I've never been on a cruise before. First, think about how long you want to cruise, where and when you want to go, and how much money you want to spend. Next, find a travel agent who knows about the many types of cruises available and is interested in matching your needs and lifestyle, not just making a sale. This may take a little probing through a telephone directory, but there are travel agencies which specialize in cruises. When you've found one be sure to ask questions.
Most cruises range from three days to several weeks.
Your available time, budget, and destination will determine how long your cruise should be. Often, these shorter cruises run to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. An average cruise usually runs 7-14 days. Destinations in this range include Alaska, Europe, the Far East, Southeast Asia, and many points in between. These trips can take100-150 days to complete.