Laundry service on cruise ships is typically either do it yourself or done by the ship staff. If you do your own laundry you can save a lot of money as the ship based laundry if expensive. Bring coins to use the machines and plan to use the machines early in the morning to avoid the line ups.

A smaller and older ship is usually a more personal experience for taking a cruise. Lots of travelers prefer this option as they have more time to get to know fellow travelers and the crew. Smaller ships are often used for the shorter cruises, but this will vary based on the different cruise lines.

Make sure to take advantage of children's activities when on board a cruise with children. This way, you and your adult friends can enjoy themselves with a nice meal by candlelight, go to the casino or even just stop in at the bar to relax and unwind.