The 6 things you Need to Consider When Planning a Cruise

There are several things to consider when planning a cruise. I have broken it down into the 6 major things to focus on. This is not a complete list, but if you start here, you are well on your way to an amazing vacation!

Let's get started!

Lido Deck

1. Are you going to use a travel professional?

Did you know that all cruise pricing includes the cost of a travel advisor/agent? Whether you use an advisor or not, you are paying for one, it is built into the cost of your trip. Why leave that money on the table? Travel advisors are invaluable when planning your vacation. You are investing hard-earned money to travel, and the ROI are memories and experiences that you will always remember. Nothing puts a damper on a relaxing vacation like extensive research, frustration, information overload, being unsure of your choices, and even worse, getting to your destination for it to not be everything your were hoping/planning for! This is where a travel advisor comes in. We have expertise in these areas and an advisor worth his/her salt will get to know you and help cultivate a vacation that will fit your expectations/wishes to make your vacation unforgettable (in a good way)! Also, we troubleshoot and sit on hold with suppliers so that you don't have to, that alone is worth talking with an advisor!

2. When can you travel?

When planning a cruise, timing is everything! Prices and itineraries vary based on the time of year. For example, cruises tend to be more expensive during the Summer, school breaks/holidays. If your dates are flexible, you can time your cruise to take advantage of (possibly) lower capacity and lower prices! If your dates are not flexible, this will narrow down your options, so knowing when you can go will guide your decision on the ship/itinerary/length of cruise.

3. Budget

Everyone has one! Yours may be HUGE, or it may be very limited, but money is finite. You may not have a clue how much a cruise costs, but you do know what your limit is. Knowing your budget will guide you on cruise line, the ship, the length of the cruise, etc. You need at least a ballpark budget in mind. When thinking about your budget, consider how you will get to the embarkation port, whether or not you will get a hotel before or after your cruise, what type of stateroom you will choose, what excursions you can do. You will need to plan for transportation to and from the port, gratuities (tips for the crew/staff), excursions, spending money, alcohol/soda (if you choose), specialty restaurants if you choose those on the ship.

4. Cruise Line/Ship

This is where the FUN begins! You will choose your cruise line based on what type of vacation you want. Hopefully you are doing this with a travel advisor. Your friend may be an avid cruiser, but their cruise is not your cruise! The cruise line matters and the SHIP MATTERS! You will be spending most of your time on the ship, you will eat, play, sleep, and swim here, make sure you are choosing wisely! Not all cruise lines and ships are made equally!

5. Itinerary

Where do you want to go? Do you want white sandy beaches and crystal waters of the Caribbean? Do you want to see glaciers and other breathtaking scenery in Alaska? What about island hopping in the Greek Isles or relax on the rivers of Europe? Not all cruises go to the Bahamas, there are SO many possibilities, including Antarctica! Let me help you think outside the box!

6. Room Type/Location, Location, Location!

There are several options for stateroom types on cruise ships! Do you like it dark & quiet? Or does morning coffee on your private balcony while staring at the ocean float your boat? Do you get motion sick? This is important, your location matters! Talk with your travel advisor to find out what type of room and the location on the ship is best for you.

I would love to help you plan your next cruise, click the button below to connect with me!

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