Cruise Guide

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Getting Started

Today's cruise ships are bigger than ever, and packed with attractions and amenities. Maximize your vacation at sea by knowing how to navigate these veritable floating cities. Start by choosing the cabin that's right for you and your travel companions.

An outside cabin or ocean-view stateroom (the terms are interchangeable) features a large porthole or window, and usually comes with a higher price tag; some of these are also balcony cabins, which let you take in some air while retaining your privacy.

A lower-priced indoor cabin or inside stateroom does not have a porthole, window, or balcony-but it may be all you need if you plan to spend most of your time onboard out and about.

Prone to seasickness? Pick a cabin in the lower deck, as near to the center of the ship as possible. Outside cabins in the fore (front of the ship) or aft (rear of the ship) offer an exciting view, but they come with more motion.

If you're traveling with someone who is less mobile or you're using a stroller for a small child, choose a cabin close to the elevators, but keep in mind that proximity to an elevator might bring more traffic and noise. If you're noise sensitive, avoid cabins near service areas, low cabins in the fore or aft, and those near the lido deck.

Traveling with a group or your family? If you're looking to save, ask your cruise line if they offer a discount for a third or fourth person in a cabin. Or splurge on a suite with adjoining rooms. Staterooms and suites on the upper deck usually go for a higher fare, as they're closer to pools and sun decks.

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5 Tips for Choosing a Cruise

1. Choose the Right Size.
Look to a large cruise ship for sheer variety of onboard activities. Choose a smaller ship for a more intimate experience, often with fewer crowds and lines, and an itinerary that can include more exotic and lesser-known ports.

2. Let destination be your guide.
The destination you choose can vary as widely as Alaska or French Polynesia. Keep in mind how the geographic locale will set the tone for your cruise.

3. Cater to the kids (or not).
Have kids? Pick a family-friendly cruise with a children's program (not all cruise lines offer such programs, so do your research first). If it's romance you're after, look for a cruise catering more exclusively to adults (small-ship cruises are often a good bet).

4. Pick your passion.
Whatever your interest — whether its cooking or photography or scuba — chances are there's a specialized cruise for you. Find one with experts onboard offering lectures or workshops.

5. Consider your budget.
Fares vary greatly with cabin choice, destination, onboard activities, and time of year. You can save money on airfare by choosing a cruise that sails round-trip to and from your home port. Conversely, if you sail from a remote port and your final cruise destination takes you to yet another port, you will need to purchase two one-way airfares, which can get costly. Also, be aware of your cruise line's additional cost policy. While some cruise lines are all-inclusive, others charge extra for soft drinks and cocktails, gratuities, shore excursions, and more.

Ready to go? See our featured Cruise Packages

What You Need to Know

Before you sail, your cruise line might ask you to select a preset dining time, such as a 5:30 or 8:00 p.m. seating. Keep in mind other activities that might get in the way of early dining (such as port excursions), or that might hamper a later dinnertime (such as putting the kids to bed). Thankfully, most cruise lines these days also offer a flexible dining option, so you can choose different dining times (and venues) just about every evening.

While meals are included in your fare (except at some specialty restaurants), soft drinks, wine, and cocktails are often extra, so be sure to know your cruise line's rules. You might have to pay extra as well for gratuities, airfare to and from your port, and guided shore excursions.

If you're wondering which clothes to pack, keep in mind that the dress code at sea these days is more country-club casual than black-tie. Before you sail, check with your cruise line to find out if you'll need to dress for a formal night.

Traveling with kids? Ask if your cruise line offers an onboard youth program and/or babysitting services.

Ready to go? See our featured Cruise Packages

Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara is the new, deluxe cruise experience for discerning travelers who long to reach out-of-the-ordinary destinations and indulge in amenities and service unparalleled on the high seas. The unique offerings of Azamara are beyond compare: butler service is provided in every suite; shore excursions are designed to let guests become part of the fabric of life in each destination, instead of merely being an observer; an enrichment programs offers everything from culinary to photographic explorations; two specialty restaurants provide the finest cuisine at sea; live entertainment can be enjoyed nightly; and the level of service offered is unmatched. Destinations include Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America and Transatlantic.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Family-friendly “Fun Ship” cruising is the Carnival style. Expect a fun-loving, Vegas-like atmosphere, with public rooms featuring themed décor such as ancient Egypt or futuristic. Nightlife is vibrant, with bustling lounges and flashy stage productions. Children’s programs cater to the kids, and shipboard cuisine has been enhanced in recent years. Destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Transatlantic, Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Canada.

Celebrity Cruises

Sophisticated and upscale, Celebrity earns high marks with couples, honeymooners, and seniors. Staterooms are spacious, spas are full-service, and premium suites come with butler service. New in 2008, the line of Solstice ships is impressive, with a layout that lends an uncrowded feeling. An Enrichment Series brings lectures from experts, and some ships feature Cirque du Soleil performances. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, while the Xpedition offers a small-ship experience in the Galapagos.

Costa Cruises

“Cruising Italian Style” is a signature of Costa Cruises, the most modern and innovative fleet in Europe. Expect a European atmosphere onboard, with warm, classical décor and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine served with regional wines. Italian language and cooking classes are popular, while the Costa Kids Program caters to families. Caribbean cruises draw a more American crowd, while European and Mediterranean itineraries have an international mix of passengers.

Crystal Cruises

Ultra-deluxe cruising for sophisticated passengers is what you can expect from Crystal, offering the industry’s highest guest-to-staff and guest-to-space ratios. Known for superb cuisine and vast wine cellars, these are real gastronome’s cruises; guests enjoy a wide array of choices, from Nobu sushi to Valentino regional Italian. Crystal boasts a stellar enrichment program, and its children’s program is perhaps the luxury market’s best—so feel free to bring the kids. Destinations span the globe.

Cunard Line

Enchanted by stories of transatlantic passages from a Golden Era at sea? Cunard Line brings it all back. Popular with empty-nesters (though there is a kids’ program), this is the cruise line of Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 fame, and shipboard life has a European flavor. Enjoy afternoon tea and an authentic pub onboard, as well as top cuisine and an excellent enrichment program. Departures include transatlantic sailings in summer and winter sailings to the Caribbean.

Disney Cruise Line

This is the ultimate in family-friendly cruising: Kids are top of mind, enjoying scheduled visits with their favorite Disney characters, an unparalleled youth program, a club space for teens, and activities galore. Yet the shipboard experience is elegant and also appeals to adults, and childcare options let parents enjoy time to themselves. Ships leave from Port Canaveral, Florida, allowing for a pre-cruise stay at Walt Disney World. Destinations include the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Alaska, Europe, and Transatlantic.

Holland America Line

One of the classic cruise lines, Holland America has traditionally appealed to upscale empty-nesters and seniors, though in recent years it has courted a young, hip clientele as well. Along with ballroom dancing and on-ship tennis courts, you’ll now find a Culinary Arts Center with cooking demos and classes, new Greenhouse Spas, and an expanded youth program. Destinations span the globe; standouts include Alaska, South America, the Mediterranean, and Australia/New Zealand.

MSC Cruises

A nice choice for a Mediterranean cruise, MSC features stylish Italian ships offering a European cruise experience to an internationally mixed passenger base. Italophiles will be in heaven here, as the ambience—as well as the crew, cuisine, and elegant, glitz-free decor—is primarily, and authentically, Italian. Cooking classes are popular, and entertainment is European-flavored (think flamenco dancing). Destinations beyond the Mediterranean include Northern Europe/Baltic and the Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Active adults and families appreciate NCL, which offers a modern large-ship cruise experience for a reasonable price tag. Its signature “Freestyle Cruising” style translates to flexible dining options at up to 13 restaurants and varied accommodation choices, including some of the largest suites at sea. Entertainment is high-energy with lavish costumes, and the poolside atmosphere is festive with games and deck parties. Top destinations include Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the Bahamas/Caribbean.

Oceania Cruises

A favorite among older, well-traveled clientele, Oceania offers sophisticated and upscale cruising for a price that won’t break the bank. These mid-size ships are not overwhelming, with intimate public spaces and entertainment in the vein of cabaret and live music for dancing. Dining is overseen by star chef Jacques Pepin, and culinary demos and cultural lectures focus on the destination. Itineraries include Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Asia, and Australia.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

At the turn of the century, impressionist Paul Gauguin traveled to the tropical shores of French Polynesia to create some of his most renowned masterpieces. Today his namesake, the m/s Paul Gauguin, transports you to the same romantic Tahitian vacation paradise to explore, experience and escape. With the freedom to discover the exotic ports of the South Pacific without limitation, your cruise aboard m/s Paul Gauguin will fulfill your every dream and expectation.

Princess Cruises

Everyone from solo travelers to families finds a place on a Princess cruise. On the larger ships, well-conceived décor creates a sense of intimacy, with fine art adorning the public spaces. “Anytime Dining” gives you freedom at dinnertime, while “ScholarShip@Sea” offers learning experiences from photography to cooking. Entertainment varies from Broadway-style revues and live bands to poolside “Movies Under the Stars.” Destination highlights include Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

A standard of excellence attracts seasoned and well-heeled travelers to Regent Seven Seas Cruises—known for spacious and elegant staterooms, top-notch service and dining, sophisticated entertainment, and superior enrichment programs linked with itineraries. On this luxury cruise line, open seating sets a casual tone in the dining room, and gratuities as well as all drinks are included in the fare. The Mariner, Navigator, and Voyager are all-suite ships. Destinations span the globe, with a specialty in round-the-world cruises.

Royal Caribbean International

Active travelers of all ages will find much to enjoy aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. All ships feature rock-climbing walls, many have mini golf and ice skating, and Freedom of the Seas even has a surf park and boxing ring. Dining choices are varied, and entertainment is Vegas-glitzy (don’t miss the ice show aboard Freedom of the Seas). Destinations include the Caribbean and beyond —the Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, Australia & New Zealand, South America, and more.

Seabourn

Seabourn is passionate about travel. They believe that traveling for pleasure has a redemptive power that enriches people’s lives. And that people should travel well.

Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed — elegant, yet casual — sumptuous, yet understated. Their intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow. Their ships attract interesting people, who seek to share experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. And their acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.

SeaDream Yacht Club

A top choice for couples and groups of travelers looking for an intimate, authentic experience, SeaDream lives up to its name. Aboard these small ships, just over 100 guests enjoy ultimate flexibility, a stylish yet informal ambience, top-notch service, and superb cuisine. The all-inclusive policy covers everything from jet skis and other toys on the water-sports platform to bikes, the golf simulator, and all drinks. Destinations include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Transatlantic.

Silversea Cruises

Affluent, older clientele traveling without kids feel at home aboard Silversea. This is luxury, all-suite, all-inclusive, small-ship cruising in the 300- to 500-passenger range; butler service for all suites was rolled out in 2009. Ships feature spas, fitness centers, libraries, golf practice nets, and expert lecture programs. Itineraries mix exotic locales with mainstream ports in Asia, the Caribbean, South America, the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, the North Cape, Africa, Antarctica, and Alaska.

Star Clippers

For those seeking an inspiring tall-ship experience, Star Clippers delivers. The largest ship in the fleet holds 230 passengers (though a 296-passenger ship will debut in 2011), offering a feeling of casual intimacy and seafaring adventure. Informal classes include topics like knot-tying or celestial navigation, and water sports range from kayaking to scuba certification. Children are not discouraged, though there is no youth program. Destinations include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Far East, French Polynesia, Panama Canal, and Transatlantic.

Travel Dynamics International

Travel Dynamics International is one of the leading operators of high-caliber educational programs aboard small cruise ships. Offering customized voyages guided by distinguished scholars and experts, Travel Dynamics International caters to the traveler with a keen intellectual interest in history, culture, and nature.

Founded on the belief that traveling and learning about the world and its many cultures enriches individuals and society as a whole, Travel Dynamics International excels at voyages to places that offer a historic and cultural environment.

Uniworld River Cruises

Traditionally geared to an adult crowd, these small-ship river cruises have made recent efforts to attract a young, active clientele through activities like hot-air ballooning and biking. All cabins are outside and plush, with suites and deluxe suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Dining showcases local and regional specialties, and entertainment is low-key (think solo artists and piano to accompany dancing). Drinks are excluded from cruise fares however complimentary wine is poured at lunch and/or dinner. Destinations include the rivers of Western and Central Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China.

Variety Cruises

Off-the-beaten-track is a specialty of Variety Cruises—an Athens-based small-ship line offering a “total yachting experience.” In addition to set cruise schedules, the line offers yachts with 4 to 25 cabins for private charter. Either way, it’s a perfect experience for multigenerational groups, wedding parties, or honeymooners. The ambience is plush, with single-seating dining, unlimited Internet service, and a water-sports platform. Destinations include the Aegean, Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf.

Viking River Cruises

The world’s largest river cruise line, Viking earns high marks among seasoned travelers. Ships are designed to take advantage of river vistas, with panoramic windows, sun decks, and promenades. All cabins have outside views, along with hotel-style amenities and beds. Libraries, restaurants, and bars have a warm, inviting feel. Drinks are excluded from cruise fares however complimentary wine is poured at lunch and/or dinner. Fares include guided shore excursions in daily-visited ports along the Rhine, Danube, Elbe, Rhone, Seine, Neva and Volga (Russia), Dneiper (Ukraine), and Yangtze (China).

Voyages of Discovery

If you seek the adventure of hard-to-reach destinations, yet you also appreciate the comforts of a classic cruise ship, these voyages are for you. The flagship 650-passenger mv Discovery has all the amenities of a larger ship, including specialty restaurants, lounges and bars, a movie theater, spa, and two pools. Staterooms are comfortable yet not opulent, with no balconies. The focus is on educational talks and off-the-beaten-path destinations, including the Arctic Circle, Scandinavia, Iceland, Baltic, Mediterranean, Black Sea, South America, Antarctica, and more.

Voyages to Antiquity

From the founder of Orient Lines comes this brand-new small-ship boutique cruise line, debuting in 2010 with the 380-passenger Aegean Odyssey. The emphasis of these destination-intensive cruises is the Mediterranean’s classical civilizations, with lectures and enrichment classes as well as complimentary shore excursions. Expect well-appointed suites and staterooms, a well-stocked library, low-key entertainment, and open dining with two specialty restaurants onboard.

Windstar Cruises

Elegant, uniquely masted sailing ships transport you to classic and less-trodden ports on a Windstar cruise. Well-traveled, active adults of all ages appreciate the high level of service and creature comforts aboard these intimate vessels, mixed with an ambience (and dress code) that’s stylish yet relaxed. The water-sports platform is well-stocked, dining earns rave reviews, and organized activities are few. Destinations include the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Caribbean, and Costa Rica/Panama Canal.

Guide to Cruising