I was born and raised in Florida, home to the world’s busiest cruise-ship ports. While I abide by most of the rules native Floridians must follow – I know the complete Jimmy Buffett discography, I’ve been to Disney World enough times to hate it, I’ve been uncomfortably close to an alligator – I have never understood cruises.

I was reminded of this for the one millionth time while reading about three recent deaths suspected to be from hantavirus, a virus carried by rodents, aboard a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic Ocean. Others onboard have gotten sick, and as of May 4, the ship is anchored near the West African nation of Cape Verde with about 150 passengers still on board.

Call me a cruise coward, but that does not sound like a fun vacation. But maybe I'm wrong. This is your opportunity to help me understand with our form below.

All cruises sound to me like disasters waiting to happen

For as much as I hear about people loving to go on all-inclusive cruises, scenic cruises or........

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