| All aboard! You're going on your very first cruise. | | | | hours a day while other options have limited |
| Lucky you! This is an exciting time. Huge | | | | hours, some serving late into the night or early in |
| adventure awaits you, but before you go, there | | | | the morning. Main dining hall times frequently begin |
| are some things you need to know. Here is an | | | | around 6:30 p.m., and permit seating through 8:30 |
| overview of cruise vacations for first time | | | | p.m. Submit your preferred times in advance |
| cruisers. | | | | whenever possible. |
| Costs | | | | Special dietary needs? No problem. Cruise lines |
| Many first-timers are confused about what's | | | | employ top chefs who are well-versed in all kinds |
| included in your cruise price. As a general rule, | | | | of dietary specialties. Vegetarian, kosher and |
| meals, snacks, onboard activities and | | | | low-fat diets being the most common special |
| entertainment are included in the stateroom | | | | needs, these dishes are abundantly available. More |
| prices. Here's some great news that might | | | | specialized needs can easily be accommodated, as |
| surprise you: even room service is included! | | | | well. Be sure to consult your vacation cruise |
| Beverages such as water, juice, tea and coffee | | | | specialist in advance and speak to them about |
| are typically included, as well. Other beverages, | | | | your dietary restrictions. That way, you can be |
| such as those from the bar - soda, beer, wine | | | | sure to secure a perfect culinary experience. |
| and cocktails - are an additional cost. You'll also | | | | Wardrobe |
| have to pay extra for babysitting, salon and spa | | | | Not sure what to pack? You're not alone. Most |
| services, gambling and purchases from the gift | | | | cruises are seaside-casual during the day, and |
| shop. Fortunately, all these expenses are charged | | | | more formal at night. When packing formal attire, |
| to your room, alleviating the worry of carrying | | | | men can't go wrong with a nice, dark suit. Ladies: |
| cash everywhere onboard. | | | | pack your lovely cocktail dresses. Make sure all |
| There are other activities that you'll have to | | | | your fabrics are appropriate for the climate in |
| budget for, namely, shore excursions. There are | | | | which you're sailing. |
| many options available, from simply shopping | | | | Check with your vacation expert to determine |
| forays to extensive guided tours. Most cruise lines | | | | the level of formality aboard your ship. Some lines |
| have specialists that can help you book your | | | | are far more formal than others, and require |
| offshore activities. It's typically wise to utilize this | | | | tuxedos and gowns. Don't have a tux? Check to |
| service, as the cruise experts have loads of | | | | see if rentals are available on board. Many offer |
| experience and know which companies are | | | | this amenity. If dressing up isn't your thing, don't |
| reputable, and which to avoid. Many activities book | | | | worry; most every cruise line offers exclusively |
| up quickly, so plan ahead. It's also a good idea to | | | | casual dining options. |
| book spa and salon appointments well in advance. | | | | If you're a water person, don't forget to pack |
| Gratuity | | | | plenty of swimwear. Those who bring only one or |
| Many cruise lines factor gratuities into your final bill | | | | two bathing suits will likely have to buy more |
| when the cruise ends. Others leave this amount | | | | onboard. The same goes for basic toiletries. |
| up to you. If you're in charge of the tip, follow | | | | Motion Sickness |
| this rule of thumb: $3 per person, per day for | | | | Afraid you might fall prey to the dreaded motion |
| your cabin steward, busboy and cabin steward. All | | | | sickness? If you've suffered from motion |
| gratuities should be paid in cash when the cruise | | | | sickness before, there's a strong chance it could |
| comes to an end. When it comes to bar | | | | happen again. Some people don't realize they're |
| beverages, you'll have to pay at the time of | | | | prone to motion sickness until the ship departs. By |
| service. Your servers are there for one reason: | | | | that time, there's no turning back, so it's better to |
| to serve you and make sure you have the best | | | | be safe than sorry. Though all modern ships have |
| cruise experience ever. Treat them well. | | | | top-notch stabilizers to reduce excess movement, |
| Dining | | | | it's a great idea to bring along medication or other |
| Nothing says great food like a cruise. Everybody | | | | remedies if you're concerned you might get |
| knows that cruises are notorious for exceptionally | | | | seasick. Also, stick to the lower decks, as you're |
| delicious cuisine and abundant dining options. | | | | more likely to feel motion at higher levels. |
| Buffets, niche restaurants with high-end | | | | Now that you're familiar with first-time cruise |
| specialties, elegant dining rooms, cozy room | | | | basics, you're ready to embark on a journey you'll |
| service, on-the-go snack bars - they're all yours. | | | | never forget. Chances are, it will be the first of |
| Try them all! Room service is usually available 24 | | | | many cruises. Ahoy, and enjoy! |