Crossings
These cruises (normally on an ocean liner, cruise ship or freighter) typically take you from one side of the ocean to another, and may stop at a port or two enroute.

Standard Cruises
This most common cruise might be in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera or Orient.  This can be a round-trip or one-way cruise, and can last for one day to several weeks.  Sometimes this is referred to as a "mass-marketed" cruise, and is chosen on the basis of itinerary, accomodations, amenities and season traveled.

Trans-Canal or River Cruises 
You will choose this cruise based heavily on scenery and ports as well as amenities.  Verandah cabins are a plus.

Day Cruises
These mostly go nowhere and are suitable for partying or gambling junkets.  This can be helpful if you want to try out cruising before you commit to a more costly trip.  Unfortunately these cruises can turn out to be "cruise-and-booze" cruises, which might not be a flattering example of cruising as a whole.

Honeymoons 
There is nothing more romantic than balmy nights and warm sunny days in the tropics, especially if your wedding in the winter.  Your cabin is your honeymoon suite, and you don't have to leave unless you want to explore the ship or the islands. Unpack only once, and still visit a number of exotic places. Sometimes you can even get a  table for two in the dining room, a bottle of champagne, flowers, a cabin upgrade, or some other perks.

In General
The shorter the cruise, the younger the crowd.
Shakedown, Inaugural or Maiden Voyages are during that "breaking it in" period where it's possible that you may experience failures in plumbing or air conditioning, or have slow service due to the new procedures in the kitchen or housekeeping which may be annoying.

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CRUISING SEASONS

Africa (North)------------   Year-round, but mainly May thru October
Africa (East / South)-----   November thru April
Alaska -------------------   May thru September
Asia & the Orient --------   October thru March
Baltic -------------------  May thru October
Bermuda ------------------   May thru October
Black Sea ----------------  April thru October
Canada -------------------   May thru October
Caribbean ----------------   Year-round
Hawaii -------------------   Year-round
India & Southeast Asia ---   Mostly November thru April
Mediterranean ------------   March thru November
Mexico -------------------   Year-round
New England --------------   May thru October
Panama Canal -------------   September thru May
South America (North Coast)---  Year-round
South America (other areas)---  September thru April
South Pacific -------------   Mostly November thru April

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CRUISE LINGO & GLOSSARY

Destinations:
Port: a destination or city visited by a ship.
Shore Excursion: an activity or tour in a port.
Cruisetour: a cruise combined with a land vacation. The land portion may consist of anything from a hotel stay before or after the cruise to a fully escorted tour and airfare.

Bonus Offers:
Upgrade: when you receive a better stateroom category than you paid for.
Shipboard Credit: a credit that is posted to your account upon embarkation. It's yours to spend at the spa, in the boutiques, or almost anywhere onboard.

Accommodations:
Category: a group of staterooms (formerly referred to as cabins) that are assigned the same rank because of their size, amenities, deck level, and location. Prices vary according to category.
Interior: staterooms that do not have windows.
Oceanview: staterooms that feature portholes or a picture window.
Balcony: staterooms that feature private balconies.
Suite: the most spacious, luxurious accommodations onboard.