Maybe the stress of work has got you down, maybe you are buried neck-deep in the winter doldrums or maybe you just need a change of pace. The exciting, exotic and tropical answer to these and many other problems is a cruise to the southern Caribbean. If you have never been on a cruise before, take a moment and find out just what to expect and what to look for when booking your own cruise vacation.

Finding the cruise that fits into your schedule, not to mention your budget, can be a frustrating and time-consuming venture, but doing your homework pays off. With a little sleuthing, you will be able to leave your stress on the dock and rest easy, knowing you have found the most relaxing or exciting vacation for your dollar. Here are some details to nail down ahead of time to make your search a bit easier:

Length

Cruises vary greatly in length, from the ever-popular 3-hour-tour to lifestyle or expeditionary cruises that don’t return to home port for months at a time. However, most travelers prefer choose a trip somewhere in between. Most vacation cruises last 5 days, 7 days or 2 weeks.

Budget

Cruises continue to grow in popularity and now there are more to choose from than ever before. More choices mean it will be easier to find the cruise offering just the itinerary and accoutrements you want, but it also means there are fantastic deals to be found year round. If regular high-season fares make you squirm a bit, consider cruising in the off-season—generally hurricane season, or autumn and early winter. Though you run the risk of having a rescheduled itinerary to avoid a tropical storm, prices can be up to half off for that time of year.

Once you have booked your boat, packed your bags and donned your shades, your future holds nothing but fun, relaxation and adventure. Here are the basics of what you can expect from the moment you set foot on board until you arrive home again.

On Board Activities

The activities you will find on your cruise ship may vary depending on how large the ship is, which cruise line you choose and the type of trip you book. On a family cruise, you can expect to find extensive programs for both kids and families, letting parents take some time to relax without worry about the kids but offering plenty of fun-filled opportunities to spend time as a family. Other cruises might be better suited for honeymooners and other couples.

Some ships also feature their own special hallmarks, including things you would never expect to find in the middle of the ocean like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and exclusive shows, but regardless of which cruise you choose, you will discover a variety of traditional amenities including:

• Swimming pools and water parks from incredible water slides to wave pools where you can squeeze in a little surfing
• Top of the line spas where passengers can enjoy massages, luxurious facials or maybe some less traditional services like acupuncture and aromatherapy

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