Isn't Cruising Expensive?
There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your stateroom, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. ( Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to nearly 2,500. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal; classically simple to ultra-deluxe.

Can I book on short notice?
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. But, to get just exactly the ship, cabin and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early.

Do I need a Passport?
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You'll probably need, at least, some proof of citizenship.

Are there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone on board can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom is based only on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same couteous service, menus, activities and entertainment as everyone else on board.

Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts, with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back on a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books or watch the ever changing view. Or you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can practice your tennis strokes, drive golf balls, shoot some skeet or basketballs. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attend lectures by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!

What's there to do in port?
So much, you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or for shopping bargains. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Play golf or tennis. Eat native food. Learn how to wind-surf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Sail, snorkel or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or glittering casino. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of.

Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise you do what you want to do. You can do everything. Or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained.

What's there to do at night?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment in the nightclubs, discos and lounges. Feature films. And parties with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events, like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger's Talent Night and the Midnight buffet. And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectaclar sunrise at sea.

Is there a charge for the entertainment?
Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live. The movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.

Is it easy to meet people?
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 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 the ship again next year.

Will there be people like me?
No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as the 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.

Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles - early on, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.

What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise Vacations are casual by day whether you're on ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. For the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.

Will I need a tuxedo?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. but don't buy a tux for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110 volt outlets in the staterooms.

What are "different meal seatings?"
Some ships' dining rooms can accomodate all passengers in one "seating." But, most ships have two seatings which differ only by time. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or later. - then request your preference when you book. Whichever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table.

What about fitness and healthy eating?
Just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose "low cal" or "fitness" menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in the gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more.

Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accomodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance. So be sure to advise your cruise counselor of this requirement when you book your cruise.

Are there "Non-Smoking" Areas?
Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell your cruise counselor. On board, in "open-seating" situations, you can advise your waiter or the maitre d'.

Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Absolutely! Most cruise Lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapes, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your cruise counselor in advance.

Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Without a doubt. Cruising creates 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. (And, speaking of beds, most ships have them in double, queen or king sizes!).

Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. You can call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. And you can make phone calls from most ports of call.

What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.

Isn't motion-discomfort a problem?
Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advance availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

Are there medical services on board?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.

Are there laundry services aboard?
Yes. Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services.

It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?
In all seriousness, the one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it;s hard to find any negatives. 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, entertainment and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation.Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!).