, which you can only attribute to one thing - the cruise is over. No more mints on the pillow, fresh towels and a made-up bed every day, room service, gourmet meals prepared by someone else, or a serene ocean scene to lull you to sleep at night. Back to reality and life as usual. It's called the "post-cruise blues" and is a common affliction among cruisers from all walks of life. Is there a cure for this devastating disorder? You bet there is … simply book another cruise!

New cruisers … did you know that your ship will have a future-cruise consultant on board? Yes, while you are aboard your current cruise, you can book another cruise even before you arrive home. Don't know when - or even if - another cruise is in your future? Don't worry. You can put a $100 deposit and pick your cruise later, typically within 4 years. Along with that future cruise credit, you will also receive on-board credit, anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars - depending on the length of your cruise and/or accommodations - money you can use for things like umbrella drinks and excursions. Besides, you have nothing to lose - you'll get a full refund if you decide not to cruise or choose to try a different cruise line.

So, don't despair. Turn that frown into a smile! With another cruise in the pipeline, you'll be too preoccupied with planning the next voyage to be concerned with mundane chores like laundry and bill-paying, and will give you something to look forward to!

For more on ways to beat the post-cruise blues, read today's article: Tried and True Remedies for Those After-Cruise Blues