Sure, you're having a great time this week showing off your hot wheels on Woodward. But what are you going to do in the dead of winter when Metro Detroit's Dream Cruise --- that summertime fantasia of shiny chrome, squealing tires and exhaust fumes --- is just a fading memory?

If Joe Babiasz of Huntington Woods has his way, you'll be among the classic car buffs revving up the gearhead energy on a pair of cruises coordinated by his new enterprise, Catch A Wave Productions.

From Jan. 19-27, the 15th annual Corvette Lovers Cruise sails the western Caribbean on the Carnival Liberty from Fort Lauderdale. In addition to exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico and a Costa Rican rainforest, the eight-night voyage features four days at sea, including afternoon "Vette-togethers" and seminars with Metro Detroit Corvette designers and restoration specialists.

Babiasz, a retired GM engineer and Corvette lover who ran a car restoration shop on the east side, will be aboard to oversee the motorhead action, sponsored by Corvette Enthusiast magazine.

A month later, Feb. 10-17, a Mustang lovers' Valentine Cruise will sail the Eastern Caribbean out of Miami aboard Carnival's Valor with stops at Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Like the Corvette Cruise, the Mustang Cruise will feature special parties, programs, speakers and events with other car lovers and hobbyists.

Rates for the cruises range from about $750-$2,300 per person, plus airfare. In the meantime, happy four-seasons cruising.

- Susan R. Pollack, Detroit News Travel Writer
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