This varies by cruise line. Bottom line is that you want to select a ship that matches your lifestyle, taste and that you will feel comfortable on. Some of us like to dress up for dinner and go all out, whereas others prefer a more relaxed and casual experience. Although some lines might slant towards one or the other, most ships will offer you a choice.

Each ship will post dinning attire. They generally fall into three categories of casual, dress and formal

On casual nights, open-neck shirts and slacks are appropriate for men, while women wear casual dresses, blouses and skirts or pantsuits. ... Gowns or cocktail dresses for women and tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits for men are suggested for formal nights

Shorts are generally not allowed.

At Ultimate Cruise Experiences we are here to help. We can provide you with tips on what to wear as well as what to pack. If you want to share with us something that you want to wear and are wondering if it is appropriate please ask. Our services and expert advice is included at no charge.

It is our pleasure to serve you.

No. Your cruise fare includes a lot , but you'll pay extra for a whole host of amenities. Among them? Specialitiy restaurants, some coffee and ice cream bars, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments and gratuities. The luxury lines include more, but even they are never completely all-inclusive. (Drinks and gratuities may be included in fares, but spa treatments won't be.)

There are many options available. Consider a river cruise. We did an Uniworld rivier cruise last year on the Danube and there were only 72 guests.

For the larger cruise ships, consider eating in the specialitiy restaurants (added charge) and also booking a private cabana.

Rarely.

You may have read news articles about outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships. Norovirus is a stomach bug that spreads easily in contained environments, such as hospitals and schools, as well as ships. You can stay healthy by washing your hands often and using the hand sanitizer found in dining areas and by the ship's gangway.

As for seasickness, most ships are so big and well stabilized that you can hardly tell you're moving, especially in the calm waters of the Caribbean or Alaska's Inside Passage. Radar helps big ships outrun hurricanes and other bad-weather patches, but if you do happen to pass through some rough water, any queasiness can usually be relieved by an over-the-counter medication like Dramamine or Bonine. If you are very prone to seasickness, ask your doctor before you leave home for the Transderm patch, available by prescription. Alternative remedies include ginger capsules and acupressure wristbands, available at most pharmacies. Also, note that the purser's desk on most ships can provide rations.

No way! You might need a map to navigate around today's big ships, and there's something to do in nearly every corner. To get your heart pumping, shoot some hoops, or visit the ship's gym. For intellectual stimulation, you can listen to guest speakers, participate in Bridge tournaments or attend wine lectures. There are pools for soaking and swimming, boutiques for shopping and spas for pampering. You can participate in contests, do crafts, watch movies or simply grab a book and get a tan. Or amp it up with recreational options like water slides, rock climbing walls and ropes courses. Royal Caribbean takes the cake for unusual activities; its Quantum Class has bumper cars, roller skating and indoor skydiving onboard.

Even on small ships, there's plenty to do during times when the vessels are at sea; most notably, these cruises tend to offer strong enrichment-oriented activities. Plus, remember you're not on the ship all the time. Most itineraries include a variety of different ports of call.

On like passengers, off like cargo.

For those watching calories, be assured there will be low-fat (and low-carb, dairy-free and gluten-free) options on the menus and some healthy choices at the buffets. Certain ships actually have onboard spa cafes. Most have simply done away with midnight buffets -- those longtime paeans of absolute indulgence. (After-dinner revelers can, instead, partake in hors d'oeuvres, served in late-night venues, or access 24-hour dining venues.) For more information, read up on cruise food trends.

Aside from eating healthy, you can also burn calories by working out in the ship's gym, speed walking or jogging around the various decks (or ditching elevators in favor of stairs), and mountain biking, hiking and kayaking in port. Some ships have basketball courts and rock climbing walls for more onboard athletics.

On most ships, you'll get CNN or some other cable news network on your in-room TV. A daily news sheet might also be available, combining wire reports with stories from major newspapers. You can make phone calls from the phone in your cabin, though it's prohibitively expensive. Your cell phone also can be used to make phone calls, send text messages, check email and post to social media. (Roaming charges apply unless you purchase an internet package that supports those functions.) Many ships have small Internet centers, so you can read email and surf the web, even if you haven't brought your own device. Most mainstream cruise lines are also finding ways to optimize bandwidth to make it easier for cruisers to Skype and stream videos.

Mobile apps have been making headway, too. These apps allow cruisers to stay in touch with family and friends onboard by exchanging messages with other app users. Depending on the cruise line app, users can check out daily activities, access social media sites, browse restaurant menus, submit reviews and view their onboard accounts.

We can provide you with details for your ship.

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, diabetic, and select other diet preferences. This request should be made in advance, so be sure to advise us and we wil make pre-arrangements forf you.

Increasingly, the shipboard dining experience has become more casual and often there is open seating, allowing you to dine when, where, and with whom you wish. However, experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. Some lines have assigned seating in the main dining rooms, others offer open seating with or without reservations. It is best to choose a line that offers the type of experience that you prefer. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest’s wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maître d’, who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions...discretely and politely.

Doctors on board international ships are trained and licensed with at least three years of clinical experience, including minor surgery and emergency care. Modern cruise ships also have sophisticated medical facilities ranging from intensive care units to x-ray suites and laboratories for blood testing.

Tipping is a matter of individual preference. In general terms, the average (inclusive of stateroom steward/ stewardess, waiter, assistant waiter, head waiter) is approximately $10-$15 U.S. per person, per day. Any shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services received or at your discretion. For your convenience, most lines add the standard gratuity to bar service tabs. In most cases, general gratuities may be charged to your stateroom. Some lines include gratuities in the price of your cruise, while others maintain a “no tipping” policy.

Virtually all dining rooms and many other public areas are smoke-free. Some public rooms have designated areas for smoking. Policies vary by line.

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with us to be sure. Most ships even feature hair dryers in your cabin.

Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of Happy Whatever to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapes, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise us in advance.

There is nothing like having a balcony on a cruise. The view on a cruise is always changing. Whether you're sailing along the Inside Passage of Alaska or docked among the pink pastels of Bermuda, you have an almost constant view of some of the most beautiful destinations you'll ever see.

Private balconies are also a great way to escape the crowds. You can enjoy the same view from your own deck chair while having a cup of coffee - but without the crowds.

Balcony cabins seem bigger as well. With a balcony, it's almost as though you have floor to ceiling window to the most magnificent views in the world. If you're already spending the money and taking time to go to on a cruise, treat yourself to a balcony as well. So the answer is "yes." A balcony stateroom is worth it.

So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle ride down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel or go scuba diving. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.

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n short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation...and you never have to pack and unpack - the destinations come to you!

On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything. Or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.