I think it comes down to definitions. My idea of cruising is to follow the sun & avoid winters, but then I'm happy with the idea of long ocean passages. I suppose I would describe myself as a 'blue water cruiser'. When I went off 13 years ago (ran out of money & had to go back to 'real' life) it occurred to me I was happier voyaging than sitting somewhere for extended periods, so I guess that was my 'purpose' in life, to travel. Others are happy to sit in a marina and wait for summer (no criticism implied, different strokes etc). One thing is for sure, you can't rely on running away to sea to escape problems because so often the problems lay within ourselves.