Is cruising affordable and a good value?

Cruising is considered one of the best vacation values, as it is almost all-inclusive. Your fare includes meals, your cabin, onboard activities, parties and entertainment. Additional costs may include drinks, shore excursions, photographs, spa services, and of course, shopping. Some alternative restaurants onboard the ship do have additional charges or surcharges.

How long are cruises?

Cruises vary in length, but are typically are three-, four-, five-, seven- and 10-day sailings. Longer itineraries are 10-, 11- and 14 nights, while world voyages may last for three months.

When's the best time to take a cruise?

There are cruises to a varied destinations offered year-round, including warm weather regions such as the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Panama Canal, which are always popular. Cooler climate destinations, such as Alaska, are offered between May and September. Europe cruises are between April and November and to Bermuda, between April and October. You can even cruise to Antarctica between December and March.

What is the most affordable time to take a cruise?

The most affordable cruise times are non-holidays and during school session. However, with so many new ships and cabins to fill, there are excellent values to all destinations available year-round, including summers and holidays.

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

No. There is a wide selection of cruise ships to select from to suit all tastes, including size of ship, number of passengers and onboard ambiance, such as casual and casual elegance. You may choose from an intimate yacht to the latest floating resort.

As a first time cruiser, which is the best cruise line for me?

To help you make a decision, you should take into consideration: price; ship (age, size accommodations, amenities; itineraries; passengers (interests, ages, etc.); length of cruise; style of vacation (active or relaxed); interests.

Will I get bored or feel confined onboard?

Cruise ships offer a wide variety of activities and onboard amenities. Depending on the ship you select, there may be everything from relaxing at the pool, to lectures, wine-tasting, art auctions, fitness centers equipped with the latest machines and top-rate spas with a wide range of services, as well as movies, backgammon or bridge and shopping. Libraries offer books, magazines, as well as videos, while some ships even have golf, ice skating rinks and rock-climbing walls. Cruisers can be as active or non-active as they choose. Many ships also offer Internet centers.

Is sea sickness a problem?

While today's ships feature the most advanced stabilizers, limiting the amount of motion one may feel, some people do get sea sick. There are over-the-counter products available that should be taken before the onset of any seasickness, but always consult with your doctor first. The onboard physical should also be able to provide medication.

What impact does tropical weather have on cruises?

Thanks to the latest in high-tech equipment, cruise ships not only know about storms in advance but are able to avoid them. At times, this could mean altering the itinerary for the benefit of the passengers.

Where can I cruise?

You can cruise to destinations worldwide. These include the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, the Far East, South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti; the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal and transatlantic crossings.

What is there to do in port?

Countless tours and choices are available and there is the option of taking a guided tour or traveling on your own. There is a wide selection of shore excursions are offered, and these will be based on what part of the world you are in. For example, in Alaska, you may want to go on a salmon bake tour; in the Caribbean, diving. Of course, there is always shopping. Whatever port you are in, you will find exciting and informative tours and activities.

What if I don't want to take a tour while in port?

You have the option of staying onboard instead of going on land, and enjoying the many onboard amenities or doing nothing at all - this is your vacation! Depending on the climate and the ship, you can relax at the pool or play volleyball or basketball. Indoors, you can go to a movie, read or listen to music at the library, take a complimentary class, including wine-tasting; enjoy the spa and fitness center facilities, enjoy high tea and much more.

Do I have to participate in activities?

This is your vacation, you can do as much or as little as you choose.

Do cruise lines welcome families with children?

More and more families are choosing a cruise as their vacation choice. Most cruise lines provide supervised activities for children based on their age group. Many offer babysitting as well, at an additional cost.

What is there to do at night?

Ships come to life at night and can be very exciting. There is dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs; karaoke; discos and lounges; feature films and various parties. Most ships also have casinos. There are also special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, a masquerade parade and late night buffet. Some ships have formal nights for dinner, where passengers dress-up. The nighttime activities will vary by ship and cruise line.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

There is no cover, no minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live and diverse. They include Vegas-style, lounge, and dance band.

What about the people we'll meet?

A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about. At dinner, at cocktails, around the pool, or along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.

Will there be people like me?

There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises...of all ages...from all walks of life...singles, couples and families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.

Is cruising right for honeymoons?

Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance...cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars) and so much more to remember forever. Most lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port. By the way, honeymooners should email us for our Honeymoon Planning Guide with special rates for our passengers tying the knot.

Where Can I Learn More About Cruising?

A good source might be your library - they may have guidebooks on cruising (Fodor's, Frommer's, Berlitz, etc.). There are cruise magazines for the consumer, including Cruise Travel, Porthole, and Condi Nast Traveler. Also be sure to check out the Cruise Resources section of this website.

It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?

The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! After all, you don't have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have the bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining, and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)

What's the Drinking Age on a Cruise Ship?

You must be at least 21 years old to legally consume beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages onboard.