Time Frame

• Cruises can last as little as 3 days or longer than 2 weeks. During the cruise, you can expect to pull into a port of call every day or every other day. When the ship pulls into the port of call, you will usually have 6 to 8 hours in the port before you have to get back on the ship. Because of this, you should plan your excursions carefully to maximize your time in port.
  
  

Benefits

• Going on a cruise has numerous benefits. You get to see many locations all in the same vacation. You are on a floating city that allows you to get to know people from all walks of life. Taking a family cruise is ideal for families with school-aged children because the parents can spend some time relaxing while the kids take part in the kid's club activities that most cruise lines offer.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Many people fear they will get seasick during a cruise. There are some simple ways to prevent this. You must stay hydrated. This is especially important when you first get on the ship at the beginning of the cruise and at every port of call. If you still find yourself getting seasick, visit the ship's infirmary to get medication or special motion sickness bands. Seasickness isn't as big of a problem as it was in the past because cruise ships, especially very large ships, have high tech stabilizers that prevent them from swaying too much.
  
  

Features

• Cruise ships have a varied selection of features to help make your trip enjoyable. Many cruise ships have done away with assigned seating and predetermined activity schedules, so you are free to swim when you want to and eat where you want to eat. A lot of cruise ships have also added activities geared toward children and young adults, such as surfing wave pools and rock climbing walls.
  
  

Considerations

• Space on a cruise ship is limited. Many of the staterooms are small, around 200 square feet. This means that you and your travelling companion will have to spend a considerable amount of time in those close quarters. The dining options on a ship are limited. Unlike at home, you can't just run to the store and buy your favorite meal. Some cruise ships offer custom meals, but those meals usually come at a high price. Check the cost of extras. You may be charged for some items, like wine or dining at a fine restaurant on board, even if you are on an all-inclusive cruise.