by Sheree Zielke

Created on: May 07, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

Choosing the right cruise ship for you can be a daunting task, when faced with the number of cruise lines and ships vying for your travel dollar, today. Perhaps the best approach, in choosing a ship, is to spend time on the Internet researching cruise line web sites. Or ask around and find out what other cruisers have said. Or arm yourself with these questions before visiting your travel agent:

1. Where does the ship dock? You may not want to fly half way round the world to board a cruise ship.

2. What ports will the ship visit? Are the ports, like some of those in Alaska and the Caribbean, heavily commercialized? And you hate shopping? Not a good choice.

3. How many at-sea days are there in your ship's itinerary? This might matter to those who don't prefer sailing over visiting ports.

4. What amenities are included? All ships include food in your ticket price. But what of drinks? Soda pop? Bottled water? These items can take quite a toll on a budget, especially on a thirsty tropical cruise.

5. What kinds of shore excursions are offered? Are they adventurous enough for your tastes? Do the options, like a tour of a winery, a whale watch, or a shopping trip, intrigue you?

6. Does the ship offer Internet services? If you are an email junkie, you will want to keep up on your email while sailing.

7. Are gratuities additional? Or are they included in your ticket price? Some cruise lines frown heavily on tipping, while others encourage the practice.

8. What are the dining options? Are there other eateries, other themed-restaurants that will allow you a change of pace? What kinds of foods are served in the formal dining room? Is it gourmet fare or is it pseudo gourmet fare? There is a huge difference between the "gourmet" foods served onboard a Celebrity ship and the food served on a Cunard ship.

9. What's the average age of the passenger onboard the ship? Older folks may find a Carnival cruise, with a bunch of college partiers, just too much to take. On the other hand, active young singles may find an Alaskan Celebrity cruise, just too boring.

10. What's the ticket price? Remember, you get what you pay for onboard a cruise ship. If you pay for an inside cabin, you may be very disappointed by the square dark box with a bed, that you'll call home for your entire trip.

11. What activities does the ship offer within the ticket price? Do you like to play cards, Bingo, do you like to party at night, do you love wine, do you love to shop for jewelry, are you good with crowds, or do you like your peace and quiet? Each ship offers different levels of each of these activities.

In addition, there are many many cruise ship review sites online that are bursting with real consumer views, beefs and bouquets covering all aspects of today's cruise ships. This readily available information will make choosing your next cruise ship very easy.

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