First cruise planned? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Between cabins, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and excursions, cruising can feel like a thousand choices waiting to sink your fun before it begins. Written by someone who’s been cruising since 1992—not a travel agent or paid critic— this friendly, step-by-step guide helps you plan smarter, spend less, and sail happier. Whether it’s your first voyage or your fifth, Welcome Aboard delivers honest, practical advice grounded in real experience. What You’ll Learn Smart Planning Tips: How to choose the right ship, cabin, and destination for your style and budget. - Money Savers: Where cruise lines upcharge—and how to avoid surprise costs. - Onboard Know-How: Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, daily schedules, and first-timer etiquette. - Excursion Strategies: DIY vs. ship tours, tendering made simple, and how not to miss the ship. - Real Answers: Kids’ clubs, solo travel, accessibility, medical policies, and more. Tools You’ll Use Quick-reference checklists Planning worksheets Plain-language glossary Emergency info sheet for port days Why This Guide? For more than three decades, KJB Alan has lived and breathed the cruising life—long before apps, Wi-Fi, or today’s mega-ships. Since his first voyage in 1992 aboard the Nordic Empress , he’s explored over forty ports across the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and even the icy frontiers of Greenland and Iceland . He’s mushed sled dogs on the Mendenhall Glacier , fished Loch Ness , and reeled in salmon off Alaska’s wild coast . He’s wandered Jamaica’s markets , strolled Bermuda’s harbors , and watched Caribbean sunsets from a ship that felt like home. In Europe, KJB has stood atop the Acropolis , explored ruins near Mykonos , and walked ancient Ephesus , visiting Mary’s House , believed to be the Virgin Mary’s final home. He’s walked the ruins of Pompeii , stood on Mount Vesuvius , and sipped wine at a vineyard overlooking the volcano . In Rome , he’s explored the Colosseum, Vatican, and Forum before gliding through Venice’s canals on a gondola at dusk. In Amsterdam , he stayed on a centuries-old houseboat in the city’s Centrum, where mornings began with canal reflections and ended with a moving visit to the Anne Frank House . Across the British Isles, he’s walked in The Beatles’ footsteps in Liverpool at Strawberry Field and Penny Lane , explored Edinburgh and Belfast , toured the Game of Thrones Studio , and even sat on the Iron Throne . He’s stood atop the White Cliffs of Dover , gazing across the English Channel like travelers for centuries. He’s also seen the northern lights in Alaska and felt the rhythm of steel drums in St. Lucia and Antigua . His fascination with ships runs deep. He’s toured behind the scenes of Jewel of the Seas , exploring the galley, engine room, and crew areas few guests ever see—gaining respect for the teamwork behind every voyage. And on his first cruise aboard the Nordic Empress , he shared his dining table with his waiter’s family —a moment that reminded him travel isn’t just about where you go, but who you meet. Welcome Aboard: A Beginner’s Guide to Cruising isn’t a brochure—it’s a conversation with a traveler who’s been there, learned the hard way, and still can’t wait to set sail again. Step aboard with confidence. The world—and the ocean—are waiting.