How to Plan a Cruise

Cruises combine the excitement of travel, the relaxation of a guided vacation, and the value of the price. Cruising is also a wonderful way to sample the locales of an entire region, rather than have to stick to one city. By planning in advance, finding good deals, and packing properly, you and your family will be able to enjoy a wonderful, stress-free cruise vacation.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Picking Your Cruise

1
Pick your destination based on climate and time of year. Consider the kind of climate you want, whether sunny and tropical, or cool and wintry, and the time of year you're traveling in order to pick the perfect destination. You should also consider what kind of vacation you're looking for--one that's full of adventure, relaxation, or wildlife-watching, for example.^{[1]XExpert SourceAngela Rice
Travel SpecialistExpert Interview. 18 September 2020.}
- The best year-round destinations are Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Riviera Maya (Mexico), South Asia, and the South Pacific.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Some of the most popular first-timer destinations include the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Europe, and Hawaii.^{[3]XResearch source}
2
Choose a convenient embarkation point. Do you want to fly or drive to your ship? Most people prefer to drive, so many cruise companies have added ports in major cities to make it easier for customers to drive to their ships. Find a port close to you and pick a method of travel.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you choose to fly, you will need to budget in the extra cost of flying to and from the port, as well as the cost of a hotel if you want to stay the night before departure and the night you get back.
3
Pick an itinerary that suits your interests. Cruise lines often offer multiple itinerary options with the same final destination but different port stops. Look through your options and determine which stops you would prefer.^{[5]XExpert SourceAngela Rice
Travel SpecialistExpert Interview. 18 September 2020.}
- Do you want more city or countryside stops?
- Would you rather have more days at sea or stops at ports?
- Also take into account the types of off-ship excursions that the stop will offer. Do you want more adventurous or relaxing excursions?
- Almost every cruise includes one full day at sea, so that is likely a given.
Whether it’s a three-day trip or a world cruise that lasts five months, find an option that fits your timeframe. Many first-timers choose cruises that last a week or less to get a taste for what the travel style is like.^{[6]XResearch source}
5
Select a cruise line depending on the type of cruise you want. The cruise line you choose will depend on the kind of cruise you want, whether it's a family cruise, gay or lesbian cruise, singles cruise, booze cruise, or more.^{[7]XExpert SourceAngela Rice
Travel SpecialistExpert Interview. 18 September 2020.} Disney, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean are perfect for families, while Windstar, Regent, and Star Clippers offer wonderful honeymoon cruises.
- Take into account who you want to share the cruise with. Traveling with like-minded passengers can make the experience far more enjoyable. Do you want to cruise with fellow partiers, families, or seniors?
- You should also consider size. Do you want the intimacy of a smaller ship or the anonymity of a larger ship?
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Booking Your Tickets

Keep in mind that the cheaper your ticket is, the more add-on charges will be available on the ship, and the more expensive the ticket is up front, the more all-inclusive it is. Give yourself a set amount of money for spending so you can better plan which activities and options to participate in.
2
Book your ticket in advance for guaranteed availability. Cruises can usually be booked up to 18 months in advance, guaranteeing your first choice of cruise and cabin location. Booking ahead of time will give you more options and availability, particularly if you're traveling with a large group.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Some cruise lines offer incentives to book early, such as prepaid gratuities or a free dinner in a specialty restaurant, so planning ahead could save you some money.
3
Book your ticket last-minute to catch a price break. Generally, you can book a cruise as little as a week before embarking. Booking short notice gives you fewer options, but a better chance to get a good deal.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Cruise lines also sometimes offer special short-notice deals and incentives for cruises that haven't filled completely.
4
Find a good deal. You'll find a variety of good deals and special offers during “Wave Season,” the name the cruise industry gives the time from January to March when most people buy their tickets.
- You can often find good deals when booking directly through the cruise line.
- Travel agents often offer special perks and discounts like on-ship credit and prepaid gratuities.^{[10]XResearch source}
5
Book online or with an agent. If you have time to research and compare prices and you know what you want, buying online directly through the cruise line can be a great way to find the best deals. However, experienced travel agents can also help you find the cruise line that best fits your preferences as well as the best rooms on the ship.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If you do choose to go with an agent, make sure they know what you want and your budget. Ask lots of questions and don’t let them push you into anything you aren’t completely happy with.^{[12]XResearch source}
6
Choose the best cabin to suit your needs. Not all cabins are the same, so depending on your experience and budget, make sure to pick one that fits your needs.
- If this is your first cruise, choose a midship cabin located on a lower deck. If you find out that you do tend to get seasick, this will be the best place for you as it experiences the least amount of movement.
- If you’re on a tighter budget, look into windowless rooms and “guarantees,” which may let you upgrade to a better room for free if one is available.
- If you have a bit more freedom with your budget, consider booking a balcony room with amazing views of the scenery as you cruise by.
7
Book online excursions to match your interests. If it's your first cruise or the area is particularly hard to navigate, signing up for the cruise line-guided shore excursions is a great option. These excursions range from snorkeling and hiking to shopping at outdoor markets and wine-tasting.^{[13]XExpert SourceAngela Rice
Travel SpecialistExpert Interview. 18 September 2020.}
- Consider what kind of excursion you're drawn to--active or sightseeing activities, full or half-day tours, guided or free time, and highlights or in-depth.^{[14]XResearch source}
While casual restaurants are mostly first come, first served, you should make reservations for any sit-down restaurants. Although many accept walk-ins, it is recommended that you book your visits ahead of time to guarantee your spot, particularly for the more popular restaurants.
Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Packing for the Cruise

Your larger luggage will likely be delivered to your room later in the day, so it's important to keep all your important documents in your carry-on, such as passports, visas, tickets, and insurance information, as well as your wallet, personal toiletries, and a change of clothes.^{[15]XResearch source}
2
Follow the cruise line’s instructions. Generally, the cruise line will provide you with information about onboard dress codes and how to dress for each day. These vary between casual, informal, resort casual, and formal, depending on the day's activities.
- Generally, cruise lines will expect you to dress nicely on and off the ship, so remember that swimsuits and extremely casual wear are only allowed around the pool area and when participating in active excursions.
- In the cruise restaurants and main areas, you are expected to dress nicely and modestly.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Coming to a port in scruffy clothes is considered disrespectful, so take time to dress well on days on shore as well.^{[17]XResearch source}
3
Take into account local cultures. When packing, remember to do a bit of research on local cultures and customs so you can dress appropriately.
- For example, when traveling in certain Middle Eastern countries, you’ll need to dress modestly and women will need to bring scarves to cover their head and shoulders.^{[18]XResearch source}
Pack your camera, GoPro, tablet, and laptop to use on the trip and record your memories, and don't forget the corresponding chargers as well. Check on the price of wifi before using the cruise ship's internet, as the rates can be quite high.^{[19]XResearch source}
5
Pack entertainment for downtime. While the cruise will likely have many activities to participate in, you may want to bring some entertainment of your own for a quiet afternoon or a beach day.
- Bring books and magazines, as the ship's library may have some options but likely won't be extensive.
- For wildlife-focused excursions, bring a pair of binoculars.
- If you're traveling with kids, consider bringing some inflatable water toys.
- If you plan on snorkeling often, bring your own gear and avoid rental fees.^{[20]XResearch source}
While the cruise line will generally provide basics like shampoo and shower gel as well as low-power hair dryers, you may want to bring your own. If you're cruising through a sunny area, you should also bring lots of sunscreen along with any other personal toiletries and medications.^{[21]XResearch source}
7
Pack layers for any kind of weather. Since you are traveling through a region, you may experience a variety of weather situations. Bring layers like sweaters, jackets, and sweatshirts to be more prepared.
- This is especially important when cruising in cold climates, such as Alaska. You may even need to bring fleece jackets, hats, and gloves.
Packing light will keep you from paying high baggage fees and carrying around excess luggage. Also, the cruise ship will likely have a laundry service for you to utilize if you do need to reuse some of your clothing.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
What should you prioritize when planning a cruise with kids?
Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.
Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Expert Answer
Take the activities on the ship into account. Kids might be bored if the activities on the boat are all oriented towards older adults, and every cruise ship offers different packages and itineraries.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question
Are all cruises on those big cruise lines?
Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.
Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Expert Answer
No, there are smaller cruise lines and specialty cruises. I love taking river cruises, for example, but there are all sorts of unique themes, destinations, and styles out there.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question
Are all of the cruise lines basically the same?
Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.
Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Expert Answer
No, they're actually very different. They offer different packages, charge different prices, and different accommodations. You really do want to do your research when you're comparing cruise options!
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Ask friends about cruises they have been on and what they enjoyed and did not enjoy about the cruise. Sometimes friends and family members are your best resource as to which cruise line you should choose.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful1
Search for problematic cruise lines on the Internet. Customer reviews will help you determine the pros and cons of any cruise line.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0
Contact your local travel agency if you need help or have any questions.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0

Warnings

If your cruise is scheduled for a spring or summer month to an area where hurricanes are common, keep a close eye on the weather before making your voyage. Cruise ships do a great job of avoiding such inclement weather but it will definitely put a damper on your vacation.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Keep in mind that if there is any unrest or rioting in a port stop, the cruise line may choose to skip that stop. This clause is written into the cruise contract, so you will have to miss that stop and gain another day at sea.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0