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Most Frequently Asked Questions
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The CLIA Cruise Line International Association is the premier travel cruise information site online - offering facts, information and virtual tours of the more famous cruise liners now sailing to exciting locations worldwide. Below, check out some of the most frequently askd questions they receive from travelers interested in a first-time travel cruise package:

Is cruising a good value?

Yes. Taking a cruise is a vacation package where you know exactly what you'll be spending before you go, and there are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.

Will I get bored? Feel confined?

Hardly. It will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Basically, cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board...

Do I have to participate in the activities?

Absolutely not. Hey, you're on vacation! Do exactly as you please.

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate.

Can singles have fun on a cruise?

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for singles -- early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer social hosts who can be dance partners or dinner companions. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can save on the per person/double occupancy rate.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.

What should I pack?

Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.

Will I need a tuxedo?

Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise -- while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

Can I stay in touch with the outside world?

Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.

More questions? For an extensive FAQ for first-time cruise travelers, visit the CLIA Cruise Line International Association's Most Frequently Asked Questions.

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