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Getting Ready For Your First Cruise
 by Yanis O'Toole
http://www.yocruise.com

This month, thousands of people will board a cruise ship for
the very first time, and set sail for a vacation they'll
never forget. If you'll be one of them, or if you're still
deciding whether to join the fun, you probably have a lot of
questions about everything from how to pick the right cruise
to what you should bring on board. Here's a list of some of
the most commonly asked questions from first time cruise
passengers.

Are cruises really different from each other? A ship is a
ship, after all. How different can they be? You'll find
enormous differences from cruise to cruise. Every ship has
its own personality, even those from the same line operating
in the same area. Check the cruise line's web site and
brochures to make sure that you pick a ship and a cruise
that includes activities that you'll enjoy.

Pick a cruise that offers lots of choices. If everyone in
your family has a different idea of fun, an ocean cruise on
a luxury liner could be just the ticket. Ocean going cruise
ships are veritable cities at sea. Each family member can
find activities that they enjoy without interfering with
each other's fun. Most cruise ships will even provide
babysitting service so mom and dad can get away for a
romantic evening or three.

If what you're looking for is something cozier to promote
family togetherness, a short island hopping tour or a river
cruise may be exactly what you're looking for. River cruise
ships are smaller, with lots of activities planned for the
entire group. You'll be assigned a table that you eat at
each meal, make new friends and have plenty of time for
socializing and other activities.

A cruise down one of the rivers of Europe, Asia or the
United States can make your ship a comfortable home base
while you and your family explore the ports of call along
the way. Many of the tours have a theme that will be fun for
the entire family. You might choose a Castle tour with stops
at famous castles on the Rhine River, or a leisurely cruise
down the Mississippi to enjoy the life of a riverboat
gambler.

A luxury ocean liner offers far different choices. With
spas, gyms, pools, restaurants and casinos, there's always
something to do. Challenge your kids to a race to the top of
the rock-climbing wall in the fitness club, or dig in at a
make-your-own sundae bar - there's far more available than
you'll possibly be able to fit into one short cruise.

When they say 'everything included' in the price, do they
mean everything? The price that you pay for your cruise
includes your cabin, meals, most of the ship's facilities,
admission to shows and lots more. It usually won't include
your beverages, casino charges, shopping, shore excursions
or tips. Their may be some tours available from port that
are an extra charge. Just be sure to check what's including
in the package that you choose.

Do buy cruise insurance. It can cover the cost of your
cruise if unforseen circumstances cause you to cancel after
the latest cancellation date. It can also pay for things
emergency medical care in a foreign country, or the cost of
replacing items lost when your luggage goes awry.

Is there a dress code for the ship? Again, it depends on the
ship, but usually you can plan to include lots of casual
clothes, one or two formal outfits and a few informal
dresses/pantsuits for women, a suitcoat for men.

Can I take my kids on a cruise? Absolutely. While there are
some 'adults only' cruises, taking a cruise is becoming more
and more popular for families with children. About 32% of
all cruises are booked for families traveling with children.
Most ships provide babysitters and lots of kids' activities
to keep them entertained.

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