Top 5 lists
Cruise lines with the most ships
1) Royal Caribbean
2) Carnival
3) MSC
4) Norwegian
5) Princess
Ways to save money
1. Book your cruise in advance (or very last minute)
2. Plan your trip carefully - click here to see some points to consider
3. Book cruise from an embarkation port that is not expensive to reach
4. Set limits to your daily onboard and port expenditures
5. Be flexible and compare prices on various websites
Things to know about your embarkation day
1. On most ships - check-in usually opens at 11AM, boarding does not start until 1PM
2. Your cabin is usually not ready until 1-2PM
3. Muster drill (emergency drill) is held just before departure (attendance compulsory)
4. First day onboard can a bit more chaotic (longer lines)
5. The first show in the main theater is usually a welcome onboard show where you are introduced to the ships officers and given insights into what to expect during your cruise.
Things to know about disembarkation
1. Fill out disembarkation questionnaires and luggage tags on time to make disembarkation go smoothly.
2. You must leave your luggage outside your room on the last night (do not pack things you need on the last day as you will not see your luggage again until you are off the ship)
3. You can still enjoy a breakfast before you get off the ship
4. Onboard account must be settled on the last evening, purchases cannot be done afterwards (unless you pay by credit card)
5. You must leave your cabin by 8AM (on most ships) - the earlier the better your stateroom attendant must prepare the room for the next guests.
Things to do onboard
1. Eat!!
2. Enjoy the shows in the main theater and place your bets in the casino
3. Exercise - fitness, swim, run on deck
4. Enjoy the comfort of your private balcony
5. Relax, enjoy spa treatment
To do when feeling a bit sea sick
1. Consult (ship) doctor
2. Lie down
3. Avoid alcohol, watch what you eat
4. Avoid sun/heat
5. Stay calm, try to sleep
Things to consider when choosing your ship
1. Ship size
2. Luxury level (stars level)
3. Demographics of passengers - usually more children during peak season
4. Ports of call - itinerary
5. Preferences of your traveling party