Each year, over 11 million people take a cruise. Cruising has become one of the fastest growing holiday alternatives in the 21st century. The experience of cruising is unlike any other. If you have never cruised before, imagine being pampered at a luxurious resort and waking up each morning to a brand new, stunning view of the world. But your first cruise can be a little confusing, and you may not know what to expect or what to do. You could spend much of your holiday just figuring out how the cruise holiday works. Do not waste a moment of your precious holiday time if you want to take the plunge and go on your first cruise. This book will be your travelling companion and answer the myriad of questions that arise when planning a cruise. By reading this book, you will learn what to expect while on a cruise. You will learn how to choose a cruise line, ship, and cabin, how to choose a cruise holiday, how to pick a destination, how to avoid cruise scams, how to book online, how to cruise on a budget, how to watch for hidden costs, how to book excursions, how to pack, how to get to the cruise terminal, how to get married onboard, how to connect back to home, how tipping works, how to plan a reunion or family cruise, and how to get off the ship. You will become knowledgeable about cruising myths, planning timelines, cruise insurance, cruising terms, travel agents, air/sea packages, sailing ship and river cruises, pre- and post-cruise travel, what clothing to bring, special needs passengers, singles on cruises, seniors on cruises, cruise costs, group cruises, last minute packages, passports and other critical documentation, travel rules and regulations, luggage, daily newsletters, room service, sports and exercise areas, seasickness, duty free port shopping, entertainment, libraries and game rooms, bars and lounges, private receptions, the spa, compulsory safety drills, life rafts, on board activities, the purser s desk, cruise cards, the dreaded norovirus, security, formal nights, pictures, your cell phone, walkie talkies, your final bill, and U.S. customs. In addition, we will answer the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask, such as: Why a cruise holiday? What is a guaranteed cabin? Which dining time is best? What should I expect? What will my cabin be like? Will I get wet when I go snorkelling? All this and more than you need to know for your first cruise will be covered in this book.