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-tastings, 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.

Is seasickness a problem?

While today's ships feature the most advanced stabilizers, limiting the amount of motion one may feel, some people do get seasick. 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.

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 cruiseline.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

Never. 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.

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 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. Just ask your cruise counselor for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle. Visit the lifestyles section of the website for more information.

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 at the beginning of the cruise, 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. Shore excursions are a comfortable and easy way to meet others who enjoy the same activities.

Is cruising right for honeymooners?

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.

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!)

How old do you have to be to go on a cruise?

This is really a two-part question:

1. How old do you have to be to cruise without a guardian?

Most cruise lines have a minimum requirement of 21 years of age for young people traveling without their parents. If any occupant in the cabin is under 21, then a passenger at least 25 years old must be booked in the cabin with them. Exceptions can be made for married couples, and the specific age requirements vary by cruise line.

2. What's the minimum age to get on a cruise ship?

Passengers of all ages are welcome aboard cruises, although some cruiselines may require that babies be at least 12-16 months old to cruise. Once on board, some cruiselines will have a minimum age of 2-3 years for the children's activity program.

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.

I don't plan to spend much time in my cabin. What's the most affordable way for me to get on the ship?

Very good question, and one we hear quite often. The most affordable way to get on the ship other than stowing away is to book an "inside guarantee." The rate is often a little lower than the rate for the lowest category on the ship. You will not receive a cabin number when booking. It will be assigned as late as the day of sailing. And your cabin assignment could be in any category on the ship. You could receive the lowest category on the ship or the highest. You never know. However, expect an inside cabin. The drawback is that you don't know where you'll end up. It could be the front, back or middle, so if that's a concern to you, we recommend avoiding this pricing program.

Since most cabins on today's ships only differ by the fact they're on a different deck, most folks don't mind taking a chance of where they end up. Most of our clients who take advantage of this deal are quite satisfied with their accommodations. If you seriously plan to spend little time in your cabin, then consider this promotion.

Do the cruise lines ever give free upgrades?

Everyone either knows someone, met someone on a ship, or they themselves have been upgraded to a higher category than they paid for. Yes, it does happen and but not as frequently as people think. How do upgrades work? Who knows? We're still trying to figure it out, but here's our theory.

Most upgrades go to passengers who book early and buy the lowest category on the ship in the form of a "Category Guarantee." A "Category Guarantee" means that when you book your cruise, you are not assigned a cabin number, you are simply guaranteed that category or better. Since most people who cruise simply want to get the best price, "Guarantees" are a great way to fill the ship with people looking for a good rate.

The cruise lines always sell more guarantees in a category than there are cabins in that category. For example, the lowest rate on Celebrity Cruise Line's Zenith is a Category 12, inside cabin. There are approximately 6 category 12 cabins. However, on each sailing, Celebrity will sell between 40 and 60 Category 12 guarantees. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that 34 people are going to get a free upgrade. Usually these upgrades are given on a first come first serve bases.

Most upgrades are often from low inside cabins to higher inside cabins, or low outside cabins to higher outside cabins. Rarely do passengers get upgraded from inside to outside but it does happen. But don't book an inside cabin expecting a free upgrade to an outside. It probably won't happen.

If you are assigned a cabin when you deposit on your cruise, your chances of an upgrade are very small. If you are travelling in a quad, your chances are very rare in that there are relatively few quad cabins on a sailing. Cabin assignments on guarantees are usually made between a few weeks and the day of sailing. If you don't like the cabin they give you, tough luck, you're stuck. So if you're afraid of being at the front, back, top, bottom, under the dining room, then don't take the chance. Take an assignment at time of booking.

Where is the best location for my cabin if I'm concerned about the ship's motion?

While motion sickness shouldn't be a major concern on today's ships, you should still know the best way to avoid it if possible. If it's available, you should request a cabin that is relatively close to the middle of the ship. If you can imagine a see-saw in the play ground, it's the ends that go up and down, not the middle. (No, cruises are not like see-saws). You should also look for a cabin that's closer to the bottom of the ship, not the top. The higher you are, the greater the potential to feel a left to right rolling motion. Example, the top of a tall palm tree will always sway more in the wind than the bottom of the tree.

Again, today's ships are fully stabilized making your cruise comfortable in virtually any location. As a matter of fact, if motion discomfort were such an issue, the suites on a ship wouldn't be at the top and near the front.

To make sure you get the best cabin for you, book early, book early, book early. If wait, you'll have less to choose from.

Is an oceanview cabin worth the extra money?

Our clients tell us the the biggest advantage of having an oceanview cabin is that it makes your cabin seem so much bigger. It's amazing what natural light will do for a room. It also gives you some perception of time. When you wake up at 7:00 am in an inside cabin, you can't tell if it's 2 in the morning or 3 in the afternoon. For them an oceanview cabin is worth it for this reason alone. Want to know what the weather's like? Open your curtain. With an inside cabin, you throw on some clothes, run outside and run back again.

On the other hand, our other valued clients say the opposite. "Who needs a window. I'm only going to be in there when I sleep anyway. I could use that extra money on shore excursions, my bar tab, or my next cruise."

Who's right? They both are. It's really up to you. Oceanview cabins generally cost about $100 more per person for a 7 or 10 night Caribbean cruise and about $200 more per person for a European or Exotic itinerary. Our agents will be glad to discuss the features and benefits of both types of cabins without pressuring you into something you don't want.

The only itinerary where we highly suggest an oceanview cabin is Alaska. With daylight hours approaching 20 - 22 hours in the peak season, it's wonderful to be able to enjoy it from your cabin.

How many people can I get into my cabin?

Most cruise ship cabins are built to accommodate two passengers. However, there are many on each ship that can accommodate three and four passengers. Carnival and Disney all have ships that sleep five in one cabin. These cabins are obviously very popular among families and go quickly during family vacation times. So book them early if you need them.

Is there any difference between cabins on the lower decks and cabins on the higher decks?

On today's newer ships, there are basically four types of cabins:

Inside Cabins - these are cabins without windows

Oceanview Cabins - basically the same size as inside cabins only they have port holes or picture windows.

Deluxe Cabins - about the same size as an oceanview cabin, except it may have a private balcony which adds to the overall square footage of the cabin.

Suites - significantly larger than other cabins on the ship, often with a private balcony or verandah.

You find the Deluxe Cabins and Suites on the higher decks of a cruise ship, so, yes, there is a difference here. However, Standard Inside Cabins and Oceanview Cabins are basically the same on any deck. For example, a Category 4, Inside Cabin on Carnival's Fantasy on the Riviera Deck is the same size as an Oceanview Category 9 on the Empress Deck. The difference become evident in the Cat 11 and Cat 12 Demi-Suites and Suites.