Cruising 101

Considering your first cruise? Which cruise is right for you?

Chances are you don’t want to be surrounded by spring breakers. Shorter, more affordable cruises usually attract the party crowd. And families with small children are more likely to be on spring and summer cruises.

Also, factor in your leisure style. Are you the active type or do you prefer to lounge around?

You’ll also need to think about your destination options. While Caribbean locales are the most popular, consider a Mediterranean cruise if cities are more your thing. Alaska cruises are only available between May and September.

Are you looking to cruise on a budget? Consider booking an inside cabin. It may be small and dark, but you’ll only be sleeping there. Also, inside cabins on lower decks are better choices for those prone to seasickness.

Cruise lines rely on onboard spending, so expect to pay extra for drinks, dining at specialty restaurants and shore excursions. Tipping needs to be factored into your cruise costs as well. A good rule of thumb for determining a cruise’s real cost is to take the baseline price of the cruise and double it.