How to Plan a Cruise

Few vacations require more decisions prior to leaving home--and fewer to make once you get there. That's because most cruises are all-inclusive affairs--with airfare, stateroom, meals and nightly entertainment all included in the seagoing package. So once you've said bon voyage to your friends, your biggest worry will be whether to have the pool attendant bring you a mai tai, an iced tea or a pillow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide on a destination. Do you want to climb glaciers and kayak in Alaska, dive in the Caribbean or taste wines in France? Or maybe you want to sail across the Atlantic or through the Panama Canal.
2. Select a cruise line that appeals to your budget and lifestyle. These range from the five-star elegance of Crystal Cruises' trio of ships to the raucous booze cruises aboard the Carnival Cruise Line's fleet of Fun Ships. Consider theme cruises where you can meet people with similar lifestyles such as singles, gays and lesbians, or senior groups.
3. Decide how long you'd like to cruise. Some lines offer three-day sailings; others start at seven days and can extend a month or more for around-the-world adventures.
4. Consider essential amenities when making your decision. Do you want to ice skate, rock climb, gamble or relax in a spa? Features vary by ship, though virtually all have a gym, pool, entertainment and dining options ranging from black tie to poolside barbeques.
5. Select a stateroom. Options range from butler-staffed suites to inside staterooms without portholes, and they're priced accordingly. Frequent cruisers regularly get upgrades.
6. Select your ship. Cruise lines are churning out new ships all the time. Do you want to celebrate a new ship's inaugural sailing season, or relax on an older ship whose crew has worked out the inevitable service kinks?
7. Book early. Many cruise lines offer substantial discounts when you book several months or more in advance--and there are always off-peak specials. Check cruise company Web sites for hot Internet-only deals.
8. Make reservations for shore excursions in advance of your ship's departure. Although you can make reservations when you get onboard, many of the popular trips fill up quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a certified travel agent who specializes in cruises. In addition to getting you special deals, they'll also take care of the final details--how you'll get to and from the airport, and requests for dining seating (early or late).
• Set a shipboard budget. The price doesn't usually include alcoholic beverages and soda, shore excursions or tips, which average about $10 per day per person.
• Check out sites such as CruiseCritic.com for the inside scoop and great bargains.
• Cruise ships have stepped up their efforts to enforce cleanliness and reduce onboard illnesses. Crystal, Holland America and others require hand sterilizing as part of the reboarding regimen at each port stop.
• Learn while you're at sea. Many cruises now offer classes in topics from French lessons to Web design to napkin folding.
• Going solo? Most big cruise ships have a few single cabins. Check SingleCruises.net for single-cabin and singleoccupancy promotions.
• As of January, 2007, passports are required for US citizens traveling between the US and Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean by air. In January, 2008, the requirement will extend to include those traveling by land or sea.