How long are cruises?
About 2,000 miles on average! Or, timewise, as long or short as you want them to be. Itineraries vary from a three day weekender to a three-month world cruise.

Where can I cruise?
Anywhere and everywhere. This is, of course, your desination is accessible by water.

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
No way. Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow passengers to more than 2,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise vessels, or a paddle-wheel riverboat.

Do I need a passport?
Play safe and take one. You will need at least some proof of citizenship which includes a valid government issued photo ID. You'll receive complete information on required documents well in advance of departure, so that you can make arrangements.

Are there different classes of service?
Just one - top class. Most cruise ships are "one-class" nowadays, with everyone able to use all the facilities. But concierge class is being introduced on some. Regardless of the cabin booked, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else.

Will I get bored?
Well, if you find cramming every activity unber the sun in to 24 hours boring, then yes, you'll be bored out of your brain. On the other hand, a cruise gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room, and it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's onboard. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view. You also get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Go on, go and get bored.

What's there to do in port?
Anything you want to do. A cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation - and you don't have to pack and unpack. Or you can stay on board and have the ship to yourself. Now that is boring!

Do I have to join in the activities?
Of course you do. You are dragged out of bed in the morning, marched around the ship on a fitness parade, forced to line dance and then comandeered into learning to dive. After being given the kiss of life, you are locked in your room to recover. Waking from this bad dream, you saunter up onto the sun deck and let the rest of them get on with it.

Are families with children welcome?
More and more families with childrern are choosiong to cruise. Most cruise lines provide supervised activities, especially during school holidays. Kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained.

What's there to do at night?
Nightlife aboard a cruise ship is virtyually unbeatable. There's dancing; live entertainment, discos and lounges; feature films; and cocktail parties. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, Black and White Night, and the night can go on as long as you want.

<Do you have to pay for entertainment?
Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house.

Is it easy to make friends?
A cruise ship is a great place to make meet people, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial and relaxed. You'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about at dinner, at cocktails, around the pool, or along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.

Will there be people like me?
All kinds of people take cruises, of all ages, from all walks of life - singles, couples and families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.

What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruises are casual by day, and in the evening, dress code varies and is dictated by occasion. For the Captain's Gala, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.

Will I need a tuxedo?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. If you don't woen a tuxedo, many ships offer rental services. But even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.

Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is ideal for people travelling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. Most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double.

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. And many ships will supply hair-dryers in your cabin. But it would be sensible to take an adaptor.

What are the dining arrangements?
On some ships, especially the new mega-liners being launched, dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one seating. But most ships have early and late seatings. Request the seating you would prefer when you boo. In addition, some ships offer alternative dining options with onboard reservations.

Is dining as good as it's cracked up to be?
Yes, as the editor's expanded waistline will bear testament to. So expect to put on weight, and work it off in the gym. And for those on a seafood diet, you can eat all the food you see.

Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, make arrangements in advance.

What if I don't like my tablemates?
Tip them overboard or poison them. Alternatively, speak with the onboard maitre d' who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions.

Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables or non-smoking sections in the dining rooms and lounges. Many dining rooms are now totally smoke-free, and at least one ship bars smoking altogether. Fortunately, there are no alcohol-free ships.

Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Like the day the divorce came tbhrough? Yes, cruise Lines will make a fuss of you. Most will even treat you to a complimentary cake and champagne. In one evening, the SeaView editor sat through 12 renderings of Happy Birthday, with blazing cakes, which pretty much answers the question. You can even arrange for a special private party.

Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Without a doubt. Cruising is just right for romance - cozy dinners, dancing the night away under the stars and so much more. And single beds can be pushed together. Also, some ships offer special wedding ceremonies or renewal of vows in port.

Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Who wants to! Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, and selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. You can make phone calls from most ports. In addition, many ships have fax capabilities and newer ships offer cybercafes with Internet access and e-mail capabilities.

What about tipping?
You are under no obligation to tip. Good service is expected. After all, you are paying enough for it. If you want to repay extraordinary service, the general rule is to about $2 to $3.00 per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy and maitre d'. But quite a few ships are now all inclusive.

Are there medical services onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency. But you won't find a dentist.

Are there laundry services aboard?
Most cruise ships have laundry and dry-cleaning services, but there is an additional charge for this. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.

I am frightened of being sea sick
Don't be. Stabilisers on modern ships and effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort. SeaView's recommendation is that if you feel seasick, visit the ship doctor and ask for an anti-nausea jab. Alternatively, stay drunk.