Choosing your first ever cruise!

Cruising is not for everyone, but almost... Whether you see it as a means of transport, a getaway with friends, or an alternative to an included trip to Fiji, you will be pleasantly surprised at the value for money for cruising, and why it is almost a religion for some travel makers.

Take a break from the drive holidays, the packing and shifting from town to town, the cooking and cleaning, and even entertaining the kids. One thing that all cruise lines have in common is that all of above is all part of your holiday fare.

Where does your research start? Which cruise line or ship best suits you and your family?

These are all common questions, and the perfect place to begin. This is where your love of cruising will begin. In what I like to call, the discovery!

Flip through the alluring, glossy brochures filled with beautiful blue water imagery, and researching online, asking friends for their feedback. All of this will help, but of course you need to identify your own needs also, for example:

• does it need to be during school holidays

• what is our budget now, and total budget all up

• what accommodation suits us the best

• are we looking to sample cruise, or head to the islands

• what facilities does each ship have to match our idea of fun

• how long are we able to be away for

• which city and location does the ship leave from

Factors you may wish to consider:

• What the currency is onboard the ship

• Whether drinks, wifi, tipping is included in your fare

• Budget your spending money onboard, and on shore

• Do you need to fly interstate to join the ship

• Do you need a passport (and a visa)

• Does it fit in with your annual leave

• Can the line accommodate any special needs

• Does the ship dock in port or use a tender

• Does the ship have suitable kids club and activities

• Is it available for the dates you're looking at

• Will the travel agent or cruise line offer a Price Match if the fare goes down before you pay your final balance

• Is the deposit refundable

Michelle's tip: Experienced travel advisors who specialise in cruise are the perfect way to save you hours and hours of research time, find the right sailing, the right cabin, at the right price.