10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Planning A Cruise Vacation

There are so many cruise ships and itineraries to choose from. It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole and feel like there’s no end, especially if you are not sure where to start. The goal of this blog is to get you really thinking about what type of cruise you want to go on.

How many people will be going with you on this cruise? Planning a cruise for yourself is much different from planning a family or group cruise. If you are planning a cruise for yourself, you do not have to consult anyone. If you are planning a family or group cruise, then you have to consider preferences for others.

What is your budget? Determine how much you want to spend on your cruise vacation. The cruise fare is just the start. Flights, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, onboard spending, and how much you want to spend in port are also important to factor in. Tip: Make a list of what you want to spend more on or less on.

What time of year do you want to cruise? The time of year is important because it will help you narrow down your destination choices. While you can cruise the Caribbean year-round, Alaskan cruises go from late spring through early fall.

What amenities on the cruise ship are most important to you? Not all cruise ships are the same. The newer, larger ships have the latest and greatest food options, activities, and entertainment. The smaller ships might have one or two of those amenities, but offer a more laid back experience. Make a list of what is important to you. Look at video tours or the ship’s deck plans before making the final decision to see if it is right for you.

How long do you want to go for? Cruise itineraries come in all different lengths. The ideal length depends on what you are looking for. Determine your priorities. If you are looking for a quick getaway, then a shorter cruise will be best. If you want more time to explore, a longer one might be the best fit.

Are you interested in going on an ocean cruise or a river cruise? Ocean cruises are not the only fish in the sea. While they offer larger ships, plenty of food, and the latest and greatest activities and entertainment, river cruise ships are smaller and offer a more laid back experience. They tend to be more destination focused.

Are you okay if the itinerary includes tender ports? Not every port can accommodate larger cruise ships. This is where tenders come into play. Tender ports are ports where the cruise ship anchors off the coast and guests use smaller tender boats, usually the ship’s lifeboats, to get ashore. Most cruise lines will label tender ports on the itinerary.

What stateroom category best fits your needs? There are many stateroom types to choose from. Inside, Oceanview, Balcony to name a few. Take some time to decide what best fits your needs. An inside is great if you are on a budget and are a light sleeper because it is dark all the time. A balcony is great if you want that extra room and endless views. The last thing you want is to be in a cabin that you are not happy with.

Will you be needing a pre or post cruise stay? It’s best practice to arrive at least one day before your cruise, especially if you are flying into your departure city. Anything can happen when you are traveling. Flights could get delayed or canceled. You could get stuck in traffic if you drive. Arriving early will give you time to explore your departure city, relax, and unwind before your cruise vacation starts.

What departure ports do you want to sail from? If you are on a tight budget, flying to a port that’s far away might not be the best option for you. Consider ports that are closer to you where you can drive or take the train the day before.

I hope that this post was helpful for those who are planning a cruise vacation.