While most cruise lines offer supervised activities for children-such as swimming, sports, movies, and games-some ships don't, and some ships have better programs than others. In addition, some programs have minimum age requirements (generally age 2 or 3). To find the best children's programs, we suggest you read the Family section of the cruise ship's review. Though you may initially think of Disney Cruise Line when shopping for a family-friendly cruise (and it certainly is family friendly), many other ships offer children's programs (and adult activities) that may be just as appealing.

Some smaller cruise lines do have special themed cruises, including singles cruises. Sometimes even the larger cruise lines run "Singles Specials". However, they are not offered very often, and when they are offered, they are for specific sailing dates and times.

A "nontraditional" cruise may be one with open dinner seating (eat when you want, where you want, and with whom you want) and casual attire at all times. Cruise lines that offer relaxed dining options include Norwegian (with its signature "freestyle dining"), Windstar, and some Princess ships. Another nontraditional cruise line is Disney Cruise Line, which largely caters to families.

A "traditional" cruise may be one with pre-assigned dining times and table mates, and with formal nights (men wear suits or tuxedos and women wear pantsuits or cocktail dresses). Cruise lines still offering a large selection of "traditional" cruises include Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean.

If you want to take a cruise without the kids (yours, or anybody else's), you have a few options. Certain ships such as Crystal Harmony, don't cater to children; while others, including all three Windstar ships, actually discourage parents from bringing their children along. Though this doesn't guarantee a child-free cruise, it does greatly reduce the number of children onboard. You may want to read the Family sections of the cruise ship reviews to see which ships do, and don't, cater to children.

If you're traveling alone and would like to find a roommate, please call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819. Many cruise lines will try to help solo travelers find roommates of the same gender.

Currently, the only nonsmoking ship is Carnival's Paradise, which sails the Caribbean year-round. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on Paradise, at any time.

Although no other cruise ships are nonsmoking, all ships do have designated nonsmoking areas, including most cabins, restaurants (including main dining rooms), and public areas.

Consider your interests before deciding on a destination. Do you like warm-weather destinations? Consider the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Hawaii, or the South Pacific. Are you interested in history? Think about Europe or the Mediterranean. Also consider how many days the ship spends at sea vs. in port. If you like a lot of activity and variety, consider an itinerary with more days in port; if you like spending time on the open ocean, consider an itinerary with more "at sea" days.

All cabins are classified as one of four categories: Inside, oceanview, oceanview with balcony, or suite:

• Inside cabins are generally the smallest cabins onboard and have no views.
• Oceanview cabins have windows or portholes.
• Oceanview cabins with balconies have windows and ocean-facing balconies.
• Suites have windows and oftentimes balconies; they're generally the largest cabins onboard and offer the most amenities.

Generally, the cruise price includes drinks like coffee, tea, and water; standard meals; room service; the use of gymnasium equipment; and most shipboard entertainment.

Generally, the cruise price does not include specialty drinks like sodas, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages; meals in alternative restaurants; spa and salon services; exercise classes like yoga and Pilates; casino gaming; organized shore excursions; photographs; medical services; gratuities; and gift shop purchases.

Port charges are small fees a cruise ship must pay to use a port of call. They include the following:

• Taxes and fees assessed by the government and other agencies
• Costs of entering or leaving ports
• Costs incurred while in port, including waste removal

Different cruise lines appeal to different age groups. Average passenger age ranges are as follows:

• Carnival: 30 percent under age 35; 40 percent ages 35-55; and 30 percent over age 55
• Celebrity: Ages 30-55
• Crystal: Age 60+
• Disney Cruise Line®: 20s and up
• Holland America: 40s to 60s
• Norwegian: 50s
• Princess: Age 50+
• Windstar: Ages 35-55
• Royal Caribbean: 30s to 50s

Unaccompanied minors cannot cruise. In fact, on Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar cruises, each cabin must have at least one adult age 25 or older as a guest. On Disney Cruise Line® and Princess cruises, each cabin must have at least one adult age 21 or older. Exceptions are generally made for married couples under age 25 (or 21).

Most cruise lines ask that children be at least six months old to sail, but some allow cruising at early as four months.

Most cruise ships maintain a minimum drinking age of 21 while in international waters or at foreign ports. However, some ships have a minimum drinking age of 18.

Different cruise lines and ships appeal to different people. Those wanting an upscale, casual environment with few passengers often turn to Windstar, whereas those looking for a "traditional" cruise experience often enjoy Holland America sailings.

Each cruise line bases its cabin rates on double occupancy. When you travel alone, you will pay an extra "single supplement" fee to make up for lost revenue.

Yes. When booking the cruise, simply enter the passengers' names where indicated. Please keep in mind that correspondence, including cruise packets and airline tickets, are sent to only one address. If you do not want to be responsible for forwarding these important tickets and documents on to the passengers, please be sure to list another passenger's address as the contact address.

You may let somebody else use your account; however, we encourage everyone to create his or her own profile as it stores personal information about the owner.

Currently, you cannot book more than one cabin at a time. If you require two or more cabins, you must complete one reservation, then begin the process again to book the next cabin. Or, you may call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819 and have him or her book multiple cabins for you.

You can book a cruise up to 18 months in advance.

If you need to book your cruise with more than one credit card, please call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819. If you book online, you may put your deposit on one credit card and later payments on another; however, you cannot split the deposit or each payment onto different credit cards.

Yes, you may use a debit card; however, some debit cards cannot be verified. Also, many debit cards have a limit of what can be charged at one time. In this case, you will be required to use a credit card for booking.

Many cruise lines will not let you change a passenger's name, or even that name's spelling, after you complete your reservation. If they do allow changes, a large fee will likely be tacked onto the change. Therefore, please be absolutely certain that all passengers' names are spelled exactly as they appear on their proof of citizenship (passports, or government-issued photo IDs and birth certificates).

If you are purchasing cruise line airfare and would like to extend your trip, please call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819 to book your cruise. The cruise specialist can assist you in booking flights with early arrival or late departure, but you'll likely have to book your own hotel (you may do so by searching for hotels on our site).

Please call a cruise specialist before entering your credit card information. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fee to change your flight dates.

Generally, if your cruise departs more than 60 days in the future, you can make a partial deposit. If you choose to make a deposit, your confirmation e-mail will list payment due dates. Please keep in mind that if you miss a payment, the cruise line can cancel your reservation and will not necessarily refund you for any payments you've already made. In addition, we will charge you a cancellation penalty of $50 per cabin (trip insurance is also nonrefundable).

There are various reasons why this may have happened. Please try again, following these suggestions:

• Verify that you are entering the credit card number and expiration date correctly.
• Verify that the address you are entering is the credit card billing address (if you've recently moved, it may take the credit card company some time to update your billing address).
• Call your credit card company to make sure you haven't surpassed any daily credit limits.

If, after following these steps, your credit card still isn't accepted, please call a Cruise Specialist for assistance at 1-800-527-4819.

You are not required to book cruise line airfare.

One benefit to buying cruise line airfare is that you will generally receive complimentary roundtrip shuttle service between the airport and the ship. Another benefit is that, if you miss your cruise ship due to flight delays from mechanical problems, the cruise line will make an effort to get you to the next port of call to join the cruise. However, this may not be the case for delays caused by weather. The purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended.

Passengers booking cruise line airfare do not get to choose their flights. If you would like to book cruise line airfare, but you have particular needs (such as preferred airlines or flight times), book your cruise with a Cruise Specialist by calling 1-800-527-4819. Your cruise specialist will then be able to send specific flight requests to the cruise line. Please keep in mind that making flight requests often increases the flight's cost.

All payment due dates will be listed in your confirmation e-mail, which you will receive within 24 hours of making your reservation.

Call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819 to make your final payment.

To make traveling as easy as possible, we suggest that you travel under the name listed on your proof of citizenship (passport, or government-issued photo ID and birth certificate). If you would like to travel under your new name and you haven't yet updated your identification, you MUST bring a copy of your marriage certificate. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board the ship.

If the name listed on your birth certificate does not match the name listed on your government-issued photo ID, you must bring any legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate, that explains why the names do not match. The only way you can bypass this step is by using a passport that matches the name under which you booked your cruise.

Whether you receive a refund depends on two things: When you cancel the cruise, why you cancel the cruise, and if you purchased the travel protection plan. Cancellation timelines vary by cruise line and actual sailing. To best protect yourself, we highly suggest that you purchase the travel protection plan. Also, please keep in mind that if you must cancel your trip, we will charge you a cancellation penalty of $50 per cabin (the cost of the travel protection plan is also nonrefundable).

Just like each airline has its own "frequent flyer club," each cruise line too has its own "frequent cruiser club." Refer to the Cruise line reviews for details on each cruise line's club.

Absolutely. With just one click, you can sign in securely to our site and have all your transactions protected by powerful Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology and Private Communication Technology (PCT) security standards supported by Microsoft Internet Explorer and other popular browsers. SSL encrypts your credit card number, name, address, and telephone number before they travel over the Internet. This makes doing business over the Internet as secure as purchasing by telephone.

If you still feel uncomfortable using your credit card online, feel free to make your reservation by calling a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours of completing your reservation. If, for any reason, your payment has not been accepted, you will receive an e-mail or telephone call from a Cruise Specialist.

Whether or not to purchase the travel protection plan is an individual decision. However, we highly recommend that you purchase the plan to protect your vacation investment. If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason (including injury, sickness, or death for you, a travel companion, or an immediate family member), you'll be protected against losing your entire investment. The travel protection plan also protects you against many emergencies while you are on your cruise.

If you do purchase the travel protection plan and must cancel your cruise, we will charge you a cancellation penalty of $50 per cabin. In addition, the cost of the protection plan is nonrefundable. Please be sure to read complete travel protection plan details before you make the decision whether or not to purchase it.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail/fax within 24 hours of completing your reservation. If you made a deposit only while booking, the confirmation e-mail/fax will provide the final payment due date. You will also receive a confirmation packet within 14 days of your sail date.

That's likely because you purchased the travel protection plan. The charge from the cruise line is the cost of the actual cruise and any cruise line airfare you may have purchased. The charge from us is the travel protection plan you purchased. If this is not the case, please call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819

There are many benefits to cruising. Some of our favorites include all-inclusive meals, unlimited entertainment options, and traveling from one destination to the next from the comfort of your ship (plus, only having to unpack once). Rather than spending your travel time in a car or on a train, you can be watching Broadway-style shows, eating fine cuisine, swimming in the pool, and sleeping in your private cabin.

You may be able to add another passenger, depending on the cabin's passenger capacity and the point at which you decide to add the passenger; however, there is no guarantee that the person can be added, or that the price would stay the same. If you would like to add another passenger, please call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819.

Many cruise lines will not let you change a passenger's name after you complete your reservation. If they do allow changes, a large fee will likely be tacked on to the change.

Different passengers have different cabin preferences. Some passengers book an inside cabin in order to save money, especially if they're active types who spend little time in their cabins. However, if you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, we suggest booking one with an ocean view. If the idea of having breakfast on your private balcony every morning appeals to you, you may want to splurge a bit and upgrade to a balcony cabin. Many new ships now have a large quantity of balcony cabins, making them more affordable than ever before.

If you made a last-minute reservation, you'll likely have to make arrangements to pick up your travel documents. Generally, you'll pick them up right at the pier on the day of embarkation. If you booked cruise line airfare and the cruise line uses paper tickets, your tickets will likely be sent to you via overnight delivery. A Cruise Specialist will call or e-mail you with special instructions. If you do not receive instructions, please call a Cruise Specialist directly at 1-800-527-4819.

Ship boarding usually begins four to five hours before the ship is scheduled to depart, and all passengers must be onboard 30 minutes prior to departure.

Most of the details you'll want to know can be found in the cruise ship's amenities pages and reviews.

If you're a U.S. citizen, some countries require that you have a passport, while others simply require a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate with raised State seal. You can check proof of citizenship requirements for the countries you'll be visiting at the Express Visa Service Web site. When in doubt, we suggest you travel with a passport. Do keep in mind that all non-U.S. citizens boarding a ship in the U.S. will need a valid passport.

Most countries don't require that U.S. citizens carry travel visas; however, you will need one if you are traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia; or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (along with a handful of other ports of call). Be sure to check your travel documents carefully to see whether you'll need a travel visa. You may also research visa requirements at the Express Visa Service Web site. Also, keep in mind that non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S. may need a travel visa or a green card to gain reentry into the U.S.

For most cruises, you simply need a passport, though some cruise itineraries only require a birth certificate with raised seal and government-issued photo ID. A few cruises also require travel visas, and non-U.S. citizens boarding a ship in the U.S. will need a valid passport. Check your travel documents carefully to ensure that you are traveling with the proper documents. We also suggest that you visit the Express Visa Service Web site, where you can research travel requirements by country. Be sure to check all countries you'll be visiting. For example, if you're taking a Mexico cruise that stops in Jamaica, be sure to check Jamaica's requirements, not just Mexico's.

If you are a U.S. citizen and you have a birth certificate with raised seal and simply need a passport, you can purchase one through your local post office, or online at the Express Visa Service Web site. You should expect to receive your passport within six weeks (two weeks if you put a rush on your order). Travel visas can also be purchased through the Express Visa Service Web site. If you are a U.S. citizen and you need a copy of your birth certificate, contact the city hall located in your town of birth. If you do bring a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID rather than a passport, the birth certificate must have a raised seal. If you need a passport and you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the appropriate government agencies within your country of citizenship.

We suggest that you bring some cash. Some cruise lines require that you use cash for tipping and casino gambling. It's also handy to have in port. Most cruise ships do have ATMs onboard; however, the ATM service fee may be quite high.

No, life preservers are provided in your cabin. You will be required to attend a lifeboat drill where you will be taught how to use them in case of an emergency.

Not really. When in doubt, contact the cruise line.

To ensure proper treatment in case of an emergency, cruise lines require that all guests with special medical needs submit this information to them prior to travel. Passengers who carry syringes for medical use must also carry a letter from their physicians indicating such.

Keep both your destination's climate and the cruise ship's dress code in mind when deciding what clothes to pack. If you're traveling to Alaska, be sure to bring protective rain coverings for Alaska's and Canada's rainy days. If you're traveling to the Caribbean, be sure to bring plenty of cool clothing and sunscreen for warm days. In addition, if your ship has formal nights, men should bring a dark suit or tuxedo, and women should bring a pantsuit or cocktail dress. If you don't own these items, no worries: Most ships have casual dining venues to cater to those who aren't interested in dressing up, and some ships also have formal wear rental shops.

You should schedule your flight to arrive a minimum of four hours before your ship is scheduled to set sail, which should give you enough time to make it to the pier and check in to your cruise. We suggest you schedule your return flight to depart a minimum of six hours after you're scheduled to arrive in port. That should give you enough time to disembark the ship, clear customs, and make it to airport check-in. The more time you give yourself, the better.

If you booked cruise line airfare, you will be met at baggage claim by a cruise line representative who will provide transportation from the airport to the pier. If you booked your own airfare, you will be required to get yourself from the airport to the pier. You can usually purchase transfers, but must do so within a certain time frame. Refer to the Cruise Lines' specific requirements for this information. When you receive your cruise packet, your ticket will provide the name of the pier from which your cruise departs. If you are not familiar with the area from which you are departing, we suggest that you use our Maps to get the best directions to the port. Most taxi drivers will also be familiar enough with the area to easily transport you to the pier.

Most ports do have parking right at the pier. However, like airport parking, it can be a bit pricey.

If your flight is delayed and you booked the cruise line's airfare, the cruise line will be made aware of the delay (but you should still call the cruise line to inform a representative of the delay). If you miss the ship, oftentimes the cruise line will transport you to the ship's next port of call.

All ships have just one class of service; however, passengers staying in suites will sometimes receive extra services and amenities.

Due to security reasons, passengers may not bring visitors onboard.

As long as your medication is still in its original bottle, you are not required to bring a doctor's note. However, you do need a doctor's note if you will be carrying syringes. Also, please let the cruise line know ahead of time if you have special medical needs. If you need to take your medication regularly, we suggest that you carry it with you rather than leave it in your checked luggage, just in case there is a delay in delivering your luggage to your cabin. In addition, though commonly used medications (like aspirin) may be purchased from the ship's doctor, you may not be able to get additional supplies of prescription drugs. Therefore, be sure to bring an adequate supply with you.

You may come across certain cruise ship terms that you're not familiar with. Here are a few common terms and their definitions:

• Port: When facing forward, the left side of the ship
• Starboard: When facing forward, the right side of the ship
• Fore: The front of the ship
• Aft: The back of the ship
• Embarkation: Initial boarding of the ship, on the first day of the cruise
• Disembarkation: Final departure from the ship, on the last day of the cruise
• Bridge: The area from which the captain and his crew navigate the ship
• Muster drill: Mandatory lifeboat/safety drill; takes place the first day of the cruise, just before the ship sets sail
• Tender: Small boats that transport passengers from the ship to shore and back; generally used in small ports of call
• Sister ships: Ships from the same cruise line that have similar body designs

No, all passenger's cabins are located above sea level.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas of all ships (with the exception of Carnival's Paradise, which is a totally nonsmoking ship). Generally, however, smoking is not allowed in some of the cabins, in the main dining rooms, and in certain public areas.

On embarkation days, you'll generally be allowed to board the ship four to five hours before departure. You'll start by "checking in" at the pier, where your proof of citizenship (passport, or government-issued photo ID and birth certificate with raised seal) will be checked. At this time, you'll also set up your onboard account. Upon boarding, you'll be able to have a snack, explore the ship, or simply spend time in your cabin. On the final night of the cruise, you'll have the option of placing your luggage outside of your cabin door. If you don't set your luggage out, you'll be required to take it off the ship yourself. If you do leave your luggage out, be sure to keep any necessities in a carry-on bag, as your luggage will not be accessible until after you depart the ship. If you want breakfast, you'll generally need to get up extra early, so keep this in mind. Passengers depart in groups, and your group information, along with any necessary customs forms, will be left in your cabin the night before you disembark. You'll be required to pass through customs as you depart the ship.

Most cabins are equipped with U.S. standard 110-volt outlets. Some cabins are also equipped with European standard 220-volt outlets.

You will receive your cabin assignment with your travel documents, which should arrive within two weeks of your sailing date. If for some reason your cabin is still not assigned, you will receive a cabin assignment when you check in at the pier.

The crew generally sleep in cabins located below the lowest passenger deck.

Most ships have libraries, Internet cafés, and card rooms, which can be used as quiet areas. In addition, most ships also have lounges and top deck space with quiet pockets.

Almost all ships have TVs in cabins.

Each U.S. citizen is generally allowed to bring $800 worth of duty-free merchandise into the U.S. without being taxed, with an additional $1,000 being taxed at a reduced flat rate. Canadian citizens are generally allowed to bring $750 worth of duty-free merchandise into Canada without being taxed. Each U.S. and Canadian citizen may only return with a maximum of 40 ounces of wine or liquor and 200 cigarettes. Non-U.S. and -Canadian citizens should check with their country's customs agencies for restrictions on duty-free merchandise.

Yes, there are enough lifeboats onboard to comfortably hold every passenger and crew member.

Lifeboat drills (also known as assembly drills or muster drills) are held at the beginning of each cruise, just before the ship sets sail. Attendance is mandatory in order to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations. Passengers must come to the drill prepared with their life preservers, which will be found in passenger cabins (all cabins have one life preserver for each passenger).

Though flu outbreaks are rare, ships may occasionally have a few passengers who experience stomach discomfort. If you're concerned about any past illnesses on your ship, contact the cruise line directly.

All ships have doctors onboard who can assist sick passengers. In the event of a medical emergency, sick or injured passengers can also be airlifted from the ship, or the ship can make an emergency detour into a nearby port of call. One mild form of sickness some passengers experience is seasickness; however, seasickness is very rare on larger cruise ships since they're equipped with stabilizers, which minimize the feeling of movement. Again, if you feel sick, you can visit the ship's doctor, or pick up some over-the-counter seasickness medication from the sundries shop.

If inclement weather is ahead, the ship can easily change course to avoid the storm

All ships sold on our site are wheelchair accessible.

Most ships do offer babysitting services, either in a group setting, or with a sitter coming directly to your cabin. To find out whether your ship offers babysitting services, check the Family section of the ship's review

We suggest that you bring some cash. Some cruise lines require that you use cash for tipping and casino gambling. It's also handy to have in port. Most cruise ships do have ATMs onboard; however, ATM service fees may be quite high.

All ships have ATMs onboard; however, many charge a very high usage fee. If you need cash for tips or casino gambling, we suggest that you use an ATM at a port of call, or cash a traveler's check at the purser's desk.

Yes, all ships have sundries shops where you can purchase toiletries.

Yes. Most ships have telephones in all cabins. If your cabin does not have a telephone (which is very rare), the ship's radio operator can connect you to a mainland number. Please keep in mind that making a ship-to-shore telephone call can be quite expensive, and it may be worth the wait to use a pay phone at the next port stop.

Most ships have TVs in all cabins and in some public areas, and daily newspapers can generally be found around the ship as well. Most ships also have Internet cafés, where passengers can go online for around 50¢ to $1 per minute.

Most ships have Internet cafés, and some even provide Internet access from cabins. To find out if your ship has an Internet café or online cabin access, check the ship's amenities page.

Some ships do offer money exchange; however, many passengers wait to exchange money at a shoreside exchange bureau. In addition, U.S. currency is accepted at many foreign ports of call, particularly in the Caribbean.

Most cabins have personal safes. If your cabin doesn't have its own safe, you have the option of storing valuables in the ship's vault. Check the ship's amenities page to see if personal safes are offered in cabins.

No, the ship's photographers capture memories of your cruise, but purchasing them is optional. In addition, if you'd rather not have your photo taken, politely decline and move on. If you would like to purchase a keepsake photo, they're generally displayed in the ship's photo gallery. Check the ship's deck plan to see where the gallery is located.

Most ships have full-service gyms onboard, as well as outdoor fitness equipment, ranging from simple running tracks and volleyball courts to rock-climbing walls and tennis courts. Check the Fitness & Recreation section of the ship's review to review what fitness options are offered.

Yes, most ships do have a large number of elevators.

Prior to boarding, passengers will set up charge accounts with their credit cards. All onboard purchases you make, from cocktails to gift shop items, will be charged to this account. Passengers who don't hold credit cards can also deposit cash into their accounts to cover onboard expenses.

You may use a debit card; however, the ship may apply a daily spending limit.

Yes, each passenger can set up his or her own charge account, regardless of whether he or she is sharing a cabin.

Customs agents will want to see proof of citizenship (depending on the sailing, a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate with raised seal), a travel visa (if visas are required at any ports of call), and a customs declaration form (which will be delivered to your cabin on the last night of the cruise). To research whether a country requires passports or travel visa, visit the Express Visa Service Web site.

Each U.S. citizen is generally allowed to bring $800 worth of duty-free merchandise into the U.S. without being taxed, with an additional $1,000 being taxed at a reduced flat rate. Canadian citizens are generally allowed to bring $750 worth of duty-free merchandise into Canada without being taxed. Each U.S. and Canadian citizen may only return with a maximum of 40 ounces of wine or liquor and 200 cigarettes. Each Cruise Line will also inform you of it's customs allowances Non-U.S. and -Canadian citizens should check with their country's customs agencies for restrictions on duty-free merchandise.

At this time, you cannot book shore excursions on our site. However, you can book them from the ship's shore excursion desk. Many vendors also gather near the ports you'll be visiting. If you plan to book a day trip (and not a ship-sponsored shore excursion), we recommend you ask the ship for vendor recommendations, or check a reliable guidebook.

Duty-free shops are located on all ships. On port days, shops generally open 30 minutes to an hour after the ship leaves port, and stay open until a set time. On sea days, shops are generally open all day.

With the exception of Norwegian Star (which sails around Hawaii), and Disney's Ships, all ships have onboard casinos which are open while the ship is sailing in international waters (generally 30 minutes to an hour after leaving a port of call).

You will be charged extra for alcoholic beverages. However, many ships now have drink cards, where you can purchase a set number of drinks ahead of time, generally resulting in significant cost savings.

Basic meals are included in the price of your cruise. These include all meals in the main dining room (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Many ships also have a "lido" restaurant serving buffet meals, a grill serving lunchtime grilled fare, and all-day room service; these meals are also included in your cruise price. The only meals that may not be included in your cruise price are at "specialty restaurants," which usually charge a small fee for dining (generally $10-20).

Yes. Generally, you'll be able to choose among three or four entrée choices, with at least one vegetarian selection.

This really depends on your ship. Most ships offer two dinner seatings for the main dining room, and your dining time and table size will be confirmed upon embarkation. However, some cruise lines now offer "relaxed" dining, where passengers can dine when, and with whom, they choose. Even if your ship has pre-assigned dining times, you can generally choose to eat at a casual buffet-style restaurant at no additional charge.

If you are sailing on a ship with pre-assigned dining times and tablemates and would like to change either, talk to the restaurant's maître d', who will do everything in his or her power to ensure that you have a pleasant dining experience each night.

Shows are generally performed twice nightly, so no matter what time you eat dinner, you'll still be able to catch all of the evening's entertainment.

Low-sodium meals, kosher meals, and other specialty meal plans are offered by ships; however, you should arrange for special meals in advance. You may do so by calling a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819.

On most ships, food is available 24 hours a day, either in an all-night diner, or via free room service. Those ships that don't offer 24-hour dining generally serve food until the wee hours, and start serving again early in the morning (generally as early as 5 AM). In addition, many cabins now have mini refrigerators where you can keep snacks.

Yes, room service is available on most ships, and is often served 24 hours a day.

Alternative restaurants, or "specialty" restaurants, are in addition to main dining rooms and "lido" buffet restaurants. Many ships now house alternative restaurants, with cuisines ranging from Italian to sushi. Many alternative restaurants charge a small fee for dining, usually $10-20 per person, including tip.

Formal nights are evenings in which the ships suggest you dress up for dinner, with men wearing dark suits or tuxedos and women wearing cocktail dresses or pantsuits. Special meals are generally served on formal nights. Many ships do have formal nights, but generally only one for a three, four or five night cruise, and two for a six or seven night cruise. If you don't want to dress up on formal nights, you can generally dine at a buffet restaurant at no extra charge. To find out if a ship has formal nights, check the Clothing section of the ship's review.

All ships have planned activities; though, generally speaking, the larger the ship, the more planned activities you'll find. Evening activities often include casino gambling, Broadway- and Vegas-style revues, cabaret shows, nightclub performances, disco dancing, movies, and passenger talent shows.

Yes. Each night, you'll receive a list of planned activities for the next day, including special activities for sea days with inclement weather.

Many ships do offer tours on the first day of the cruise. However, due to security reasons, tours are generally restricted to public areas of the ship.

Each night, you will receive a news update in your cabin with the next day's activities.

No. The only activity you are required to take part in is the lifeboat drill on embarkation day.

All ships help passengers celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries, and birthdays. If you'll be celebrating a special occasion while onboard, call a Cruise Specialist at 1-800-527-4819 so that we can let the ship's staff know which occasion you'll be celebrating. If you forget to call a Cruise Specialist before you leave for your trip, simply tell the maître d' shortly after boarding.

With the exception of casino gaming, onboard entertainment is free.

The ship's staff fills each day with a host of shipboard activities. However, you are not required to take part in any activities, and can choose to spend the day as you wish.

On the final night of the cruise, you'll be required to place your luggage outside your cabin door (unless you plan to carry it all off of the ship yourself. Your cabin steward will also drop off a customs form, which you'll turn in to a customs officer upon disembarkation.

Most spas offer a typical range of beauty treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and hair styling. Some spas also offer more unique treatments, like hot stone therapy and couples massages.

It's not likely that you'll get bored. Most ships offer more than enough activities to keep passengers very busy, even on sea days. To find out about what activities are offered, take a look at the Entertainment and Fitness & Recreation sections of the ship's review. Some ships offer everything from typical activities like ping-pong, shuffleboard, sunbathing, and bridge tournaments to more unique diversions like rock climbing, ice-skating, computer classes, and movies at dedicated movie theaters.

All cruise itineraries are subject to change. Weather conditions and other circumstances may require a change in itinerary, such as a change in arrival or departure time. In extreme circumstances, the ship will be required to skip a port entirely, in which case the cruise line will try to schedule a visit at an alternative port of call.

Most ships recommend that you tip around $10 per person, per day. However, Holland America and Windstar have "tipping not required" policies, where it's simply suggested that you tip individual staff members only if you feel you've received good service. Some ships automatically charge tips to shipboard accounts (which can then be adjusted by the individual), while others ask you to pay cash directly to the staff member. Tipping guidelines will be included in your travel documents, which you will receive two to four weeks before departure. You will also find tipping guidelines in the welcome packet you'll receive upon boarding.

Different ships have different dress codes. Most ships suggest "resort casual" attire throughout the day, which includes shorts, pants, blouses, and shirts; and skirts and slacks for evening attire (except on formal nights, when women wear evening gowns or pantsuits and men wear dark suits or tuxedos). Generally, swimwear is not permitted in any dining rooms, including casual buffet-style restaurants. Some ships suggest casual attire at all times, including Windstar ships and Norwegian's "freestyle" ships. For more information, check the Clothing section of the ship's review. If you're cruising to Alaska or northern Europe, don't forget to pack sweaters and raincoats

No, you are never required to get off the ship. Some passengers prefer to spend the day onboard the ship, particularly when stopping at a port they've previously visited. Many ships have scheduled shipboard activities, even on port days.

Depending on the size of your ship and the port of call, you'll either dock right at the pier, or be shuttled into port via tender (free of charge).

Shipboard accounts are for shipboard charges only. While in port, you can generally use a major credit card or traveler's check for most purchases. Most ports also have ATMs and money exchange centers. The exception to this is when you are visiting a cruise line's "Private Island", in which case you can usually make your purchases using your shipboard account.

At each port of call, you have the option of booking a cruise line's shore excursions, or exploring on your own. All shore excursions can be booked at the ship's shore excursion desk. Of course, guests aren't required to get off the ship at all, and may prefer to spend a quiet day onboard.

The best way to research port-of-call activities is by checking the ship's shore excursion offerings. We also suggest that you do a bit of independent research, either by searching the Internet or buying a respected guidebook.

Yes, all ships have full meal service on both port and sea days.

No, you must pay for your own meals while in port. One exception is when your ship is visiting the cruise line's private island (generally on Caribbean itineraries), during which time a beach buffet is generally served free-of-charge.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact one of our Travel Consultants.