Adventures in crusing

Choosing the Cruise

Decide what you truly want to experience and get out of your cruise. That will help you pick the type of cruise you want to book.
Commercial cruise lines that are often advertised typically offer smaller ships that are ideal for the novice cruise traveler. Traveling on a smaller ship is especially nice for travelers who want to do more relaxing than participating in activities. The larger cruise ships might seem less crowded than smaller ones, but it's easy to get lost if you're trying to find one dining room among many. Large cruise ships often offer tennis courts, beauty salons and a wealth of organized activities.
There are adventure cruise ships if you are more interested in activities than amenities. At the other extreme, luxury cruise ships provide an environment more akin to a fine dining restaurant than a casual cruise ship. Customers are often treated like royalty on board. But this treatment comes with a premium price.

Cruise Ship Terms

While all staff members are usually happy to help you out with any concern you may have, knowing the particular jobs assigned to a staff member ensures that you go to the right person with the right problem. Cruise ships have waiters, chefs, bartenders and maids; their jobs are obvious. There are also some job titles unique to a cruise ship.
The ship steward is a head housekeeper who focuses on the upkeep of passenger cabins throughout the journey. He might also help you with specific requests or desires for your cabin. A purser greets travelers as they arrive on the ship. Throughout the journey, they are liaisons between the company and the traveler. They handle any complaints you might have and answer any questions.

Navigating the Cruise Ship

Learn how to navigate the ship to easily get to all of your planned activities and on-board destinations. First of all, you should ask for a map from the purser. Ask him to mark your room and circle any main points you want to find.
Also, knowing certain landmarks of the ship can help you make the right turns to certain restaurants on-board that you want to frequent. A landmark can be something as simple as a sign stating "Hall" or a specific bar before you get to a theater.

Cruise Ship Safety

Don't bring valuables on the cruise ship unless absolutely necessary. If you do, make sure to use the ship's safe. Don't trust strangers or leave your wallet or purse unattended for any reason. Although most crew members are honest, you shouldn't trust your things with anyone, even someone in uniform. Report anything that seems wrong or even questionable.