Everyone's an explorer at heart, and a cruise vacation is a great way to see the world and explore some of the most amazing places on earth, hassle-free. Your days at sea can be packed with activities from morning till night if you want.

In fact, every day onboard you're given our daily onboard schedule that outlines all the cruise activities that you can do that day and night.

It helps you plan your time and also makes sure you don't miss out on anything. And when you arrive in each port, there are dozens and dozens of activities and shore excursions for you to take advantage of, if you truly want to experience the destination. Hey, after all, it's your vacation; you choose to spend it however you like.

We've talked to our guests and they've helped us compile an invaluable list of helpful tips for first-time cruisers. Who knows? After your cruise you may have something to add.   

1. Online Check-In - Speed up the boarding process by completing the Online Check-In process online after reserving your cruise, instead of at the port prior to departure.

2. Our shore excursions are fun, full of adventure and very popular, so they book up fast. You have 3 options: book them online (up to 10 days before departure), book them onboard the first day at the Explorations Desk or on your TV in your stateroom using your remote control. Book early so you won't miss out on any of the fun.

3. For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout clothes, and any medications you may need. This will allow you to begin enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to wait for your bags to arrive at your stateroom.

4. If the spa is your thing, try to make your appointments on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times fill up fast.

5. If you want to grab a bite to eat when you first get onboard, head up to the Windjammer Café; they'll be serving.

6. Every ship has two seatings for dinner in the main dining room - 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. When you book your cruise you can select what time works best for you and we'll assign you a table. Also, some of our ships have specialty restaurants (i.e., Italian, steak, etc.) we highly recommend you try. (A nominal fee applies.) For more info check out Dining.

7. To make your cruise even more enjoyable, we offer drink packages that entitle you to unlimited beverages at our bars and lounges. It's a great idea for families!

8. What's the SeaPass^SM? For your convenience, our ships use the SeaPass signing system. This system allows you to charge all onboard purchases by presenting the Cruise Card that is issued to you upon boarding. On the last morning of your cruise vacation, an itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom for verification. Your SeaPass charges will be billed automatically to the credit card you selected upon check-in.

9. Getting on and off the ship - Depending on the port, there are two ways to get on and off the ship. In some ports, we dock right in the port so you can get on and off whenever you want via the gangplank. And in other ports, we use tenders (small ferry-like boats) that will take you to the port; tenders run frequently between the ship and the port. But remember to ALWAYS bring your SeaPass with you, as you will need it to get off and get back on the ship.

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

	Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.
	Added to your onboard SeaPass account.
	Paid in cash at the end of the cruise