Book excerpt: Welcome aboard! Everyone's discovering that travel by cruise ship can be the most relaxing, romantic, regal way to vacation. Whether you're traveling unattached, as a couple, or on the family plan, The Complete Guide to a Successful Cruise will tell you everything you need to know about cruises before you step on deck. This guide answers all your questions, including: -How to choose the right trip package, cruising as expensively or inexpensively as you wish. -Guidelines on cruise etiquette, how many formal nights to expect, and an introduction to the ship's crew and officers. -How to take the best advantage of the ports of call. -How to go through customs, including lists of duty-free items and prohibited and restricted articles. Cruising on the high seas can be a wonderful, fulfilling experience, and The Complete Guide to a Successful Cruise guarantees a carefree adventure by giving you in one volume all the information you'll need.