Perhaps it was the allure of taking a low cost cruise that first sparked your imagination, or glowing recommendations from friends recently returned from a cruise. Whatever piqued your interest, you are thinking about cruising for the first time with Royal Caribbean Cruises and want to make the most of your trip. Here are a few suggestions that can make your first cruise one of many happy excursions.

1. Use a travel agent. Yes, you can ‘cruise’ the Internet and probably find a good deal. But will it be the best cruise for you? A travel agent with experience in the cruise industry will know the various cruise lines, itineraries, and general feel of the cruise. Since you don’t have a background in cruising yet, use the services of someone who does. Ending up on a Disney cruise when all you want is peace and quiet, or finding out too late that small ship cruising means more motion than you had anticipated, can put a real damper on your trip.
2. Find out what all inclusive really means. In most cases, it does not include your on-board alcoholic beverages—and you may also be charged a corking fee if you bring your own bottles. Shore activities are generally not included, nor are spa packages, educational classes, internet services or gambling. Your travel agent may be able to give you an idea of the amount of cash or credit you’ll want to have available for extra purchases.
3. Don’t start with an around-the-world cruise. Try a three, five, or seven day cruise to get your feet wet. A shorter cruise will also allow you to focus more on the nautical experience itself without getting too worn out. Learning what you most enjoy doing on a cruise is a good way to fine-tune subsequent sailings and add value to both your ship and shore experiences.
4. Keep track of your expenses. Many ships are now cashless, meaning you will be issued a card to be used for on-board expenses not covered by your cruise fee. Since this is your first cruise, keeping track of what you are charging—whether by requesting an invoice or using a paper and pencil—will give you a baseline to compare with what your travel agent said, or what you thought you’d spend. There is no right or wrong amount for this. It is merely a way for you to gauge what you will need for your next trip.
5. Find out the dress code. Your cabin is likely to have limited space for clothing. Bringing appropriate attire (and not having to buy something on-board) is critical. Some cruise lines still require formal wear for the main dinner meal or for at least one supper during the cruise. Knowing this in advance can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. You can also plan ahead by packing items that mix and match to make the most of your wardrobe.

With a little advance planning, your first cruise will be a delightful entry into the world of sea travel.