| Planning to go on your first cruise is exciting! There | | | | Your budget will, of course, determine your cabin |
| are so many destinations and ships to choose from it | | | | selection (check out my, but their way, don't listen to |
| can be overwhelming? So, you definitely want to | | | | the ones that say, "you just need a place to sleep" |
| consult a travel agent when doing so. Whether you | | | | You may want to ability to get-up 3am and walk-out |
| are traveling with family and or your significant other | | | | on your Balcony in your robe vs getting dress at 3am |
| you are sure to have a wonderful time. The cruise | | | | to get see what's some fresh air and take in the |
| lines aim to please so whatever you decide, you will | | | | view. |
| not be disappointed. In fact most cruise lines boast | | | | 5. What to wear: Some ships are more formal than |
| over 96% satisfaction rate! Wow! We all know bad | | | | others. Some may offer a combination of both casual |
| news travels fast, but I've never heard anything | | | | attire and formal wear. You will need to know so you |
| negative about someone's cruise experience, | | | | can pack accordingly |
| although, I'm sure there are some. | | | | 6. Food Choice: Do you want a ship that offers a |
| Don't stress over the planning, it can be fun if you | | | | variety of food selections such as specialty |
| are prepared. Below are some tips that should cover | | | | restaurants? Or do you want more gourmet |
| all the basic options for your cruise getaway. Here | | | | selections. You will find that all ships have a wide |
| are 10 things you must consider... | | | | selection, even healthy selections so you won't be |
| 1. Type of Cruise: Make a decision on what type of | | | | disappointed in the food department. |
| cruise you want to experience, there are various | | | | 7. Dining Arrangements: Decide if you want to dine at |
| cruise lines that cater to all types of budgets. Do you | | | | a specific time or if you want to have more open/ |
| want to be on a moderately priced floating resort like | | | | freestyle seating? If you select a ship that offers |
| Carnival or Royal Caribbean, or Princess Cruises | | | | specific dining time, they also have a dining area open |
| known as floating resorts or do you want to be on a | | | | for the not so formal folks. It's buffet style so you |
| more intimate ship like a specialty cruise or a yacht? | | | | get your tray and pick your selections. One point I |
| 2. Where to go: Decide what is more important to | | | | like to make that is you don't see something you like |
| you, a great ship or the actual the itinerary. Cruises | | | | that is offered or want to create-your-own meal |
| to a beach destination, Alaska, or historic European | | | | with what is there, just ask, they will fix it up for |
| cities will all offer a different cruise experience. | | | | you! |
| Whatever destination you choose... don't forget your | | | | 8. Amenities: most of the ships have the same |
| passport | | | | offerings such as tv's in rooms, dining, pools, casinos, |
| 3. Length of Cruise: Do you want more days at sea | | | | game rooms and much more. But be sure the |
| so you can enjoy the amenities and activities on the | | | | amenities fit what you are looking to do on the ship. |
| ship have or would you prefer to stop at a new port | | | | For example, if you like to gamble, you will find |
| each day? The length of your cruise as well as the | | | | casinos on Carnival and Royal Caribbean, however, if |
| destination will play a big role on this key factor. | | | | you are considering a Disney Cruise, you will not find |
| 4. Choice of Cabin: This can be one of the biggest | | | | this amenity. |
| misconceptions ever, I here many people say it does | | | | 9. Activities: Are the ship's activities more important |
| not matter what type of cabin you choose, to go | | | | to you or is relaxation more important? If you are |
| with whatever is cheaper. I say yes it does! Your | | | | traveling with kids, you may want to look this over |
| cabin does determine the type of experience. First | | | | with a fine tooth comb. Your kids will be just as |
| let's start with the different cabin styles:a. Inside | | | | excited as you to embark on your cruise adventure; |
| Cabin - this typically does not have any windows. But | | | | they too will want to know what activities are |
| with Royal Caribbean have inside cabins that have | | | | available. Get them involved in this, they will love it! |
| windows that look out over their Promenades... Nice!b. | | | | 10. Budget: Are you willing to pay more for want you |
| Oceanview - this style cabin is on the perimeter of | | | | want or do you want to stay at the bottom of your |
| the ship and have a window wear you can enjoy the | | | | budget. All the above factors will affect price, so |
| viewc. Balcony - My favorite! Has a private balcony | | | | decide what you want and compare a few cruises so |
| where you can sit out and enjoy the constantly | | | | you can gauge your options. |
| changing scenery, early morning sunrise or late night, | | | | Whatever you decide, don't let anyone sway your |
| nite-cap with the hubby, if you know what I mean;)d. | | | | sway your decision. This is your vacation and your |
| Suites - a larger version of a Balcony stateroom, | | | | first cruise experience, make the best of it, have fun, |
| some may have a small sitting areas and other great | | | | and relax. |
| features. | | | | |