Here’s your primer before first setting foot on a cruise-ship deck. Here are five things first-time cruisers need to know.
1. Must I use a travel agent to book a cruise?
Every cruise line has a Web site. You can easily book your own trip. You can research and compare what each ship offers, or get advice from Web sites like CruiseCritic.com or TripAdvisor.com.
2. Do I have to eat in the formal dining room with strangers and dress for dinner?
Most ships have various dining options: buffets, cafes, specialty restaurants and formal dining rooms. Many ships offer "dress casual" nights in the formal dining rooms. But even formal dress nights don't necessarily mean tuxedos and gowns; a suit or dress will do.
3. What should I pack?
Bring flip-flops or other slip-on shoes, and a robe or cover-up for walking from the pool to your cabin. Some ships have self-serve washing machines and dryers, some don't. Sending dirty clothes out to the ship's laundry can be costly. So bring enough clothing for your trip, or find a coin-op laundry in port.
4. Does the price include everything?
Cruise prices include the room, food and some beverages. Free drinks might include coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and with breakfast, juice. You could spend a lot on alcohol, casinos, spas, Internet access, video games and shopping.
5. How much and whom do I tip?
Some cruise lines offer prepaid gratuity options or levy a service charge for dining room staff and the person who cleans your room. A typical tip for stateroom attendants is $3.50 a day; dining room staff tips run $5-$10 per day, with that amount shared by your waiter, wine steward and maitre d'.
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