You’ve decided you’d like to set out on a cruise vacation. With something for just about everyone, cruises cater to all kinds of travelers—rest assured, the perfect fit is just waiting for you, once you know just where (and how) to look. Once you’ve made your match and have properly planned and prepped, you’ll be ready to set sail, and you’ll be free to do as much or as little as you please on board. Off the ship, there’s always a new destination to explore just over the horizon. Sailing away on the ship of your dreams is more affordable—and enjoyable—than ever before, and this Cruising 101 guide is just the resource you need, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruise vet, to help you on your way.

Once you know you want to take a cruise, the choices you face can seem endless. Where to begin? By doing research and learning more about cruise travel, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and properly plan your trip—advance planning is the only true way to avoid disappointment and ensure that you spend your money and precious vacation time wisely. This Cruising 101 primer comes jam-packed with advice, tips, and strategies that will help you answer questions and make the right choices so that the cruise adventure you select will be stress-free, fun-filled, value-packed, and the very best fit to realize your idea cruise.