This will depend on what part of the world you would like to see mostly because of weather conditions.  If you want to go to Alaska then you need to understand that most cruises are from mid-May to the end of September. Keep in mind that the weather is still cool and winter clothing is highly recommended.  Ski Jackets are great!    If you want warm weather, then when planning a cruise to the Caribbean, you should take into consideration the hurricane season.   Mexico is always a great place to explore but they too have hurricane seasons.  In other words,  cruising is seasonal.   Other destinations such as Hawaii  can be traveled to all year round.   If you have physical restriction do to health reasons Cruises are still very enjoyable and there are many excursion that durable for most heal condition.

Most of the time the city are right next to the port.  This make for easy short walks if you don't want to take one of the many excursions in each of the towns.

(Many of the ports of call are right next to the town.)

Can I afford a cruise?
      If you can afford to go to Las Vegas or to take a driving vacation with hotels, you just might find that cruising may be less expensive while getting more for your money.  Cruises have one of the highest satisfaction rating of any business. 

        Not only that, you can sit back and relax between ports while everything is being taken of for you.  OR join in the many activities and events that the ship's itinerary has to offer.  Cruising offers the ability to visit and see many parts of the world at one price that includes your meals and room.  There are cruises available at all price ranges - from budget to luxury suites - and all represent perhaps the best value for your vacation dollar.  If you take a vacation to any major travel spot like Hawaii, you might pay $300 per night for a room, plus all of your entertainment and meals are additional costs.  The basic cruise will cost you between $50 to $150 per day depending what type of cabin you get.  Most ships even offer gambling casinos, some offer movies,  bowling and much more.  

 What do I get for my money?
       Your cruise price includes your cabin from which you may see the view of  the world.  All of your  meals are included (some lines include midnight buffets and yes, even a chocolate buffet at midnight!).  The entertainment offered are first class performers in which nightly shows vary from country, pop,  and even swingtime music.  For those of you who like to party, there are clubs with dancing and different themes and even small lounges for a relaxing drink.  You can even take dance lessons!   Most cruise lines offer a wide selection of excursions to take at an additional fee once you get to the port of call.   The excursions are well planned.  Most lines offer a reasonable price for alcoholic beverages.   There is always something to do if you choose to do so.    

Will I get  bored when I'm on board a cruise ship? 

         Based on experience and tons of feedback,  you can be certain that you won't get bored.  A cruise ship is a floating resort and to the standard of most Las Vegas casinos/hotels.  The only different is that in Las Vegas only the high roller get the discounts and for cruise ship for the most part you only have to be 55 at the time of departure.  There so so much happening on a ship you can start in the early morning until way past midnight if you wanted to.   Every cruise line has it's own daily newsletter offering a fun-filled itinerary.   And when you reach the port of call,  the adventures await you.  There are so many activities available that are more than you can fill in one day.  
           

What kind of activities and entertainment are available on a ship?

         Most ships offer an abundant list of activities for everyone's interests. Play bingo,  attend an art show,   participate in dance lessons,   see guest lecturers, wet your palette with wine tasting,  check out games and books.    So much is available to you. 

         Some cruise lines offer golf simulators,  putting greens,  basketball, volleyball and even tennis courts.  For those who want a physical challenge, some ships even have climbing walls.   Just about all of the ships have excellent  fitness centers with state-of-the-art equipment.   There are also spa centers,   hair and nail salons, and first class saunas.  

         Of course the larger ships have movie theaters,  dance clubs, and Las Vegas style entertainment which may include floor shows with popular acts.   There might be singing or dancing contests.  If you always want to learn to dance,  don't hesitate to join in. 

          And if you just want to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the sea,  just grab a chair and relax either outside on deck or inside at the many sitting areas offered.  

How long do cruises last?
           You would be surprised how many offerings that cruise lines have.   In fact, the choices are numerous.    Cruise range from 3-night weekend escapes to many lasting up to months for around-the-world voyages.   However,  for your first adventure,  6-10 days is the recommended period of time.   Most people love their cruise so much that they immediately start planning their next adventure.  That is why new cruise ships are being added all the time.

Is airfare included in my cruise price?
           When you order your cruise you can check the box for the air package to check the combined cost.  Cruise lines usually offer both with the savings being passed on to you. 

            If you live close to the port, you can drive there then park your vehicle in secured parking. Most of the time parking fees are around $10 to 15 per day.   If you book everything in an air/sea package most of the time it includes connecting airfare, transfers between the airport and the ship, and baggage handling for one combined price.   There are a limited amount of cruises where only the cruise-only fare is available. The prices shown on this web site are typically cruise-only,  but when you order via the internet you get a much discounted price plus you can add air fare with one click. 

What is a shore excursion?
            A shore excursion is a planned trip  that  is offered by the cruise line or a private vendor when you reach a port of call.  In other words, the  time you leave the ship, it is a excursion.  At each port, you'll have the option of exploring it on your own or pay for a planned excursion.  The advantage of a planned excursion is that it is already arranged and planned.   Such trips usually include the most popular sights to see.  Since these excursions work with the cruise lines,  they work hand and hand with the ship's itinerary.  They will get you to the ship and back in time for embarking.   The description of each of the excursions offered from the cruise line are usually provided when you receive your confirmation of your cruise booking.  For private companies,  you may have to do research on your own and book it yourself.  BUT, this website can offer you suggestions and vendors that have given proven results.  

         You may want to see a tropical rain forest,  take a fishing trip,  tour historical sites.   In Alaska, you can trek to a glacier,  whale watching, even dog sledding or tour the historical sights and shopping in town.    These excursions can range from a minimal fee to several hundreds of dollars.  It just depends on what you want to do.   Professional guides assist you and can offer a lot more than just being on your own.  It is well worth the money spent to ensure that you get the most from your port of call.  

           Based on experience,  we recently enjoyed a six hour trek to the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska which included being transported by helicopter to a remote part of the glacier.  Our expert guides took us to see beautiful blue glacial waters and breathtaking chards of ice.  It is a trek that is highly recommended.   (For more on this, see Alaskan cruises).

              Excursions are for all ages and fitness.  The cruise lines offers guides that rate their excursions based on fitness and age so you can choose an adventure that is right for you.      

Will I need a passport?
            This will depend upon where you will be cruising.    Currently,  not all destinations require them, BUT IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you obtain a passport. (Click here for more information.)   It saves time when you embark and disembark at each port of call.  In fact,  even for Alaskan and Hawaii cruises,  they will be required soon.  The process could take up to 4-6 weeks so it is wise to start in advance of your cruise.   There are some companies that offer quick processing, but it will cost more.   It is always best to check with your cruise line for the latest requirements.   This website will strive to keep accurate information on this as much as possible.     

 

Can kids and family also go on a cruise?
           Yes, in fact many cruise lines are family friendly with some of them offering specific cruises for kids.   They offer a huge selection of kid orientated entertaining including specially designed kids-only programs, counselors, games,  and educational classes.   Many ships offer daycare for parents who want to participate in activities in the evening.   Most ages are welcome on most ships.  If you are not sure if a ship has programs for children,  just ask to find out more information on what you are looking for.

Single traveler?
            Cruising is now becoming even more popular with single travelers.  Many cruise lines go out of their way to make it easy for singles to meet and mingle with other passengers. A few cruise ships offer single cabins at a single supplement rate for double staterooms. There are some cruises just for singles with mixers, parties, group excursions and much more.  You'll never have to feel alone on a cruise since there is so much to do.