Cruising for dummies: how to book the perfect cruise
Everything you need before booking your next cruise
Are you considering taking a cruise but don't know where to start? Don't worry; you are not alone! Cruising for Dummies is here to help you with all the information you need to book the perfect cruise. This guide will take you through all the steps you need to consider, from deciding on your budget to selecting your destination, so that you can have the best cruise experience possible. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this guide will provide you with the tips and advice you need to book the perfect cruise.
Decide what type of cruiser you are
Are you a thrill-seeking adventure enthusiast or a relaxed traveler looking for a calm and peaceful getaway? Maybe you’re a foodie, who likes to explore exotic cuisines and cultures. Or perhaps you’re a sun worshiper and can’t wait to spend your days lounging in the sun.
Knowing what type of cruiser you are will help you narrow down your choices and determine which cruise line is right for you. Do some research on the different cruise lines available and consider your lifestyle, interests, and preferences. Read reviews from other travelers, ask friends and family who have been on cruises, and look at the amenities offered.
Once you know the type of cruiser you are, you’ll be able to select a cruise line that will best meet your needs. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, look for a cruise line with more exciting excursions such as snorkeling or zip-lining. If you prefer to relax, opt for a cruise line that offers more laid-back activities like spa treatments and art classes. No matter what type of cruiser you are, there is sure to be a cruise line that fits your interests.
Choose your destination(s)
Once you’ve determined what type of cruiser you are, it’s time to decide on your destination. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled family vacation, cruise companies have ships, rooms, experiences and even themes for every type of guest.
If you’re a first-time cruiser, the Caribbean is a popular destination. With its clear blue waters, stunning beaches and tropical vibes, the Caribbean offers something for everyone. For those looking for something more unique, Alaska is an exciting option. With glaciers, majestic wildlife and some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, this cruise is sure to be one you won’t forget. Europe is also a great option for cruisers. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the beauty of Paris and the fairytale castles of Germany, Europe offers a variety of must-see sites.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start researching ports of call, activities and attractions available at each destination. This will help you decide which cruise best fits your needs and interests. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research if you use a booking agent, as they’ll be the experts and will help you avoid hidden costs or cruise lines that aren’t as good as similar options.
Consider the time of year
When you plan a dream cruise, it’s important to think about the time of year that you’d like to travel. Depending on where you’re headed, certain seasons may be more suited to your needs than others. For instance, if you’re looking for warm weather and sunny days, spring and summer may be the best bet. If you’re interested in escaping the summer heat, autumn may be the perfect time of year to book a cruise. If you want to embrace ice and snow, on an arctic cruise, then you’ll need to follow a schedule that allows for safe passage in these waters.
Seasonal rates also come into play when booking a cruise. Summertime is generally peak season, meaning prices are likely to be higher than other times of year. On the other hand, winter can be one of the best times to book a cruise as the demand is usually lower and prices tend to be cheaper. It’s worth taking some time to research the best time of year to book a cruise based on your destination, budget and desired amenities.
Weather is another factor to take into consideration when booking a cruise. While certain destinations may offer more temperate climates, others could be more unpredictable. Make sure to check the forecast and take any necessary precautions if you’re cruising during a potentially stormy season.
Finally, consider what activities you’d like to participate in while on board or at port. Different locations offer a variety of excursions depending on the time of year. While some ports may have fewer options in colder months, others may provide unique opportunities such as whale watching or skiing during winter months.
By researching the best time of year to book a cruise based on your destination and desired activities, you’ll have the opportunity to maximize your vacation time and experience all that your chosen destination has to offer.
Determine your budget
Before booking any cruise, it is important to determine your budget. Before booking, be sure to factor in the costs of the cruise itself, but also any additional fees such as port fees, taxes, fuel surcharges, onboard spending money, etc. Start by researching the various cruise lines that are available and compare the costs of each. You can also look into discounted cruises or cruises that are part of a package deal.
Once you have determined your budget, you can begin looking for cruises that fit within that budget. It is important to remember that the total cost of a cruise is more than just the base fare. There are a variety of additional fees and taxes that must be taken into consideration when calculating the total cost of your cruise. Be sure to review all applicable fees prior to making your final decision on which cruise line to book with.
Once you have selected the cruise line, start looking at specific cruises that are within your budget. Be sure to read through the fine print of any deals or discounts before booking. This will ensure that you don’t end up paying more than expected due to hidden fees or taxes.
Pick your cabin
When it comes to booking a cruise, one of the most important decisions you will make is picking the right cabin. The right cabin will make all the difference in having a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Here are some things to consider when selecting your cabin:
Location
Decide whether you want to be close to the action or tucked away somewhere quiet. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the ship, then you may want to opt for something near the deck, dining hall, or pool. Alternatively, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, try choosing a cabin located toward the back of the ship or higher up on the deck.
If you’re worried about seasickness while cruising, then look for rooms in the centre of the ship where it’s likely to be less turbulent, or on the other end of the spectrum grab a room with a balcony for instant access to fresh air.
Size
Take into account how many people will be sharing the cabin with you and make sure you choose one that will comfortably accommodate everyone. You can usually find information about the size of each room on the cruise line’s website or by asking an agent.
Amenities
Be sure to check what amenities are included in the cabin before booking. Most cruise ships offer a variety of rooms that range from basic to luxurious and come with different amenities. Make sure you read up on the different options so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget.
By taking these things into consideration, you can ensure that you pick the perfect cabin for your next cruise.
Decide on your food and drinks package
Deciding on your food and drinks package is an important part of booking a cruise. Not only does it affect your budget, but it also determines the type of dining experiences you'll have onboard.
Cruise ships offer a variety of food and drinks packages, from all-inclusive to individual options. An all-inclusive package includes meals, snacks, drinks, and even alcoholic beverages, depending on the cruise line. Individual packages include items like sodas, specialty coffees, smoothies, alcoholic beverages, or wine packages.
The best way to decide which package is right for you is to research the different packages offered by the cruise line. Consider how many meals you plan to eat onboard and what type of dining experience you’d like to have. Do you want to dine in the formal dining room? Or perhaps you'd rather grab a bite at the buffet or order room service? Think about whether you'll want to partake in any special activities or events that require a food or drink ticket.
Once you've decided on a package, be sure to read the fine print so you know what's included. Many cruises allow you to purchase an additional package if you find yourself needing more than what was initially included.
It's important to plan ahead and choose the food and drinks package that best fits your needs so that you can have a wonderful time onboard your cruise ship!
Choose your shore excursions
Cruise excursions are one of the most exciting parts of the cruise experience. There are so many amazing places to explore, activities to enjoy, and sights to take in during your time ashore. But before you can get to exploring, you’ll need to choose your shore excursions.
Start by doing some research to figure out what type of excursions are available in the ports you plan to visit. Look into shore excursions offered directly through the cruise line as well as third-party providers. You can also read reviews from other travelers who have been on similar trips.
Consider what type of excursion is right for you. Are you looking for a guided tour, an outdoor adventure, a cultural experience, or something else? Also consider the duration and difficulty level of each excursion and the time of day it takes place.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, compare prices and read up on any additional costs or restrictions associated with each excursion. Be sure to read all of the fine print, such as age requirements and cancellation policies.
Finally, book your excursions as soon as possible. Many popular excursions fill up quickly, so book ahead to make sure you get the ones you want.
By doing your research and making careful decisions, you can ensure that you choose the perfect shore excursions for your cruise. With a little bit of planning, you can make the most of your time in port and create unforgettable memories.
Remember Wi-Fi
Staying connected is a big part of travel and cruising. Almost every cruise ship will offer Wi-Fi, but many still charge a daily or even hourly rate for Wi-Fi usage. Most cruise ships have limited Wi-Fi speeds due to satellite only connections or a reliance on antenna-based internet connectivity, so you may be limited to emails or general browsing.
Make sure you download plenty of movies and TV shows to your tablet or phone, and consider grabbing any large files like games or email attachments either before departure or on port / excursion days to avoid slow downloads / usage limits / added fees.
Find the best deals
When it comes to booking your dream cruise, one of the most important steps is finding the best deals. There are a variety of ways to find great cruise deals, so it’s important to be open-minded and shop around.
The first step to finding the best deals is researching and comparing different cruise lines and itineraries. You can do this by visiting different cruise line websites and reading customer reviews. Don’t forget to take advantage of special offers and loyalty rewards when you sign up for a cruise line’s newsletter or follow them on social media.
Another way to find great cruise deals is to book early. Many cruise lines offer discounts for early bookings, so it’s worth researching which discounts are available and planning ahead.
It’s also worth checking sites like Expedia, Cruise Critic, and Cruise Direct, where you can search for cruises and compare prices. These sites often have exclusive deals for members, so it pays to join and check back regularly for the best offers.
Finally, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destination, you can find great last minute cruise deals. Cruise lines often offer deep discounts when they have unsold cabins and need to fill them quickly.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect cruise at the right price. All that’s left to do is pack your bags and get ready to enjoy your dream vacation!
Read the fine print
When you’re booking a cruise, it is essential to read the fine print. This is where you’ll find all of the important information about the cruise, such as the cancellation policy, any restrictions and limits on activities, and additional fees that may be applicable. It is also a good idea to read through the fine print for any applicable discounts or promotional deals that you can take advantage of.
Make sure you check for any blackout dates when certain amenities are not available, and any restrictions that may apply to things such as age or physical limitations. Also, look out for any hidden costs such as taxes and fuel surcharges that may be added on top of your fare.
By reading the fine print carefully before booking, you can ensure you are getting the best deal and know exactly what to expect.
Pack your bags
Now that you have everything planned, it’s time to get ready for your cruise! Packing for a cruise can be tricky – you want to make sure you bring everything you need without over-packing and weighing down your suitcase.
Start by creating a list of essential items to pack. Depending on the type of cruise you booked and the time of year, your packing list will vary. For instance, if you are cruising in winter, you should include a warmer coat and several layers of clothing.
Be sure to include any necessary items for activities you plan to do on board such as swimming gear, hiking gear, or formal wear. Don’t forget any medications and toiletries you may need during your trip.
Lastly, consider packing some comfort items. Whether it’s your favorite book, a cozy blanket, or a special item to remind you of home, having a few personal items with you on your cruise can make all the difference.
Once you’ve gathered all of your items and organized them into one suitcase or bag, double check your packing list and make sure you have everything you need. Then, it’s time to embark on your adventure! Bon voyage!
Enjoy yourself!
Now that you've done all the hard work of booking the perfect cruise, it's time to get out there and enjoy yourself! You've chosen a great destination and an amazing ship, so now it's time to make the most of your trip. Whether you're an experienced cruiser or this is your first time, there are lots of things to do on board and off.
Start by exploring all the different amenities on board. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, grab a drink from the bar, take in a show, and dance the night away. Many ships also have art galleries, libraries, movie theaters, spas, and even casinos. You can even find onboard lectures and cooking classes.
When you arrive at port, get out and explore the local sights. Be sure to check out what activities are available to you—from sightseeing tours to water sports and shopping. If you're feeling adventurous, hop on a tour bus or take a bike ride around town. Whatever you choose to do ashore, be sure to keep your passport close by!
No matter what you end up doing on your cruise, be sure to take time to relax and enjoy yourself. Sit back with a good book and a cool drink while watching the sunset over the horizon. Or join in with the other passengers in the ship's karaoke nights or trivia contests. Most importantly, remember to have fun!
Share with a friend
Read next
