Cruise travel is still as popular as ever. It is a different kind of adventure which can be very exciting, especially if you’re into unpacking once and seeing the world.
But like every holiday adventure, planning a cruise trip can be overwhelming, especially since there are so many choices to make and many things to put in place.
Whether you’re new to cruise travel or a seasoned traveler with some experience, there are some things you need to know about planning a perfect cruise.
This post explores some of the most important tips to keep in mind to ensure your cruise trip is as memorable as ever.
Consider the Cruise Line Carefully
Your choice of cruise line sets the tone for your entire journey.
More than just a place to sleep as you go from port to port, the onboard experience is a huge part of any cruise adventure.
This is why you have to carefully research different cruise lines to find the most suitable one for you.
While some cruise ships offer traditional experiences with nothing out of the ordinary, others have resort-style ships with all kinds of activities like water slides, go-karting, mini golf, and even arcades or game rooms.
Many modern ships also provide onboard entertainment, such as online casinos.
Some of the platforms even offer no-deposit bonuses and risk-free play, giving guests the opportunity to try testing new games for free without the fear of losing money.
This makes it easier for first-timers to enjoy the casino experience without any pressure.
Some ships are also family-friendly, while others are adults-only. It’s all about your budget and the type of experiences you’re looking to have.
The table below lists some major cruise lines and what to expect from them.
| Activity/Focus | Cruise Ships |
| Adults-only | Viking Cruises or Virgin Voyages. |
| Food and fine-dining | Windstar, Seabourn, Celebrity, Oceania, or Crystal |
| Family-friendly | Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line |
| A small ship experience | Windstar, Crystal, Ponant, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, or Paul Gauguin |
Book Ahead (If Possible)
This one is tricky, especially if you have limited control over your schedule.
However, if you can, it’s best to schedule and book your cruise as early as possible. Booking early gives you a better shot at finding excellent deals.
Some people even book a year or two in advance. You can take your time selecting the perfect sailing dates, the best destination, and even the best cabin options.
Booking early also increases your chances of getting a reservation, especially on smaller ships and specialized cruises that tend to sell out quickly.
Buy Travel Insurance
Preparing for the unexpected is a huge part of planning a cruise trip. One way to ensure this is to get travel insurance.
Several things can happen that’ll make you grateful that you got insurance.
They include:
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellations and interruptions
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Changes in cruise itineraries
- Failure to make it to the ship before it sails
- Not getting back in time during a port stop
These are all unforeseen and typically costly scenarios, but buying travel insurance before you venture out to sea can help you save costs on them.
Some cruise lines offer the option of buying insurance with them, but you can also get one on your own if you want.
Research the Ports
Another huge part of any cruise adventure is the ports you’ll visit.
While you don’t necessarily have to plan a minute-by-minute itinerary for your time on the ground, knowing where you’re going and what to do for fun once you get there makes sense.
Unless you prefer spontaneous adventures, you can either pay for excursions organized by the cruise line or plan your tour.
Book the Best Cabin
The best cruise cabin location depends largely on your preferences and your plan for the trip.
If you’re on a budget and trying to save money, you can simply go for an inner cabin.
Most people spend their time in public spaces anyway, and the cabin is just somewhere you go occasionally to sleep.
But while interior cabins are cheap (and great if you’re prone to seasickness), there are several other factors to consider in booking a cabin.
For instance, a balcony cabin allows you to enjoy some fresh air.
You’ll also get a private viewing space which is great when you’re on a cruise with many things to see.
Pack Right
Packing for a cruise is different from packing for a regular trip. Generally, you want to pack as light as possible, focusing on simple and comfortable outfits such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses since these are all you’ll need for most activities.
However, some cruise ships may also have a dress code for certain activities, such as formal nights.
Pack the essentials you think you might need, such as sunscreen, aspirin, and Band-Aids. They’re likely available on the ship but at a much higher price.
Be aware of banned items such as power strips with surge protectors, kettles, and irons.
Most cruise ships also have limits on how much alcohol you can bring onboard.
Arrive Before the Embarkation Day
Unless you live close to the embarkation port, arriving at least a day before the ship is set to sail is always best.
This is particularly true for people flying in, as you want to avoid any delays or last-minute cancellations that will make you miss embarkation.
The last thing you want is to miss a trip you’ve been planning for months.
Have Plans to Combat Seasickness
This is one of the biggest factors that mess up cruise trips for most people.
While there’s no outright cure for motion sickness, you can plan your itineraries in a way that minimizes the chances of it happening.
One of the best tips is to book a cabin that is on a lower deck or midship, where movement is minimal.
You should also pack remedies like ginger tablets, seasickness patches or bands, and anything else that works for you.
Sign Up for Onboard Activities in Advance
On most cruise lines, you can sign up for tours, shows, fine dining, and other onboard activities even before sailing.
Check the ship itinerary and sign up for specific activities you might be interested in ahead of time.
Most activities get booked up really quickly and you might not get a seat if you don’t book in advance.
Alternatively, you may decide to wait till you’re onboard before you book. Just make sure you do so as quickly as possible so you don’t miss out on anything.
Consider Hiring a Travel Agent
If all of these sound like a lot of work to you, you can simply hire a travel agent to plan your cruise.
It’ll cost a little bit more, but they have better knowledge of how to get great deals, pick the right ships, and plan an enjoyable itinerary.
This is particularly important for first-timers with limited knowledge of how cruising works.
Conclusion
Planning a cruise trip might sound like a lot of work, but by following these tips, you can have a memorable cruise with minimal effort.
So, get planning, and have a wonderful trip ahead.
