Important Information to Know when Planning a Cruise

The internet has made the process of planning and booking a cruise easy, but there are still several important things to consider, especially if you are a novice traveler. Some of your concerns will be the size of your ship, the overall cost and length of the cruise - and of course, where in the world you want to cruise to. If this trip will be your first on onboard a cruise ship, it is a good idea to consult with and book your cruise through a travel agent that specializes in cruise bookings.

One of your concerns may be whether a cruise is aimed at families, couples or the elderly. Cruise ships offer activities aimed at all ages; and many people with teenage children claim that cruising is the best family vacation option there is. If you specifically don’t want to be surrounded by children while cruising, there are some cruise ships which are aimed at adults only. If you are looking for a cruise with a theme, singles, cooking or educational, you can find one to suit your interests.

If you have no idea of where to cruise to, the choice can be overwhelming. Cruise ships today call at just about every port in the world, including such exotic locations as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. If you want to see them all, and you can afford it, take a six month world cruise. On the other hand, you can choose from one of several inexpensive and short cruises to the Bahamas. Most cruises are between 7 and 14 days. Caribbean and Alaskan cruises are still popular and offer a huge variety of options and cruising around Europe can mean the sunny Mediterranean or the chilly waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Once you have chosen your cruise ship, the decision of which type of cabin to choose is almost as overwhelming. Some larger ships can have 20 different cabin categories. If the cost of the cabin is your most important concern, you may want to choose an inside cabin because a cabin with a balcony can cost up to twice as much. The cabin size is also going to be an important consideration; a larger cabin or suite will obviously give you more room, although if you are not going to spend much time in the cabin, it may not be worth the extra cost.

The third most important consideration when it comes to choosing your cabin is its location on the ship. You may not want a cabin next to or underneath the night club; and a cabin overlooking the promenade deck will generally have plenty of traffic outside the window. Cabins on the upper decks and at the front of the ship tend to give the feeling of motion more, although you may have a better view. Be wary of cabins that are described as having a limited or obstructed view. If money is your major concern, an inside cabin on the lower deck is generally the cheapest option.

Regardless of the cruise you choose, once you are under way, you will generally have a huge choice of activities to choose from, most of which are included in the price. You probably will not need to take much cash with you as most cruise lines have now gone to a system where any extra charges are applied to your credit card. Tipping policies can vary widely between cruise lines, although many cruise ships have now adopted the practice of charging your account a daily flat rate to cover tips.

Also, if you are visiting ports of call outside the US, you will need a valid passport. Check with your cruise line or travel agent whether you need a visa or any vaccinations. Your credit card may already include adequate travel insurance; otherwise you will need to take some out. If you are flying to the departure port, pack all your essentials in your carryon bag, just in case the airline loses your luggage! Don’t forget medication and prescriptions.

A surprisingly large number of people miss their cruise due to a delayed or missed flight. If you are flying from your home town to the port of departure, consider arriving a day or two before you need to. That way, you are protected in the event of delays. These days, most of the cheaper airline tickets are non-refundable and it can be costly trying to change your air itinerary at short notice. Otherwise, make sure that your travel insurance covers this eventuality.