Currency affair

The ship ID you got at dockside check-in is all you need for voyage incidentals. (They'll be transferred to your credit card when you disembark.) Unless your vessel is an all-inclusive, expect to shell out for "extras" like drinks, sports equipment rentals, and end-of-cruise gratuities. Bring cash for room service tips and off-the-boat shopping. If you run short, you can often find ATMs onboard and in ports.

To get the most bang for your buck, call your travel agent at least three to six months ahead; you can save up to 50 percent of the brochure rate. Inside cabins are cheaper than outside ones, but it's your honeymoon, so splurge on that sea view.

What to wear

Chances are, closet space will be tight, so pack light. By day, think casual (shorts and T's if you're in warm climes). Each cruise line has its own dinner dress code, so check your documents or the company's web site to find out if you need to haul out the sequins. Just to be safe, always bring at least one fancy outfit for formal dinners—jacket and tie for him, cocktail dress for you.

Where to shop

The bigger the ship, the greater the chance for conspicuous consumption. Most smaller vessels have gift shops, while mega-ships house malls with stores like DKNY and H. Stern. And at every port of call, crafts markets and souvenir stands abound. Remember: Duty-free doesn't always mean "cheap," and you'll still have to declare your prizes to customs.

Where to eat

Once upon a time, dinner was limited to the main dining room, with each guest assigned to sit with the same passengers, at the same table, at the same time, every night. Today, many vessels offer alternative options like sushi bars and French bistros, which require reservations and surcharges. You'll also find coffee bars, Internet cafés, all-night food courts, and complimentary room service. And tables for two are now available on many lines; just make the request when you book your trip. Some even offer open seating, meaning you can head to the dining room any time you like. If you choose a ship with assigned seating, ask to eat later; families and seniors tend to rule the earlier shift.

Wedding on the waves

Due to complicated restrictions, the only ships on which couples can be legally married at sea are the Grand Princess, Golden Princess, and Carnival Spirit (the latter only in Canadian waters). However, many cruise lines will arrange civil ceremonies before departure and at some ports of call. Call your vessel's wedding coordinator to make arrangements. You have to book your cruise before you buy the wedding package—which may include music, a bouquet, bubbly, and photos—so plan ahead. Remember to pack proof of citizenship, a photo ID, and your marriage license.

Tips for first-timers

Don't be shy—divulge your honeymooner status. Most ships host a cocktail party for just-marrieds, and you may even score a cabin upgrade. • Plan on doling out $100 to $150 in gratuities for your cabin steward, waiter ($3 per day for each), and busboy ($1.50 per day) at the end of a seven-night cruise. Slip a few bills to spa therapists, hairdressers, and room service waiters after every visit, and finesse a well-timed tenner to the maître d'—unless you really don't want that primo table by the window. • E-mail Mom. The buck or two per message is nothing compared to the $7 to $18 a minute for ship-to-shore phone calls.