The first thing I would want to know is the Cruise Lines Health inspection and safety records. Been a lot of people getting sick on the cruise lines the last several years.

I would ask: 1) What is the total price including suggested gratuities, port charges, security fees, etc. 2) Is my cabin situated near a service elevator, engine room, and is my view obstructed in anyway? 3) Are the ports docked or tendered?

I don't know all the answers but here are a few questions to ask yourself regardless of where you go or how much you intend to spend. 1) Make sure if you are a drinker you go on a cruise that allows you to drink on the cruise ship. Very important!!!! 2) Make sure if you are a smoker you go on a cruise ship that allows you to smoke somewhere on the ship. Very Important!!!!! 3) If you don not have children, make sure you do not go on a family cruise ship line. The activities are "family friendly" and not conducive to a "romantic couples" event. Very Important!!!!!! 4) Make sure all your travel visas, passports, drivers licenses, etc are all current with correct matching addresses and proper married or otherwise proper names. You don't want to get off a ship in some port and one of you can't get back on it! Very Important!!!!!! 5) Make sure you take out travel insurance which will reimburse you in case of tropical storms, hurricanes, ship problems, etc. Otherwise you just bought a 1,000 ticket to hell!!!! Very Important!!!!! 6) Pay with a major credit card and purchase through a reputable agent. Trying to save money through a discounter doesn't work too well when you get 5,000 miles away from home and stuck on a beach infested with stinging bugs! Very Important!!!! Last but not least, my favorite cabin booking area is the tiny one or two twin size bathroom size rooms (with a bathroom that has a shower/toilet combo) at ship sea level. Sure you'll hear the ships anchor, sure you'll hear machinary sometimes, but you'll love the view from the port hole and you won't be spending that much time there anyways. Don't be a sucker by getting convinced by some salesperson you need a suite. This is a cruise ship, not a resort hotel. Again you won't be spending that much time there anyways. The closer your room is to the waterline, the less sea sick you'll be anyways! Hope I helped. Good Luck. Jimmy

1. What is every inclusion (port fees, tips included?, taxes, fuel surcharges, levys, meals?, drinks? .. these are really handy to know when comparing prices) 2. Compare the prices against the rooms. (you may come across two ships that have the same cost rooms but one may have a window and one might not. ask and you will find out. also what is in the room and the dementions. some really cheap rooms can be tiny!!) 3. Is it under a gym, boiler or engine room? (ask how much noise is made around your room, and at what time of day. you could be near a theare or bar, or simply hear the anchors being dropped at 4am. not good to wake up to in the early hours) 4. Meal inclusions (cheak what meals are included. breakfast? lunch? dinner? all three, or just some. also if there are any restrictions eg not allowed to go up for seconds and also ask what drinks are included.) 5. Can you smoke onboard (if you are a smoker) and are there an drinking restrictions (not being able to drink before a certain time) 6. Agency loyalty to the cruise line - be aware, as agents get incentives to sell specific things. you need an agent with a honest un-biasd opinion. find an accrediated cruise consultant. they do an asweome job and have so much knowledge! 7. Have a look online about the cruise companys reputation. this is good with blog sites, or travel sites based on what the customers think. you will find some useful information. also check health records. if you are woried ask if food is stored from the beginning of your journey or brought on fresh at eash stop. 8. If you are on a lower level, the less the boat will sway... good for sea sickness. if you have a window it is also good. you will get good views. if you are higher up the lifeboats usually obstruct some of the view. or better yet, request a balcany room. (costs more) 9. Upgrdes - tell your agent you will be willing to upgrade. so if a group of 20 cancels at the last moment (it does happen!) they will ask the agent if anybody they have booked would like to upgrade for a hunderd or two more dollars. usually they are the same room types, but if you dont have a window you could get upgraded to a balcany room for a smaller fee than what would usually be charged to book it at the beginning.