A good starting point for someone new to cruising. For your first cruise the first decisions is due you want to take a cruise, the second is which line, and the third is the destination. Talking to people that have cruised the various lines is important. Remember their likes and dislikes maybe different from yours so a line they like you might not. Pay attention to the extra charges and how the crew treats its guests. The article touched on costs. The fee you pay to the line for your ticket could be 25 to 50% of the total cost of the trip so make sure you understand the tipping, fuel surcharge (I do not think this is being charged but it is probably in the fine print of the contract), costs of beverages (all types), transportation to and from the ship, land based costs, etc.
You are in a great location for getting to ships so if it just seem too confusing take a 7 day cruise in the cheapest cabin you can find and see if you like ship board life. This will help you figure out what you like and dislike.
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