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Cruising ABCs
Everything You Need to Know to Take a Cruise
By Crystal Patriarche
Since you'll likely be exhausted during the day and up late at night, try and squeeze in a cat nap – even if it's just by the pool. If you have little ones, don't forget they will do better sticking to their usual napping schedule as well.
From hair salons to gyms to shopping and games, there are so many options on a cruise ship to choose from.
Be sure you know whether this is primarily an adult cruise (like Seabourn or Crystal) or family (like Princess, Carnival or Disney).
Also, decide how long you and your family or cruise mate can handle being on the sea. There are cruises available for four days, seven days, 10 days and more. "Try to take a cruise that gives you at least a full day in a port. It is not fun being rushed on and off the ship," Yearley says.
Be sure to schedule some down time to just kick back and enjoy the ship and the sea. There is so much to do that you may forget you are on vacation to relax.
Take advantage of the excursions on and off the boat like snorkeling, sight seeing, shopping and all that each port has to offer.
