It has never been a better time to take your first cruise

Over 7 million people cruise every year. Cruising is the most affordable and convenient way to see the world. The ships themselves are amazing and the onboard service is outstanding.

Selecting the right cruise for you will depend on what is important to you. Some will want to select the right kind of ship, for some the places to be visited will come first.

When you first board your ship, you will be given a room key card and this will permit you to get on and off the ship as you wish in port. This card will also be used for you to sign for charges to your cabin, and then pay this at the end of the trip.

What's free and what costs money

The price of your cruise includes accommodation, food, activities including children�s programs and entertainment. Other items to consider when budgeting your trip include:

• Taxes, surcharges, and fees, including airport fees, handling fees, departure taxes and port charges.
• Alcoholic beverages, bottled water and soft drinks.
• Onboard extras, such as gambling, spas, massages, excursions, telephone calls and tipping.

All staterooms include beds convertible from two twins to a queen size, a bathroom with a shower (sometimes a bath), a toilet and washbasin, closet, desk area, television and usually a refrigerator. Cots are normally provided free of charge and bed rails can be requested.

Every day the ship will publish a daily calendar of events, and this is usually placed under your cabin door during the night, you can then select the activities you wish to participate in or just sit by the pool, relax and watch the fun!

The cruise line also offers organised excursions and these can range from sightseeing tours, snorkelling/scuba diving or a beach barbecue. You will usually get a listing of these excursions and their prices with your cruise tickets so you can budget for them before you leave. However, if all you want to do is walk around, shop or visit a beach, then all you need to do is grab a map and wonder on your own and take in the new cultures.