Planning a cruise can be a bit overwhelming – and one wrong decision could make or break your vacation. There are so many decisions that you will have to make from selecting the right cruise line to what time of year to go. If you are planning a cruise for the first-time, this post will share things to consider so that you can feel confident in your decision making.
The Cruise Line
Since 2003, I have been on six different cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Margaritaville at Sea. One thing that I have learned is that each cruise line is different and has its own unique vibe. For example, if you are a solo traveler or a couple and are looking for something more laid back, then you might want to consider Norwegian Cruise Line or Virgin Voyages. If you are traveling with family, consider Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, or even Disney Cruise Line. Take some time to think about the experience you want.
The Cruise Ship
Not all cruise ships are the same. The newer, larger ships have the latest and greatest food options, activities, and entertainment, whereas the smaller, older ones might have a mix. One thing I often hear on cruises is cruisers not being happy on the ship. This is the last thing that you want and can be avoided by doing some research or talking with a travel agent. Spend some time looking at the ship’s page on the cruise line website. Look at the deck plans. Watch videos. I strongly believe that there is a cruise ship out there for everyone.
The Itinerary
Where you go on your cruise vacation is one of the most important decisions you will make. Think about what experiences you want and how far you are willing to travel. If you are looking to relax on a beach, then consider a Caribbean or Hawaiian cruise. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, then maybe think about going on an Alaskan or even a European adventure. Like the cruise ship I also believe that there is an itinerary out there for everyone.
The Stateroom
There are many stateroom types to choose from. The most popular ones are inside staterooms, oceanview staterooms, and balcony staterooms. 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. Another thing to consider when deciding on a stateroom is the location. If you are concerned about motion sickness then consider booking a cabin in the middle of the ship on the lower decks. Also think about what is above and below you, as well as proximity to elevators. Take some time to decide what best fits your needs. The last thing you want is to be in a cabin that you are not happy with.
The Time of Year
Deciding on what time of year you want to go on a cruise is important for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that it will help narrow down your destination choices. For example, while you can cruise the Caribbean year-round, the Alaska and European cruise seasons are typically late spring through early fall. The second reason is certain times of the year are busier than others such as summer breaks and popular holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.
Length of the Cruise
Itineraries come in all different lengths ranging from three nights to over 100 nights for world cruises. Shorter cruises typically go from three to five nights while longer cruises are typically over ten nights. The common length is between five nights and eight nights. The ideal length, however, really depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If you are looking for a quick getaway or are a first-time cruiser looking to test the waters, then a shorter cruise will be best. If you want more time to explore, or a balance of sea days and port days, a longer one might be the best fit.
Pre-Cruise Dates
Make sure to factor in pre-cruise travel days. Getting to the cruise ship is just as important as the cruise itself. It is a risk to fly in or even drive the morning of embarkation day. Arriving at least one day early, whether you are flying or even driving to the cruise port, will help alleviate the risk of missing the cruise ship for any travel issues. It will give you time to rest, explore the departure city, and make any final preparations before your cruise vacation starts.
Add-Ons
Don’t forget about the add-ons when you are planning a cruise vacation. Add-ons are extra items that will enhance your cruise vacation such as Wi-Fi, specialty dining, drink packages, and shore excursions. Deciding on what add-ons early are important because these items can quickly add to your budget. Purchase add-ons as soon as possible after booking a cruise because they are usually at a discounted price, and will go up once you get on the cruise ship.
With so many options to choose from it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole when planning a cruise vacation. However, cruise planning does not have to be overwhelming. Working with a travel agent who specializes in cruise travel like myself will help you avoid common mistakes as well as save you time and money. If you would like help in planning your cruise adventure reach out and let’s get your cruise vacation started!