New To Cruising? Here's How to Plan a Cruise

Cruise ship sailing is a wonderful adventure that grants access to several places simultaneously. Besides, you have all the basic comforts of accommodation, food, and amusements in one place. However, planning your first cruise is a huge undertaking since it entails making several decisions from destination and cruise line to travel documents and packing the right way. This guide is meant to assist you with the major steps and any other considerations for first-time Cruiser. 

Why Select a Cruise?

A cruise comprises several functional benefits:

• The fare covers accommodation, food, and transport.
• You can choose from one or many different itineraries where no hotel change is necessary.
• The ship offers the same number of activities for both entertaining and relaxing purposes.
• There are big boats and small ones so, one can always find the type of ambiance they like most.
• It’s very flexible as regards the types of travelers: families, couples, friends, or alone.

The best advice for beginners on cruises

• Get there early on the day of boarding so you do not have to wait in line for a long time.
• On the very first day, do a small tour of the ship to find out where everything is.
• Put your most important things (documents, drugs, swimwear) in a bag that you will carry onto the ship.
• Go to the muster drill as it is a necessary precaution against fire and other calamities.
• Look at the daily program that is given to you either at your cabin or through the app.

What to expect before sailing

• The internet might not be so fast, or it might be more expensive; therefore, it is advisable to get the maps and other media ready beforehand.
• The drinks package might end up saving you money depending on how much you drink.
• The elevators are mostly crowded right after the shows, meals and on the embarkation days.
• The room service may have different policies; make sure to find out about the fees beforehand.
• You can get seasickness treatments on the ship, but they will be more expensive than if you buy them before traveling.

Steps to Remember While You Plan a Cruise Holiday

Step 1: When should I leave?

 Research and determine the best time to visit the ports of call in your itinerary before even starting to plan the trip. The weather is the most important factor when choosing a cruise since no one wants to spend his holiday in miserable weather.  So, you should first of all decide about your ideal time and then take your time.

Step 2: Where should I go?

 Location is not a concern as there is a cruise ship always ready for you at your port of call.  You can visit different regions in the world with a cruise all year long.  Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, South America, and the South Pacific are just a few of such places.  Consider the places you wish to visit before you finally book a cruise.  The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia are the top cruise destinations.

Step 3: Set up a budget

Going to a travel agent for reservations and more queries is the last resort after planning a cruise that is financially and economically feasible. Find out how much money you can or need to have with you in the first place. Apply the right method of cost breakdown for the cruise. All the expenditures of the cruise, like the fare, the cost of the flights, transfer between the airport and the port, tips, drinks, activities, the best restaurants, shore excursions, and so on, have to be included in the breakdown of the cost. 

Step 4: Which cruise line did you choose?

The main factors to think about while selecting a cruise line are:

• Predictability
• Service
• Sophistication

This way, you would choose a cruise line that guarantees a great cruise experience at least and that matches your vacation style at the same time. For example, family vacations with children can be spent on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Disney Cruise Line ships.

In contrast, elderly people can go for Crystal or Holland America. Newlyweds may go for Windstar or Paul Gauguin, and adventurers may pick Hurtigruten and Hurtigruten Expeditions. You can also ask your friend or relative who has been on a cruise vacation recently or spend a lot of time doing individual research on the internet.

Step 5: How to Select the Most Appropriate Cruise Ship?

One of the best methods to make a prospective list of a cruise ship is to note down your favored activities along with your preferred destinations. Besides, you can still further limit your options by pointing out the type of cruise, the board activities, and the facilities.

For example, a limited number of passengers and less visited ports will be the main features of a small cruise which will provide the most soothing and close-up experience. It is also important to note that the cruise companies are classified into several categories. While you are making your selection of the cruise, also decide the class of travel that you want. The five classes are – Mainstream, Premium, Luxury, River Cruises, and Expedition.

Step 6: How to get your cruise booked?

On your part, doing some research may mean that you scan the official cruise websites and third-party sellers to find the best prices. If not, the next step would be to recruit a travel agent who is knowledgeable in this regard and presents you with the most attractive cruise offers.

A travel agent holds the key to your getting the best deal on the cruise rather than you buying one on your own. They possess the most detailed knowledge of cruise lines. They can steer you towards the right cabin, shore excursion, and the best in-house entertainment as well. Besides, they will also give you unadvertised discounts and perks which won’t be available to you when you book through websites, such as onboard credit and gratuities.

Step 7: How to choose a cabin?

Selecting a cabin is a completely daunting task in cruise booking, especially for a new cruiser. For instance, a midship location will suit you best if you are not sure if you will get seasick or not. The midship position is the center of gravity point where less movement will be perceived than aft forward or on the upper deck. If you have a very limited budget, you might want to consider inner cabins or insurance. According to the experienced cruisers, the best Pacific resorts are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska with balcony cabins.

Step 8: Make a purchase

A certain value has to be deposited in booking your travel itinerary. Generally, the final payments are due at or before 90 days prior to sailing. And keep in mind to purchase travel insurance once your reservation is confirmed. In case of cancelling the tour, make sure to review the cruise cancellation policy first before buying.

Step 9: Make a pre-and post-trip transportation plan

You may consider the round-trip transportation to the port as the main feature of a cruise, yet taxi option still exists. However, if your mode of transport is a car, train, or even if you just want to visit the port, one must think of the transportation needs in advance and after the trip as well. A guaranteed way to have a delightful period from the embarkation day to the day of your return journey is to travel by train or plane the day before the actual departure. Moreover, it is vital to ensure the coincidence of your check-in and disembarkation times.

Step 10: Organize your information

Document your information by taking the hard copy printout and creating copy sets. The mandatory to carry records will be flight boarding pass, cruise documents, luggage tags, itinerary, passport and visa, vaccination certificate (if needed), medical insurance, medical prescriptions, and ID Proofs.

Step 11: Check the inclusions and exclusions

Checking and comparing the prices according to includes and excludes is a necessity. It is unavoidable when you travel in a group or with children as some cruise lines charge children while others give free passage to younger ones.

Step 12: Prepare for cruise

Start making your own personal list of the to-dos. This action is going to help you to see the things that are necessary to buy and carry along with you for the cruise. According to the professionals, the process of preparing for a trip becomes more pleasant when one writes the activities down. Do not let that last-minute rush get to you; make a short and convenient to-do list well in advance. The items to be included in your to-do list may be packing list, document printouts, informing friends and family members, signing up for international call planning, refilling your medical prescriptions and many others.

Step 14: Pick Shore Excursions and pre-book

The fun beings as soon as you book your cruise, but when you pre-book your shore excursions, the real adventure begins. Although you can book those shore excursions onboard, consider reserving them in advance when booking your cruise cabin. Avoid the aboard reservations because shore excursions sell out faster than other packages like spas and drinks.

Step 13: What to pack?

Packing is the most exciting phase of a cruise, and one that gives you several thrills. You find yourself putting all the useless and unwanted things in your suitcase. Rather than packing everything up, make sure you do it wisely. Find out the weather at the destination and the activities that you will be doing. Try to pack as light as you can because it will not restrict your luggage and you will have enough space for your shopping. Consider also that laundry service might be a good option when you are making the reservation so that the heavy luggage is not an issue for you.

Step 14: Pick Shore Excursions and pre-book

The fun beings as soon as you book your cruise, but when you pre-book your shore excursions, the real adventure begins. Although you can book those shore excursions onboard, consider reserving them in advance when booking your cruise cabin. Avoid the aboard reservations because shore excursions sell out faster than other packages like spas and drinks.

Step 15: Choose onboard Activities

Once things like booking cabins, excursions, and aboard amenities, consider pre-purchase all onboard activities you want to try. The best time to book the activities abroad is after booking your staterooms. You can visit the cruise lines' official websites and download the apps or ask your travel agent about the activities you want to add to your package. Bonus tip: You can even complete your online checking process from that app.

Make the most of the Ship

There is nothing like a right or wrong cruise. With proactive planning, you can always find a better deal and experience the most unforgettable and adventurous vacation. Ensure that you plan a cruise and question yourself, like what type of travel experience you want. And you will get excellent cruise experience because the cruise is waiting for you. You must get out and find it.