HOW TO CHOOSE A CRUISE

Many travelers are discovering that a cruise can be great hassle-free vacation. Because one price generally covers accommodations, meals, and primary transportation, a cruise can even be something of a vacation bargain.  But there are a bewildering array of cruising options, with new ships, new itineraries, even new waterways. There are cruises in each of the five oceans and seven seas, great lakes everywhere, not to mention dozens of the world's most scenic rivers, from the Amazon to the Zambezi. With all the possibilities, choosing the cruise that's right for you requires considerable forethought. Here are random points to help you choose and enjoy a cruise.

The obvious place to start is by selecting a cruise line and itinerary that suits your style and wanderlust, but that's no easy matter. If we focus on ocean cruise lines, the range runs from those that provide super luxury service, cabins and cuisine, to departures designed for the young, restless, and low-budget. There are megaliners with something for everyone, and other lines that offer smaller vessels that visit offbeat and exotic ports. Several lines operate sail-powered cruise ships.

The ship's facilities and entertainment are also crucial. Some lines feature gambling and Las Vegas musical extravaganzas; others favor educational lectures.  If you lack a firm grasp of what's available, find a good travel agent, preferably one who both has considerable cruise experience but also the time and sense of service to get to know something about you and your preferences. That's the best and most expedient way for an inexperienced traveler to sort through the options, make the necessary reservations, and obtain the required documentation.  Another key is to select the right cabin. The price of a cruise is usually determined by cabin category, which depends on factors such as its size, the deck it's on, and whether it's inside or outside, with a window or porthole that opens to the sea. But stateroom descriptions can be misleading, and all cabins in a category may not resemble the one in the brochure photo. So check the ship's deck plan and learn to read between the lines. A higher price doesn't always ensure a better cabin.

On the other hand, nothing will spoil a cruise faster than getting stuck in a cabin you hate.  If you opt to pay for fresh air, ask if the cabin has a full window or a porthole. Find out if obstructions outside, such as a lifeboat or staircase, might mar your ocean view. And avoid cabins near or below high-traffic areas like theaters, dining rooms, elevators, kitchens or the purser's office. Engine noises tend to be louder in the ship's stern; the same for bow thrusters and anchor chains upfront. The more ex pensive cabins are usually on the upper decks, but even on stabilized ships, that's also where the motion of the ocean is felt the most. Those who suffer sea sickness might prefer a lower deck. Cabin size is another cost factor. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, consider getting one with a sitting area. But if you only want a place to sleep, a smaller cabin will save you money. 

Here are several general tips to make the most of your time at sea.  Don't overpack. In ship cabins, closet space is often minimal, and most people vastly overestimate how many different outfits they need. Try to get all your clothes into one suitcase, ideally one you could carry onto an airplane if you had to. That discipline will both lighten your load and greatly reduce the chance your luggage will be lost in transit.  Few people who take cruises read the fine print on their travel documents. Otherwise, they'd leave the family jewels at home. Almost all cruise tickets include clauses ad vising that the line accepts only $100 worth of liability for lost baggage, valuables, and other personal property. These days, that won't replace the suitcase, let alone what's in it. The lines also disavow responsibility for loss of personal property from cabins or public areas. Some offer optional baggage insurance, but the limits of liability are low and the coverage is effective only while the bags are actually in transit.

Short of wearing your valuables, how can you protect yourself?  Before you leave home, check your regular insurance coverage and homeowner's policies to make sure they cover loss or damage to valuables while traveling. If not, consider buying a standard luggage insurance policy from your travel agent. It's a cheap way to get thousands of dollars worth of protection.  If you're taking along items like expensive jewelry, your best bet is to store them in the ship's office whenever they're not being worn. All ships provide safety deposit boxes. Most assume little or no liability for contents, but some lines offer optional insurance for about 1 percent of the declared value. If you want your treasures in your cabin, stow them in an in-room safe, locked drawer, or secure suitcase.

Another point, when in transit, pack all valuable items in your carry-on luggage. That way, even if your checked bags disappear en route, the family jewels won't.  Don't feel obligated to consume all the meals and entertainment offered. While cruises are often equated with food frenzies, they can also be spa vacations. Make use of the ship's exercise facilities. Another way to avoid calories is to skip buffets at breakfast, lunch, and midnight. Instead, eat in the dining room, where you can order from a menu and the lines and portions will be smaller. 

And finally, two tips about tips. Unless the cruise line has a no-tipping policy, take along plenty of cash for incidental gratuities. Letting tips add up on to the final day of reckoning makes for nasty surprises, and ship staff always prefer cash. Cruise veterans also advise handing out half the anticipated tip to appropriate staff members on the first day, letting them know the rest will come later. They say it's a great way to ensure attentive service.