So you are going on your first cruise! You've planned for a two week vacation for quite a while now and have put back that “mad” money, ready to spend it. Do you know exactly where your dollars are going, and are you getting the best deal for your bucks? Travel in itself can be a daunting experience for those who infrequently travel. Cruises can be even trickier if you haven't read the fine print, legal notices, and hidden costs. Never assume anything. Read everything. Ask many questions.

I recently saw an advertisement for a cruise to Alaska for as little as $349. Deciding to investigate further, after going through all the questions, choosing all options I wanted and needed, I found out the $349 cruise had literally exploded into over a $6000.00 cruise minus airfare and port fees which I would still have to learn about “later.” Now, this isn't always the case, however, I would think if the average “first time cruiser” hasn't done their homework, you'll be left “sitting on the dock of the bay” while you watch your ship sail on by.

Other momentous decisions one should make prior to signing the dotted line or providing an electronic signature is: which type of cruise ship is best for me, the length of stay on the cruise, and destination, destination, destination! Consider the differences in the types of cruise lines and ships: luxury lines such as Princess Royale, small ship cruise lines, yachting cruises, fun or themed cruises such as Disney, cultural and destination cruises, clipper small cruise ships with historical and expedition experts on board to assist the eco-loving vacationer, club-med cruises with all-inclusive vacation resort locations (usually village type settings including meals and bar drinks unlimited), and of course the ever popular windjammer cruise where you rub shoulders literally with corporate ceo's, or the small town antique collector who decided to take this type cruise where each of you can be part of the crew! Windjammers experience the feel of teakwood under bare feet while ducking under booms, and gazing upon billowing sails.

Besides deciding how long your trip will be, you'll need to think about all the “extras” that go with international travel. With an international cruise, passports must be in proper order and up-to-date. Consider if you will need to update your vaccinations or acquire any vaccinations prior to sailing. One site to check is at www.cdc.gov and click on Traveler's Health and then click on Vaccinations . This site will help give you valuable information regarding any port requirements of inoculations for travelers. Always carry a copy of your vaccinations with you during international travel. Traveling with medications, one should always keep medicines in their original containers and in a purse or carry on bag which will always be within your reach. Eyeglass prescriptions are always helpful just in case the unthinkable happens while half way across the world! Photoandtravel.com editor, John C. Jones, always carries his old prescription glass and old prescription shades as back-ups in case something happens to his current ones on the trip. Don't throw the old ones away when you get your new glasses!

While on the subject of “extras,” tour excursions are one of those “extras that everyone looks forward to when cruising. Most cruise lines will offer several ports where shore excursions are available at a price, usually non-negotiable; these are operated by the local townspeople of the ports and have been cleared by the tour lines. One misnomer is that if you cancel one excursion, you are automatically booked for another, not so. Each individual is responsible for canceling and rebooking each tour excursion of their choice. Two notes of caution: children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult over age 18, and children under age 3 are usually free, but you are required to report that a lap child will be present on the excursion prior to arrival. Be prepared to hold that lap child during the excursion.

With some very meticulous planning in advance and doing some research you'll find the time you spent approaching your cruise will allow you to sign on the dotted line or send in that deposit with your electronic signature and not fear the fine print! For those who enjoy having someone watch over them, a travel agency which books cruises and takes care of the details for you may be the way to go. Just make sure you are in constant contact with your agent regarding every part of the cruise, excursions, flights, rentals, and other expenses such as meals, surcharges, or taxes. Which ever type cruise you choose, you'll enjoy the starry skies, salty seas, intriguing excursions, or just lazy days in the sun with food to delight the taste buds. Cruises just entertain all the human senses! Are you a first time cruiser? For more information on the subject of cruising check out www.cruisereviews.com . Happy Traveling!