A cruise ship offers all the facilities of a luxury holiday resort, except at sea. On board, you will find your cabin as well as countless facilities including restaurants, bars en entertainment. Some cruise ships even have go-kart tracks, ziplines or a complete water park! Day in, day out, you will find entertainment for all ages, even when spending a day at sea. On a cruise holiday, you get to explore various destinations in the region of your choice. You will usually travel to your next destination at night, allowing you enough time during the day to spend ashore and get the most out of your holiday.

As with hotels, every cruise ship is a little different. Each cruise company has its own fleet with its own character. Ships by Costa Cruises, for instance, boast a relaxed atmosphere and amazing food options, while ships by MSC Cruises feature a wide range of activities and entertainment - perfect for a cruise with children. Or experience a more traditional cruise aboard the Cunard fleet. To find out what cruise line suits you the best, take a look at our overview of cruise lines.

Your accommodation during your cruise holiday is also known as a cabin. When booking your cruise, you can choose between various cabins. The most affordable option is an interior cabin, which is situated on the corridor and does not offer a sea view. You will not have to compromise on comfort, however, because interior cabins tend to have the same facilities as all other cabins, such as an en-suite bathroom, plenty of storage space and sometimes even a small seating area. If you want to wake up to a beautiful view every morning, go for an exterior cabin or a balcony cabin. All cabins on a cruise ship are comfortable and boast a luxury interior, but the suites really do stand out. A suite on a cruise ship often comes with a bedroom, en-suite bathroom, living room and a spacious balcony.

As you can see, lots of things are included in your cruise holiday package. Still, you may want something extra on site that is not included in the price. Such as a massage at the spa, an interesting excursion ashore or tax-free shopping on board. All your expenses are settled on your cruise pass. You get one cruise pass for each cabin, which is linked to your credit card and registers all transactions on board. The night before disembarking, you will receive your total bill for verification. If you do not agree with the invoice, you can file your objection before disembarking.

Packing your suitcase for a holiday is always a challenge; what should you bring? Most cruise companies have a certain dress code on board. It is good to know what type of cruise you are booking and what dress code applies. Luxury cruises often have a more formal dress code, although more and more companies are opting for an informal dress code or none at all. However, this does not mean you can simply chuck some old sneakers and trousers with holes into your suitcase. Even though the dress code on the ship may be informal and you can wear almost anything during the day, there are still some rules for you to take into account. Especially during supper, dress clothes are required and wearing swimming attire or flipflops at the restaurant is not permitted. Some cruise ships also organise gala nights on a regular basis where the men wear a suit or smoking and the women come in a cocktail dress or gown.

From passports to travel documents and excursions ashore, there are several things you need to take care of before departing on your cruise holiday. Take a look at our Top 10 tips for your first cruise holiday for the best insider tips and be even better prepared for your journey. Find information on other frequently asked questions in our FAQ.