How To Choose The Perfect Cruise

After many years traveling and watching as the provision and quality of cruise ships has increased exponentially, choosing the perfect cruise becomes an art. Are some parameters to be taken into account when selecting the ideal cruise .

In my experience  cruise passengers should consider the following 6 points at the time of the search:

1 .- How many days do I have?

To set the cruise should start by analyzing how many vacation days available to me. So we choose the range of cruise days increased by the days of flight or transfer to the destination. (It is recommended to add one more day on the way if jetlag is expected at the port of departure).

2 .- Geographical area / route

The second thing to consider is what want to see or visit. In the last years offering cruises allows seven seas and there is hardly a corner in the world that can not be visited cruise. Even the so-called cruise excursions provide " Overland " that allow countries or places to visit away from the coast.

When selecting a geographical area should be noted that the cruise industry is moving season. This summer we will find that shipping companies mobilize their cruises to the Mediterranean or Alaska, and winter in the Caribbean . In this way we can find a wider choice and better prices if we choose in the areas where companies operate on a seasonal cruise .

Different is to find a cruise route. There are basically two types of routes. scheduled routes , ie, special tours designed for carriers as they could be a route through the Pacific Ocean, a world tour ( or a section thereof) ... and on the other side would be the " replacement " that those trips would be made by ships when they change from one area to another. For example when the season in the Caribbean, most carriers send their ships to the Mediterranean. These reruns barge trips can find great prices really interesting.

3 .- The cruise shipping .

As important as the route is to choose the cruise that best suits us . They come in all shapes and focused on all types of cruisers. The public must prevail young and fun , others focused on older people and others to major routes and travelers, others tend to the expedition cruise / adventure .. Although it is now democratized enough is a point to keep in mind as we can find on a cruise aimed at older people and a leisure suited to them and get bored if we wanted was a holiday at the disco.

4 .- The ship

The heart of the trip. Since we spend the most time in it. Cruise ships are classified by their size or tonnage , grade and in my experience the year of its construction .

With respect to size we can find three types:

• Cruise ships small: up to 10,000 tons ( 300 to 800 passengers )

• Cruise ships Medium: 10,000 tons to 40,000 tons ( between 800-1900 passengers)

• Cruise ships large: 40,000 tons to 100,000 tons ( From 1900 to more than 3000 passengers)

Each type has its pros and cons. But as a summary we can say that are usually more fun those with a higher tonnage and number of passengers. And best routes / destinations the lowest tonnage enabling them to reach ports inaccessible due to its low draft.

The category of the vessel is divided the same way as the hotels. These range from 3 stars to 6 stars . The quality and price are a function of the same , but you can find cruises of 5 or 6 stars at good prices if you reserve in advance , or choose replacement travel .

5 .- Choose a cabin

My first recommendation would always choose cabins above the waterline of the boat and in the central area because it greatly dampens movement of the ship and barely noticeable oscillation. Other considerations to take into account is the same location of the cabin. So desirable a cabin away from the common areas ( elevators , laundry ...) , access to crew and preferably away from the stern area is where you usually put the ship's engine room .

Basically there are four types of cabins:

• Interiors: cabins in the interior of the ship (no window or porthole ). They are my favorite . Because ultimately , based on my experience most of the time onboard is spent in the common areas, and larger cabins are available at very good prices .

• Foreign: cabins located on the lower decks on both sides of the boat , including a sale or porthole. Keep in mind that some companies offer outside cabins with limited view ( obstructed by lifeboats .)

• With balcony: Located from the main deck . Include a private balcony accessible. While the current supply is growing. From my experience it is only suitable for some types of cruises , especially those with predominant weather (Caribbean , Mediterranean ) .. in most cases not recommend it because if we sail in areas with uncertain weather we will be paying a premium for an item we will not use , plus in some ports will have to fight against mosquitoes or odors.

• Suites: They are the most luxurious boat on the size and services offered. Are limited, and I personally recommend for honeymooners as companies offer special packages and great discounts and extras for these cruisers.

6.- Price

Last but not least we must consider the price of the cruise . You have to know the final price per person / cruise including shipping rates and extras.

In my experience, some advice about hiring a cruiser would be :

" There are great early booking discounts .

" See if there is any extra added: gratuities , 2 × 1 discount on board ..

- Assess the cost of transport to the departure of the cruise.

"If you have the freedom of choice of days to look at the last minute deals 30 days before departure of the ship.

- see what the currency board: dollars , euros , pounds . Because it can affect the final cost of the trip

"Usually I have found better prices by hiring from the Internet. The truth is that 90 % of my cruise I have recruited directly from the Internet, including around the world. This requires working with large operators specializing in the cruise industry that offer great prices yt ll guarantees.

Cheers and happy cruising !