Introduction
Chapter 1 – Cruising for the Joy of It
Why People Cruise
Cruiser Types
Cruiser Ship Types
Six Categories of Cruises
Chapter 2 – Planning for the Cruise of Your Life
Cruise Line Passenger Policies
Best Time of Year to Cruise
Cruise Length
Departure Ports
Possible Destinations
Preferred Cruise Line and Ships
Personal Requirements
Traveling When Pregnant
Celebrating Special Events
Additional Considerations
Chapter 3 – Selecting an Engaging and Memorable Itinerary
Cruises Designed for Everyone
Possible Itinerary Options
Popular Cruise Destinations
Chapter 4 – Booking the Best Cruise Vacation Ever
Gathering Information
Cruise Related Costs
Additional Costs Prior to Embarkation
Onboard Expenditures
Getting the Best Cruise Deal
Making Your Deposit
Cancelling a Cruise
Choosing a Payment Method
Selecting a Cabin
Accommodation Options
Booking Confirmation
Chapter 5 – Organizing a Stress-free Cruise
Travel Insurance
Required Governmental Documents
Prepare Medically
Learn More about Your Ship
Join a Roll Call
Print Your Cruise Documents
Gather Items for Your Trip
Decide What to Pack
Tasks before Leaving Home
Chapter 6 – Embarking on Your Ship
Getting to the Port
Checking Your Luggage
Entering the Cruise Terminal
Embarkation Processing
Going Aboard
Taking Care of Business
Moving into Your Cabin
Safety Muster Drill
Sail Away Party
Chapter 7 – Maximizing Your Pleasure Onboard
Onboard Facilities
Services
Onboard Activities
Social Networking
Chapter 8 – Vacationing with Children
Should You Bring the Children on a Cruise?
Choosing the Right Cruise
Special Considerations
Activities for Younger Passengers
Staying in Touch Onboard
Chapter 9 – Cruising Tips for Mature and Special Needs Guests
Making the Best of Your Cruise
Mature Cruisers
Special Needs Booking Considerations
Special Dietary Needs
Traveling with Service Dogs
Traveling with Special Needs Children
Chapter 10 – Stretching Your Budget and Saving Money
Prepare a Budget
Reduce Travel Expenses
Save Money Onboard and Ashore
Bring Your Own Stuff
Chapter 11 – Making the Most of Your Cruise
Creative Cabin Tips
Onboard Shopping Tips
Shopping in Ports
Packing Tips
Useful Items to Bring Aboard
Items Not Allowed Onboard
Toilet Tips
Health Tips
Cruise Buffet Etiquette
Port Safety
Ways to Ruin Your Vacation
Chapter 12 – Easing Out of Your Cruise
Preparing for Disembarkation
Last Night of Your Cruise
Post-Cruise Activities
Arriving at Home
Useful Information and Resources
- Typical Cruise Officers
- Cruise Related Terminology
- Cruise Line Ownership
- Cruise Ship Capacities
- Cruise Ports in the United States and Canada
- Sample Cruise Vacation Checklist
- Calculating the Cost of a Cruise
- Countries Requiring a Visa
- Cruise Line Accessibility Policies
- U.S. Guidelines for Product Importation