Booking a cruise is as simple as booking any land-based package holiday. When you book your cruise with your TTA Worldchoice Cruise Club agent they should answer any questions you have and tell you everything you need to know including:

• Which documents to take
• Details of any extra charges such as tips, fuel surcharges or shore excursions
• Where to meet your ship and when

It will be your responsibility to buy adequate travel insurance and hold a valid passport.

 Embarkation

If you are flying to your departure port, a cruise line representative will meet you at the airport and take your luggage for you. If you are arriving at the port by land there may be a bus to take you from your car to the terminal building. Just as at the airport, you will be directed to the check-in lounge where you will be asked to fill out all relevant embarkation, registration and immigration documents and then check in.

From here you will take your hand luggage through security and then walk up the gangway onto the ship. The gangway may be flat or inclined, but staff will be on hand to help if you have any difficulties. The ship's photographers may be waiting to greet you, but you can always say no if you prefer not to have your photo taken.

 Finding Your Room

On larger ships you will be greeted by ship crew and told how to reach your room. On smaller ships or if you have booked a suite on a larger ship, you will be escorted to your room by a steward or butler. If your key is an electronic key card you will receive this at the check-in desk.

Once in your room, things proceed as though you're staying in a hotel - if you're completely happy with your room, then relax and do as you please. If you have a problem with your room, you can contact reception or a member of housekeeping for help. Your luggage will arrive to your room shortly, but there's no need to wait for it, so go exploring (you will have received a map of the ship at check in)!

 A Few First Priorities

Although it may be your first time aboard, many of your fellow passengers will be cruise pros. This means that they will know from experience which activities book up first. So if there's something you really want to do, book it fast! What to book:

• Your restaurant for the first evening
• Spa treatments for the whole cruise
• Shore excursions

Keep an eye out for the ships daily newsletter delivered to your door every morning, for other actiivites to book and any special offers on board too.