How to Plan the Perfect Cruise
If you’ve never planned a cruise before, it may feel a bit intimidating at first. As you’ve most likely seen, there are countless cruise lines with dozens of ships to choose from. Whether you are looking for a great destination or an interesting excursion (perhaps both), there are many options available to you and loads to consider. But don’t worry; since most cruises are all inclusive, you won’t have much to concern yourself with once you’re done planning.
Choosing a Destination
The key to successfully planning a cruise is deciding where you want to go and for long. There are cruises for literally every part of the world. Popular cruises are to tropical spots such as the Caribbean or the Bahamas, and to Alaska to trek the glaciers, but you can also visit Greece or travel along the coast of Great Britain. There are several resources to help you discover all the types of cruises available to you. A few good ones are:
- Cruise.com—A repository of cruise related information for the new cruiser
- Cruise Compete—Travel agents compete to give you the best deal
- Cruise Deals—An online travel agent with some great deals
- Cruise Mates—An online community for new and veteran cruises
Who Is Going On the Cruise?
Whether you want to lie on the beach, go on a zip line adventure, or parasail as an excursion, cruises offer novelties for all to enjoy. Knowing who will be going with you can help decide what cruise to take. For instance, trips to the Caribbean tend to work well for family vacations as they provide a lot to do for people of all ages. If you plan to take the kids, a Disney cruise may be perfect for you. If it’s just adults or you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxury cruise may be the way to go. A trip on Cunard’s Queen Mary II is elegance and luxury at its finest.
The Cost of a Cruise
Because cruises are all inclusive, many assume that they’re expensive, but they don’t have to be. There are a number of variables that can affect the cost of your trip:
- When you book—The price of a cruise package can change from week to week. Some argue that the earlier you book your trip, the better, but if you’re a risk-taker, you may be able to find some great discounts if your book your trip a month or so in advance. Cruise lines drop their prices and offer excursion deals closer to the departure date to boost the volume of passengers. You can also get great deals in September and October, as those months are the off-season for cruise travel. One caveat: that time is also hurricane season.
- Accommodations—Staterooms (or cabins) come in various sizes and can fit anywhere from two to eight guests. However, keep in mind that cruises charge per person, so trying to fit more people per room may not be cheaper—just more uncomfortable. The usual choices, from least to most expensive:
- Standard cabin—an interior room with no porthole or window
- Oceanview cabin—room with a porthole or window
- Balconied cabin—an exterior room with a private balcony
- Suite—a cabin with a sitting room and separate bedroom, usually with a private balcony
- Number of people—You can find group discounts depending on the number of people traveling with you. Senior citizens and children may also qualify for discounts. With the exception of fees and taxes, some cruise lines will let toddlers that are 2 years old or younger sail for free.
- Size of the ship—Cruise ships vary greatly in size, and have different amenities. Buffet-style dining is a trademark of the average cruise, but some ships have built-in water parks, rock climbing walls, casinos, theaters, and spas. Naturally, the more amenities, the pricier the cruise. Forgoing the water park on board can spare you some spending money that you can use on an excursion.
- Length of the cruise—Cruises are usually a 7-10 days long, but you can find cruises as short as 1 day or as long as a month. There are cruises that go out of and return to the same port, and transatlantic cruises from, say, New York to France. Obviously, the price of your cruise will vary depending on the length of the trip.
Additional Costs
In addition to your cabin fee, there are other costs to consider:
Air Travel
If you live near a port, that’s great; but if not, you have to consider how you are going to get to the ship—and that usually means a plane ride. Most cruise lines offer package deals (air fare and cruise), but sometimes just booking the cruise and shopping around for a good air fare can save money.
Hidden Fees
Although a cruise is pretty much all-inclusive, there are some charges to be aware of:
- Fuel and tax fees—These get added on when you buy your ticket.
- Beverages—Cruises typically include food and refreshments in the package, but will charge you extra for alcoholic drinks (and sometimes soda and coffee).
- Tips—Plan on tipping your severs an average of $10/day.
- Ship services—Amenities such as massages, spa days, and the like are not included in your fare. A spa day can cost as much as $130.
Excursions
A shore excursion is a great way to maximize your cruise experience. Sightseeing, whale watching, visiting a theme park, shopping, and sunbathing on a beach are just a few of the things you can do off the ship. Most excursions are about $20-75 per person, but more exotic excursions, such as swimming with dolphins, can go as high as $150. Reservations for excursions are done through the cruise line before the ship’s departure.
Save Money with a Travel Agent
For first time cruisers, having someone assist you can be the means to great discounts. Travel agents can help you find great vacation packages that include the airfare and cruise, and offer great values. Most agents don’t charge for the service since they’re paid by the cruise line.
Planning a cruise can be a bit stressful, but using these tips will make it easier. And once you see how much fun a cruise is, you’ll be hooked! Bon voyage!
by Winnie De Moya
