A cruise is a fun, convenient way to take a vacation. Everything is provided for you in one place, and you don’t have to leave the ship to take advantage of recreation, entertainment, and dining. There are so many options available for cruises, though, that you might be overwhelmed when you start looking into planning a voyage. This guide will help you plan your cruise from start to finish so that you can relax and enjoy the ride.
What Kind of Cruise Are You Interested In?
If you think that cruise lines are all about crowded pools, loud arcades, and live entertainment around the clock, you should know that there are so many more options than that. You can find just about any type of cruise, including small, intimate ones and raucous, party vessels.
Before you start planning, you should decide what kind of trip you want to take. Otherwise, you might feel bombarded by the possibilities.
Family Cruises
Family cruises tend to offer the largest ships and the most amenities. They’re perfect for families, but they’re not just for people with kids. Anyone can have fun on a family cruise because there are so many options for things to do.
Of course, there is entertainment for the kids. Many family cruise lines have activities around the clock. You might find a cruise with mini-golf, arcades, laser tag, zip lines, surf simulators, water parks, and live entertainment.
Family cruises also tend to have lots of dining options. These cruise companies understand that kids might have picky palates. Therefore, there are usually plenty of restaurants and snack bars that serve kid-friendly food, such as pizza, ice cream, and French fries.
If you are planning a family cruise, you might want to decide whether the ship has onboard child care. Many cruise lines offer camps that allow parents to find some free time while their children are well-supervised.
If you’d like to take advantage of this type of service, find out the age ranges ahead of time. You don’t want to show up expecting to drop off your kids only to find that they don’t accommodate their ages. Also, research the prices before you go. Child care might be included in the cost of your cruise, but you may have to pay extra for the service.
Many family cruise lines are on mega-ships. These impressive vessels hold more than 4,000 passengers. Staying on a ship like this is similar to staying in a small town. You can go shopping, lie out in the sun, head to the bowling alley, or go bar-hopping. You won’t run out of things to do on a mega-ship.
Upscale and Luxury Cruises
Upscale cruise lines are similar to contemporary family cruise lines, but they usually offer a more luxurious environment. The rooms may be more lavishly appointed and offer perks such as personal assistants.
Premium cruise lines have large ships, but they’re not always mega vessels. The destinations are often similar to those offered by family cruises. However, you can also find premium cruises to more exotic or intimate locales.
Some of the services that you might find on a premium cruise include:
- Luxury accommodations
- Enhanced dining options
- Top-notch, personalized service
- Sophisticated, above-average onboard experience
- Enhanced spa, wine, and cocktail options
While many premium cruise lines cater to more mature customers, some offer family-friendly amenities as well.
Music Cruises
Are you into music and want to take a rock-and-roll vacation? Music cruise lines are themed cruises that offer live concerts from your favorite bands at sea.
Some of the most popular music cruises include:
Many cruise lines offer themed music cruises as an option that’s a little different than their usual repertoire. For example, Celebrity Cruises has a Salsa Cruise, a Blue Note Cruise, an Ultimate Disco Cruise, a ‘70s Rock and Romance Cruise, a Flower Power Cruise, and a Smooth Jazz Cruise.
Expedition and Adventure Cruises
Expedition and adventure cruises tend to take you to more untamed landscapes than other types of cruises. Although the onboard experience is just as luxurious as any other cruise ship, the focus is on the land-based excursions.
You might travel to the Galapagos, Antarctica, Alaska, and the Arctic Circle. You’ll often have crew members who can educate you about the areas as you travel. Biologists, researchers, and other experts will typically accompany you on your journey to help you make the most of your experience.
The small ships may be appointed with kayaks, helicopters, and Zodiacs, which help you get up close and personal with the landscapes that you’re visiting.
Foodie Cruises
Gourmet food and culinary cruises offer delectable dining onboard and off the ship. Some of the features of these cruises include:
- Celebrity chefs
- Onboard cooking classes
- Market tours
- Local tasting tours
- Workshops
Some of these tours are geared to adults, but others have kids in mind too. This is a great way to take a unique vacation that delivers more than the traditional buffet fare.
Small Ship Cruises
If the idea of being on a mega-ship or giant floating city doesn’t appeal to you, you might consider taking a small ship cruise instead. These tend to focus on the destinations that you visit. Smaller ships can access ports that larger ships can’t get into. Therefore, you have more options for getting off the boat and exploring the world.
On a small ship, you may be one of only 100 or a few hundred passengers. The activities and meals are personalized to the guests. You may get to know the other passengers and establish friendships as you cruise with them.
Small ship cruising is ideal for seasoned travelers. You’ll get to know more about the culture of the destinations at which you dock. You’ll have plenty of time for exploration.
Singles Cruises
Are you a solo traveler? Booking a cruise with lots of families and groups can be daunting. Have you ever thought about taking a singles cruise? These are geared toward the individual traveler and provide activities and amenities to help you connect with other guests.
Start Your Search Early
Although you can score some great last-minute discounts on cruises, the best practice is to begin your search early. You should plan to book your cruise at least 6 to 12 months before your journey.
One of the best times to book a cruise is in the winter. From January to March, lots of cruise lines put out special prices and promotions. You might get value-added benefits, such as:
- Free shore excursions
- Discounted airfare
- Room upgrades
- Shipboard credits
If you’re cruising with a group, it’s even more essential to reserve your rooms early. Doing this will help you get cabins that are close to one another. As the cruise ship starts filling up, staying close to your loved ones will be more difficult.
Compare Prices
Now that you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin to shop around in the cruise category that you’re interested in. At this point, you might want to create a spreadsheet so that you can compare prices.
The primary factors that you’ll need to keep in mind when shopping for cruise packages are the number of travelers and the dates that you’ll be traveling. You might want to be flexible with the dates. As you compare prices, you may realize that you find better fares for certain weeks as opposed to others.
Those who are concerned about their budget can also look for 4 or 5-day cruises instead of week-long ones. You’ll still get the feeling of a long vacation, but you’ll save a good bit of money.
Some of the best places to search for low prices when it comes to cruises are deals websites, such as Cruisedeals.com. But don’t assume that you’ll always get the lowest prices there. Compare the packages with those on the cruise line’s official website.
When looking at prices, make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples. You might want to make a list of the features that are included in each price. That way, you know whether you need to pay for extras, such as:
- Excursions
- Meals
- Alcoholic beverages
- Specialty restaurants
Many lines also offer shipboard credits. If you’re planning on taking the kids with you, you might benefit from choosing a kid-friendly cruise line. Some allow children under certain ages to ride for free.
There are so many possible itineraries and offers that you might still be overwhelmed after doing this legwork. Don’t hesitate to consult a travel agent now that you have narrowed down your options. Travel agents may know about unadvertised specials and discounts that you qualify for. They can also help you secure transfers from the airport to the boat.
If you’re worried about shelling out extra cash to pay a travel agent, don’t be. Many are paid by the cruise lines and don’t charge the travelers a fee. You can always ask about this before you begin working with them.
Also, travel agents tend to purchase blocks of cabins ahead of time. This helps you book your room at bargain prices.
Consider the Off-Season
Peak cruise season in the Caribbean is from late November to June. Prices during those months tend to be higher than July to November. One reason for that is that late summer and fall are part of hurricane season. You do risk running into inclement weather if you travel during the off-peak months.
However, cruise ships can navigate around some storms. If you stay at a hotel, you can’t always move to a different one to avoid inclement weather. You’ll also get reduced rates and get to take advantage of more promotions.
To get the best deals during the off-season, look for promotional rates in June. Schedule your trip for September or October.
If you do travel during the off-season, you might want to invest in travel insurance. Make sure that the insurance carrier covers acts of nature, such as hurricanes.
If you’re traveling to northern Europe or Alaska, you can usually only do so from May to September. You might not be able to travel during the off-season in these cases. Take that into account when planning your trip.
Summer is the high season in the Mediterranean. However, some ships cruise there in the spring and fall. You might get better rates if you travel during those times.
Decide on Shore Excursions
Many cruise ships offer excursions as part of their amenities. If these are free, you should definitely take advantage of them. However, land adventures often cost extra, and you can save money by designing your own treks.
Some examples of shore excursions include:
- Snorkeling trips
- Visiting local markets
- Exploring ruins
- Hiking
- Shopping
- Sightseeing tours
- Cultural events
- Active tours
Concierge or boutique excursions are nice because they limit the number of guests. You might take a cooking class or glide along the countryside on bikes. Concierge tours are ideal for people who are cruising with groups. You can have a more intimate experience and avoid the crowded buses of tourists.
One of the benefits of booking your shore excursion through the cruise line is that you know that the companies are reputable. Also, the ship won’t leave the port until all of its buses have returned. If you book your own excursion, you have to make sure that you’re not late to return, or the cruise ship might leave without you.
Still, you can usually get a lower rate by booking an excursion on your own than buying it through the cruise line. Take some time to look at sites such as Tripadvisor.com to learn more about the attractions in the ports that you’ll be stopping in.
Find out how long the ship will be docked, and decide what you want to do. Some shore excursions last a half day, while others last a full day. Are you the type of person who prefers free, flexible time to go sightseeing, or would you rather join an organized tour?
You’ll have more flexibility on your own, but you might not be comfortable wandering around a new place without a guide. Also, some guided tours pack lots of activities into one trip. This may be ideal for you, but you might not get an in-depth experience.
Consider what to do if the ship docks at a port, and you don’t want to go on a tour at all. Many travelers just want to relax on the beach. You can certainly do that, and you will avoid paying the extra fees for shore excursions. Just make sure to research how you’ll get from the ship to the beach and back again. You might have to pay for a taxi or use public transportation.
If you do want to book your shore excursions through the cruise line, plan ahead. Go to the cruise line website and read through the tour descriptions and prices. Luxury cruise lines might even send you a brochure with all of the options. If you’re using a travel agent, they can also help you arrange your shore excursions through the ship.
Find out if you can reserve your spot in advance. That’s not always necessary. You might want to wait until you’re on the trip to decide what you want to do on the day that you’re at port. But if you’re dying to take part in an excursion with limited availability, you’ll lose your spot if you don’t reserve it ahead of time.
For those who want to book their own excursions, the options that are available through the cruise lines can give you some ideas. Use those as launching points. Do some additional research using travel websites and guidebooks.
How to Get the Most From Your Shore Excursions
Here are some other tips to keep in mind when you’re planning shore excursions.
First, read the description of each excursion carefully. Learn how much time you’ll be on the bus and spending sightseeing or doing other activities.
If you have limited mobility, choose tours that you can physically handle. If you have any questions, contact the tour operator or cruise line for more details.
If you choose not to book a tour, you can ask the ship’s crew for recommendations for local beaches, attractions, and restaurants. Because they frequent the same ports, they often know the best places to go, and you can head out on your own.
When you plan to rent a car, you’ll often get better rates if you book ahead of time. You’ll need to find out whether you need an international driving permit, though.
Choosing a Cabin
Most of the larger ships offer plenty of cabin options for every budget and need. Do you want a suite so that you and your family can stay together? Do you have teenagers who would like their own room? Do you need a crib for your infant?
You can usually look at deck plans so that you can select the perfect cabin for your needs. Keep in mind that interior rooms have no natural light. You might want to bring a night light so that it’s not too dark.
If you get seasick, a cabin on a lower floor will feel more stable than one on a higher deck. Those towards the center of the ship tend to be less shaky than those toward the ends of the vessel.
What to Pack
Now that you’ve planned and purchased your cruise, you’re probably preparing for the trip. You might want to know what to pack. Going on a cruise is a little different than heading to a hotel or resort.
Packing light is convenient and economical. Cabins have limited storage space. Therefore, you don’t want to bring your entire wardrobe with you. Plus, if you’re flying to your destination, you’ll save money by checking fewer bags.
Before you decide what to bring, check the cruise line’s dress code. You can always dress casually during the daytime. But after hours, you might be required to wear more formal attire in the dining areas and other places.
Resort casual is the most common dress code. That means that you should wear something that you’d put on to go to a nice restaurant. For women, that includes flowy dresses, slacks, blouses, and knit tops. For men, that includes collared shirts and trousers.
You don’t have to dress formally, but you can if you want to.
Another popular dress code is cruise casual. That’s similar to resort casual, but it’s a little more informal. Men and women can wear longer dress shorts. Jeans and blouses or polo shirts are also appropriate.
Flip-flops, cut-off jean shorts, sleeveless shirts for men, and bathing suits aren’t appropriate for cruise casual or resort casual dress codes. Make sure that you bring some nice sandals or close-toed shoes for dining at night.
You should also pack some walking shoes if you plan to go on any excursions. You can wear your sneakers to work out at the ship’s gym too.
Try to pack clothing that does double duty. If you can wear your comfy sandals to dinner and the pool, that’s a win. Layers are fashionable and functional. Even if you’re heading to the islands, you might hit some cloudy days with a breeze. Bring some long-sleeve shirts or sweaters that you can slip on over your tank top.
You should also bring a rain jacket. You never know when you’ll need to be outside in inclement weather, and rain gear can help you stay comfortable.
If you’re going to a cold-weather destination, such as Alaska, you might wear anything from a bathing suit to a parka. Remember your layers, and don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves.
In addition to packing clothing in your luggage, bring along a bag or daypack that you can use when you go to the pool or head to a shore excursion. Binoculars come in handy when you’re on a cruise.
Bring books or magazines to keep you busy while you’re relaxing. Some cruise lines have libraries, which you can take advantage of so that you don’t have to pack heavy books in your suitcase.
You probably want to bring some gadgets, such as your phone or tablet. Before you use them, check out the cruise line’s Wi-Fi policy. Some charge hefty fees for using the internet onboard. But many cruise lines offer packages that let you use Wi-Fi inexpensively.
You should also ask about policies for using extension cords or power strips. Outlets might be limited in your cabin.
Many cruise lines prohibit you from bringing alcohol on board. Check the policies before you pack. Your items might be confiscated if they’re not allowed. However, you may be able to bring water and soda with you. Again, find out what the rules are.
One tip that many cruisers suggest is to use over-the-door shoe bags to organize belongings in tight quarters. These are light in weight and don’t take up a lot of space in the cabin.
Little-Known Facts About Cruise Lines
Learning these secrets about cruise lines could help you make a decision when you’re selecting packages.
If you’re all about your dining options, you should know a few things about the different features on cruise ships. Many lines offer unlimited dining in the main eating area. Let’s say that the cruise ship allows you to choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert with every meal. You can be flexible about the items that you choose. You can usually order three appetizers or two entrees instead of one of each.
Room service is often free on cruise lines. Some charge a small fee to use room service, but in-room dining is typically cheap.
Beverages can be a little more complicated. If you have an all-inclusive package, find out what it includes. Some include house liquors, while others include beer and wine. Some don’t include alcoholic drinks at all.
If you do have to buy your drinks, a bottle of wine or a bucket of beer is usually cheaper than purchasing by the glass. If you buy a bottle of wine and don’t finish it, the crew can usually label it with your room number so that you can use it another night.
Soda isn’t always free, but iced tea may be in the dining room. You can usually buy a soda card or a souvenir cup that you can refill at a discounted price.
When booking your cabin, find out if certain options include entrance to spas and other amenities. You’ll pay more per night for the cabin, but you’ll get the perk of attending the spa.
Finally, some of the bigger cruise lines offer big-name shows. However, these can sell out quickly. Don’t worry if you can’t get tickets ahead of time. Many people reserve tickets but don’t show up the night of the performance. You can try to get in line before showtime, and you’ll get in if seats are available.