The 411 for young, first-time cruisers

(Tribune Media Services) -- Cruise Industry officials note that half of the projected 12.8 million cruisers this year have never cruised before. That includes many families. Here are some tips for kids cruising for the first time from the veteran junior cruisers I talked to:

1. Know what you are getting into. "Look on the Internet," says Matthew Moris, "so that you can learn a little about the ship and plan what you want to do onboard, as well as what you want to do in the different ports."

2. Opt for adventure -- on the ship and off. "You only get to do this once," said Brooke Abzug. "You'll be sorry if you missed it."

3. Stow your stuff. It will help to make the cabin seem bigger. And ask for extra pillows -- "good for pillow fights," said Allison Clayton.

4. Go to the teen club the first night, suggests Alyssa Baron, a high school freshman. "If you wait, everyone will already have made friends," she explained.

5. Ditto for the kids club.

6. Head to an elevator if you get lost onboard -- "easy to do on these humongous ships," said Serena Clayton, 8. There are always maps posted at the elevators, the kids explained.

7. Be open to new experiences. "Try everything once," advises Brooke Abzug. "It's not every day that you can go rock climbing on a cruise ship!"

8. Opt for adventurous shore excursions. "You can always go to the beach or shopping," said Alyssa Baron. "Adventures don't get boring!"

9. Don't over pack! You won't need nearly as much as you think you will.

10. If you are prone to getting seasick, bring along remedies, though if you are lucky, you won't need them. "The boat is so big you hardly feel that you are moving," said Matthew Moris. E-mail to a friend

(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

Copyright 2007 EILEEN OGINTZ, DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.