Cruising is a vacation experience that is quite different from any other. Booking travel on a cruise ship involves travel to and from the port, confusing prices, and so many options that it can be overwhelming. Here are 6 insider tips that will steer you clear of sinking your vacation before it starts.
1. The price of that advertized cruise might not be what you think it is.
Unless otherwise specified, every cruise price you see on every website is per person and based on two people booking together, which is referred to as double occupancy. So if you see an advertized price of $199 it will automatically be doubled to $398 for you and your travel partner. On top of that, taxes can be hefty on cruises — easily as much as 50% of the cruise fare.
That price of $398 is for the cruise only, unless you see a promotion for an all-inclusive trip or included airfare. When you book a cruise only, it’s up to you to get yourself to the dock. Depending on the embarkation port, you might be able to drive there, but you might need to fly. Your travel agent can arrange a flight for you that will arrive in time for your cruise.
While on your cruise, certain onboard activities might come at an additional cost and extra dining options can be fee-based. Usually shore excursions are paid for completely separately. This is why many return cruisers choose “luxury” cruise lines like Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent. Cruises on those lines cost more upfront but they are often all-inclusive, which means you’re not nickel-and-dimed as you would be on other cruise lines.
2. Consider your budget before all else.
Whether booking online or with a cruise agent, your budget will dictate most of your vacation experience. If booking with an agent, you must be upfront about your budget. We’ve noticed over the years that a lot of people try to hide or downplay their budget, but your agent needs to know how much you can spend so he can find the best options for you. A travel agent isn’t going to judge you for how much you want to spend on a vacation – she just needs to know what she can book for you and what will be out of the question.
In addition, a lot of travelers have an idea of where they want to go, but their budget might dictate another reality. For example, our clients might expect an exceptional rate on the cabins shown in a brochure, which are expensive suites more often than not.
3. Different cruise lines provide different experiences.
If you’ve heard something about cruises or experienced something for yourself, it might be specific to one cruise line.
For example, not all cruises require you to dress up for dinner. Norwegian Cruise Line is all about letting its passengers have the freedom to create their own experience. On the other hand, if you cruise on a luxury line like Seabourn, you will need to adhere to dress guidelines. Carnival is all about affordable fun family vacations, and MSC specializes in Mediterranean cruises with Italian flair.
Booking with a cruise agent will be a tremendous help in this regard, as they are very experienced with each of the cruise lines.
4. Where do you want to go, and what do you want to do?
Destination! Activities! Shore excursions!
Your cruise ship’s destination is the main place to which that the cruise is sailing. Common destinations are Alaska, the Caribbean, or Hawaii. The cruise will stop at multiple ports along the way, where you can partake in a shore excursion. For example, your cruise to Alaska might stop at a port of call where passengers can disembark and take advantage of a dog sledding activity.
Some cruise destinations are more like a series of port stops than a single destination, such as Mediterranean cruises, which might have 4-5 stops along ports in the Mediterranean rather than a single destination and return.
Does your ideal vacation include a tropical climate with swimming and sunbathing, or would you rather see glaciers and do some whale watching? Do you have kids that would like a water park on the ship? Are you more interested in Broadway-style theater? Each cruise line, and even each individual ship, should be considered before you book.
5. Your cabin choice can make or break your trip.
There are two big considerations to make about your cabin on the ship: type of cabin, and cabin location.
Type of cabin
Generally there are four types to choose from: inside, ocean view, balcony, and suite. Inside cabins are located in the interior of the ship without a view to the outside. Ocean view cabins have a window or porthole. Balcony cabins include your own private balcony on the site of the ship, and suites are larger rooms with balconies and extra amenities.
Location of cabin
When you book a cruise you’ll be able to see the location of your cabin on the ship by looking at the deck plan. Check the deck plans above and below your cabin to see if you might be bothered by noise (possibly from a dance club or theater) or busy locations (like stairs or elevators). If you are prone to seasickness, you’ll need to avoid the far ends of the ship and stick to the middle as much as possible. In addition, the back-lower area will be by the engines, which could bring extra noise.
We have an article on how to choose a cruise ship cabin location that goes into more detail.
6. Travel insurance isn’t presented to you as an “up-sell”. It really is a good idea.
What will happen if you book a trip six months in advance, and when the time comes, you can’t go because you’re sick, injured, or have a family emergency? If you don’t have travel insurance you’ll lose all of the money you spent on your vacation.
Travel insurance can cover you if you need to end your trip suddenly or even cancel it altogether. In addition, travel insurance can cover you if you miss a connection or are otherwise delayed. You can also get coverage for accidents and emergency illnesses, as well as coverage in the event of a disaster at your vacation spot.
The cost of travel insurance varies widely depending on how much you want to insure and the service you go through, but it’s always a small fraction of the cost of your trip.
How to Book with CruiseMagic
Option 1: Book Online
At CruiseMagic.com, it’s easy and safe to book your cruise online.
To book a cruise online, use our online cruise booking service. Our help article How To Book A Cruise Online walks you through the process.
Option 2: Book with an Agent
We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service, provided by experienced and friendly cruise agents. Our staff of cruise specialists is expertly trained and all are experienced cruisers. Our expert cruise agents handle all of the work for you, eliminating the stress of trying to book a cruise online yourself.
To book a cruise with one of our agents, call (800) 474-5678. Or, fill out our free quote request form and you’ll be contacted by an agent shortly.
