Most cruisers come from Canada and the United States, with the percentage soaring to around 98 percent on Alaskan routes. The next most common nationality onboard is Australian, with Brits close behind.

The "something for everyone" ethos attracts everyone from honeymooners and retirees to friends and multigenerational groups. Strong children's programs encourage families, and on our Seattle Seahawks theme cruise, 10 percent of the passengers were younger than 18.

Most evenings, Crown Princess runs the gamut from athleisure to smart casual. For the dining rooms, suggested attire includes skirts, dresses, slacks and sweaters or blouses for ladies and long pants, shirts with collars or sports jackets for gentlemen. Nice jeans (no holes, tears or frays) are also acceptable. But on formal nights, some passengers push the boat out with tuxedos and sequined gowns. With prior arrangement, Princess rents formalwear, delivering the items right to passengers' staterooms.

Cruisers should bring raingear to take full advantage of the Sports Deck and outdoor viewing spaces, especially while on routes that venture far north or south. We recommend warm layers, a hat and gloves while the ship threads among the Falkland Islands or the icebergs of Alaska's Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay. This gear might also prove handy for Movies Under the Stars on cooler nights. (Crown Princess provides blankets, too.)

Onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. A daily charge -- $13.95 per person in mini-suites and suites, and $12.95 elsewhere -- is applied automatically to shipboard accounts. This benefits the stateroom stewards, as well as the waiters, housekeepers and support staff across the ship (except the casino dealers).

Crown Princess also adds a 15 percent gratuity to bar charges, dining room wine accounts and treatments in the Lotus Spa. Passengers can write in additional amounts to thank employees for terrific service.

These standard charges can only be modified onboard. If you have an issue, deal with it before disembarking.