Onboard Activities- Cruises typically offer a wide range of onboard activities, from shuffleboard, pools, skeet shooting, rock climbing walls, gyms, fitness equipment, volleyball and tennis courts, putting contests, dance/yoga classes, spas/salons, lectures and more.

Nightly Entertainment- All cruises offer nightly entertainment, which can be casino gambling, Broadway-style floorshow, magic shows, cabaret shows, nightclub performances, disco dancing, movies, passenger talent shows, and more.

Shore excursions- A shore excursion refers to activities done off the ship while in port. During your port stops, you'll most likely have the option of exploring the area on your own or with a guide. These guided excursions will range in time and exertion level depending on the port. For example, an excursion might take you into the shopping district of the local town for a couple of hours, or it might take you hiking through a rain forest, jet skiing, etc. for an entire day. The excursion itinerary should indicate the duration of the trip and the level of fitness required.

Accommodations- Sleeping quarters on a cruise ship fall into four categories; inside cabin (small rooms, no view, least expensive), ocean view cabins (with windows or portholes), ocean view cabins (with balcony), and suites (larger rooms, usually with balconies and the most amenities of all types).

Price- The price for your cruise typically includes your cabin, most meals, certain non-alcoholic drinks, room service, the use of gymnasium equipment, most shipboard entertainment, and transportation between all the ports on your itinerary. On most cruises, sodas, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, meals in alternative restaurants, spa and salon services, exercise classes, casino gaming, organized shore excursions, photographs, medical services, gratuities, travel insurance, and gift shop purchases are typically not included in the basic price.

Airfare- In addition to pricing for just the cruise, many cruise lines offer Air/Sea packages that include connecting airfare, transfers between the airport and ship, and baggage handling. When you purchase the packaged airfare, if you miss your cruise ship due to flight delays from mechanical problems (but NOT weather problems), the cruise line will make an effort to get you to the next port of call to join the cruise.