Thousands of people will board a cruise ship for the very first time, and set sail for a vacation they'll never forget. If you'll be one of them, or if you're still deciding whether to join the fun, you probably have a lot of questions about everything from how to pick the right cruise to what you should bring on board. Here's a list of some of the most commonly asked questions from first time cruise passengers.

On the high seas, of course! There are so many variations on cruise vacations that you're sure to find one that will have something that makes everyone happy. The many options for style, destination, activities and ships make it easy to find one cruise that have all the luxury, games, trips,
shopping and adventure that any family could want - even when they all want something different. If you're considering your first cruise, take a few tips from experienced cruise vacationers to help you get the most out of your first trip at sea.

Pick a cruise that offers lots of choices. If everyone in your family has a different idea of fun, an ocean cruise on a luxury liner could be just the ticket. Ocean going cruise ships are veritable cities at sea. Each family member can find activities that they enjoy without interfering with
each other's fun. Most cruise ships will even provide babysitting service so mom and dad can get away for a romantic evening or three.

If what you're looking for is something cozier to promote family togetherness, a short island hopping tour or a river cruise may be exactly what you're looking for. River cruise ships are smaller, with lots of activities planned for the entire group. You'll be assigned a table that you eat at
each meal, make new friends and have plenty of time for socializing and other activities.

River tours down one of the major rivers in Europe, Asia or the United States can give you a comfortable home base while you explore towns and cities along the way. On board ship, you can relax by the pool, dine at the Captain's table, enjoy dancing and entertainment and join in on ship board
activities.

A luxury ocean liner offers far different choices. With spas, gyms, pools, restaurants and casinos, there's always something to do. Challenge your kids to a race to the top of the rock-climbing wall in the fitness club, or dig in at a make-your-own sundae bar - there's far more available than
you'll possibly be able to fit into one short cruise.

Not sure what to pack? For any cruise, pack lots of casual clothes that can be layered to account for any type of weather. For a river cruise, at least one dressy outfit for the Captain's reception. For ocean cruises, pack more!

Invest in cruise insurance. Cruise insurance will pay the cost of your cruise if unforseen circumstances cause you to cancel at the last minute. The price of the premium is a small expense compared to losing thousands of dollars if a family emergency forces you to cancel your plans.

Is there a dress code for the ship? Again, it depends on the ship, but usually you can plan to include lots of casual clothes, one or two formal outfits and a few informal dresses/pantsuits for women, a suitcoat for men.

Can I take my kids on a cruise? Absolutely. While there are some 'adults only' cruises, taking a cruise is becoming more and more popular for families with children. About 32% of all cruises are booked for families traveling with children. Most ships provide babysitters and lots of kids' activities
to keep them entertained.

Yanis O'Toole