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Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Cruise

If you are new to cruising, we outline several cruise tips that we have learned over the years in this Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

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Are you planning your first cruise vacation? If you are new to cruising, we outline several helpful cruise tips that we have learned over the years in this Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Cruise. We wish we knew these cruise hacks before taking our first cruise close to 15 years ago!

Decide on a Budget

The first thing you must determine when planning a cruise is your travel budget. How much are you willing to spend in total for all aspects of your cruise vacation? This includes travel to and from the cruise port, the actual cruise itself, and activities while ashore in ports of call.

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You have probably seen the cruise line advertisements for cruises as low as $49 a day per person. If it seems like it is too good of a deal to be true, then it probably is!

In all honesty, cruising is one of the best vacation values out there. Compared to other forms of travel, your fare does cover quite a bit. You will have access to several dining venues and food options. There will also be a plethora of activities, onboard amenities, entertainment, and fun during your cruise vacation.

However,  not everything is included in the price of a cruise . Some of the extras that you will need to account for in your budget are port taxes and fees as well as gratuities .

If you are new to cruising, you might not realize that other items like WiFi, alcoholic (and some non-alcoholic) beverages , specialty dining, spa services, and shore excursions will all cost extra money.

So, if you plan on enjoying any of these add-ons, be sure to budget accordingly.

Determine a Cruise Destination

With your budget firmly in place, now you can consider where you want to travel during your cruise vacation. With more and more regions of the world now accessible by cruise ship, your options keep growing.

Likely, you will choose to visit one of these top cruise destinations . The Caribbean and Bahamas are the most popular locations. A variety of ships from all the major cruise lines sail in these regions.

Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide - Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

When planning a cruise, you should keep in mind that pricing does vary based on cruise destination and duration.

For instance, a 7-night cruise to Alaska will certainly cost more than a similar trip to the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera . While a 3-day weekend cruise will come in at a cheaper price point than a week-long vacation.

Further, some cruise destinations like much of Europe, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and Alaska are seasonal. This means that cruise ships only visit these locations certain times of the year. So, you will need to plan your vacation time accordingly if you have your heart set on one of these destinations.

With that said, regardless of whether your cruise destination is seasonal or year-round, the price will vary depending on the time of year. The most expensive times will be the summer, school breaks, and holidays.

For seasonal ports, early or late in the season will be the cheapest. For the Caribbean, January and late August through early October tend to be some of the  cheapest times of year to take a cruise to this region.

Pick the Right Cruise Line and Ship

With over 350 ocean cruise ships, there are plenty of choices when planning a cruise.

One of the biggest cruise mistakes you can make is picking the wrong cruise line/ship for your vacation. Each cruise line offers a slightly different style and approach to cruising. While most cruise lines appeal to both  families  and couples, certain travelers do have their preferences.

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Brands like  Carnival Cruise Line ,  Norwegian Cruise Line , and  Royal Caribbean  offer the most diversity for multi-generational groups. These cruise lines all have similar inclusions with some of the best entertainment options and onboard amenities.

While luxury brands like  Viking Cruises  might cost a bit more, but they provide a more all-inclusive cruise experience.

There is truly no single best cruise line.

Truthfully, it all depends on what your travel party wants out of their cruise vacation. Even within brands, there are a variety of ships. Some ships offer the bells and whistles like water slides, ropes courses, laser tag, and Broadway entertainment, but not all ships do.

Keep in mind that the newest and most innovative ships will likely be the most expensive options.

Thus, you need to know what is included in the cruise fare for each cruise line and the onboard offerings on the ships. This is key to help you decide which brand and ship is right for you.

Understand Cruise Pricing

Cruise fares fluctuate considerably depending on a few factors. Pricing can range widely from a few hundred dollars per person to several thousand dollars per person. The cruise line, ship, itinerary, region of the world, and time of year will all weigh heavily on pricing. 

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Generally speaking though, all cruises are priced in the same manner. The advertised price on the cruise line’s website is for the lowest cabin category based on double occupancy.

It is also for the cheapest time of year.

This advertised rate is typically priced per person prior to taxes and fees. These prices may increase based on which week you select for your vacation. They will also increase if you want a better room location or category.

Unless otherwise stated, this base fare does not include any additional “perks” for most major cruise lines. Celebrity Cruises is the exception, as this brand’s new pricing model is “always included”. This means that the base fare for all sailings include a classic beverage package, basic WiFi, and gratuities.

While these perks are not included for most major brands, the cruise lines do often run sales and promotions.

For instance, with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion, you could score 2 to 5 perks for “free” when booking. Even if your receive these perks for free, you will still be responsible for the 20% service charge on drink packages and dining plans.

Other popular promotions include kids sail free, BOGO 50% guests, free room upgrades, and more.

Decide on a Cabin Type

Virtually all cruise ships across all brands offer a wide variety of accommodations. Make sure you understand the inclusions (and size) of the different stateroom categories. This will ensure you pick the right setup for you and your family. 

Along with your typical inside, outside/ocean view, and balcony rooms, there are other classes of staterooms that come with extra privileges. These classes vary by cruise line.

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Some brands like Norwegian Cruise Line offer a “ship within a ship” concept, the Haven, which provides a true VIP experience. Celebrity Cruises offers Aqua Class cabins which include unlimited access to the Thermal Suite and an exclusive restaurant.

Royal Caribbean offers different levels of suites with various perks. Some of these perks include priority check-in, reserved seating in the theater, a dedicated restaurant and lounge, and even your own personal Royal Genie.

Catering to families, Carnival Cruise Line offers Family Harbor staterooms. These rooms include family-friendly perks and even one free evening of babysitting service.

Guaranteed cabins are another option. When booking one of these rooms, you will be locked into a cabin from your selected category. However, you will not receive an exact cabin number/location until your final boarding documents arrive.

While you don’t get to choose your exact room, there are benefits to this stateroom option. It will be the cheapest price for the given cabin category, and there is even the potential for an upgrade .

Learn How to Save Money Planning a Cruise

When planning a cruise, you will certainly want to save as much money as possible. We have already discussed some ways to save money like cruising during “off-peak” times of year, taking advantage of cruise line sales and promotions, and booking a guaranteed cabin.

Still, there are even more ways to maximize your vacation funds.

If you choose to sail from a nearby cruise port, you can alleviate airfare and other travel related expenses. Booking a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas will usually be cheaper than other regions of the world.

The same goes for cruises on older ships that might not have as many amenities.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Further, you can take advantage of your loyal status with a cruise line or reward points from credit cards. Many cruise lines offer special rates and discounts for loyal cruisers.

Many cruise lines also now have their own credit cards.  Royal Caribbean ,  Norwegian Cruise Line , and  Carnival Cruise Line  all offer different programs that let you earn points towards cruise discounts, onboard credit, and even free cruises. 

Understand the Restrictions to Cruising in 2021

If you are new to cruising or even if you have cruised before, you need to be aware that cruising will look quite a bit different, at least initially, when ships start sailing again in 2021.

This will certainly impact planning a cruise.

With the CDC’s framework provided in the Conditional Sail Order , there will be several new measures implemented by the cruise lines to ensure health and safety of guests and crew.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line outlined many of these protocols in its Healthy Sail Panel . MSC Cruises is already sailing in Europe with its own Health and Safety Protocol .

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Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s first ship set sail from Singapore in December .

Many of these measures have already become part of our everyday life since the pandemic, including social distancing and the use of face masks. Yes, you will need to wear a mask on a cruise in 2021.

Cruise ships will be sailing at reduced capacity, and COVID testing will be required at embarkation (and likely disembarkation). Further, alterations will be made to dining, entertainment, and onboard activities.

Additionally, the return to cruising will be gradual with not all ships sailing initially. This means there will be less selection of both ships and homeports. Further, cruise ships will only sail cruises of 7 days or less. These itineraries will likely have an emphasis on private destinations . Even at other ports of call, guests will only be allowed off the ship to participate in cruise line-approved shore excursions.

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If you want the best deal on your cabin, then you need to book early. When planning a cruise, we always recommend booking at least 6 to 12 months out. We tend to book most of our cruise vacations 8+ months or more in advance (timed with sales and promotions).

In general, we have not found the price to get any cheaper over time. On the rare occasion that the price does drop, you can usually get a price adjustment (be sure to read the fine print when booking though).

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Booking early will not only secure a lower price, it will also secure a better cabin. Popular cabin categories and locations do fill up quickly especially on newer ships. Prime cabin locations are mid-ship on higher decks.

If you wait too long to book, cabins in the middle of the ship might be sold out. This will leave aft and forward locations (all the way in the back or the front of the ship), which are not the best for those who are prone to seasickness .

Set Up an Online Account

Once you have your cruise reservation, you should set up an account on the cruise line’s website (if you don’t have one already from booking your cruise). Once you are registered, you can view your reservation and plan numerous different onboard activities.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Here, you will be able to keep an eye out for sales on cruise planner items like drink packages, internet, spa services, or shore excursions. You will also be able to make reservations for specialty dining and entertainment if applicable.

More on this below.

Make Reservations

Modern cruise ships boast Broadway-caliber production shows, one of a kind entertainment offerings, specialty dining restaurants, and a host of additional amenities.

On some of the larger ships (mainly from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line), reservations are required for certain entertainment and onboard activities.

Often times, you can book these reservations pre-cruise. Depending on the cruise line, you can usually make these reservations 90-120 days before your sailing. The popular shows and times do fill-up quickly. So, we highly suggest you reserve these as soon as they become available on your cruise line’s online planner.

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There are some activities that you can only reserve once onboard the ship like laser tag, go karts, escape rooms, etc. So, we recommend booking these early on embarkation day.

The same goes for dining reservations. Prime dining times fill up quickly. Thus, we highly recommend that you book any specialty restaurants (or the main dining room if your ship does not have traditional seating times) before you board the ship.

If your plans change once onboard, most cruise lines let you modify these reservations without penalty.

Book Shore Excursions

Half of the fun of going on a cruise vacation is exploring new destinations. While at your ports of call, you will want to have a plan which may include  booking some shore excursions . These activities can include city tours, adventure experiences, water based fun, beach breaks, food tours, and plenty of other exciting experiences.

Your cruise line will have a list of different activities at each port of call. You can view these shore excursions in your online cruise planner and will be able to purchase them pre-cruise.

In fact, we highly recommend securing all your shore excursions prior to your trip.

There are several other third party operators and local vendors that provide similar, if not better, tour offerings as well. You might get a more personalized and intimate experience and/or a better price by booking outside the cruise line. (Of note, you will temporarily only be allowed to take cruise line-approved shore excursions when cruising resumes.)

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Regardless of with whom you book, you could miss out on some of the fun if you wait too long. These experiences can and do sell out, especially with reduced capacity restrictions.

Purchase Other Add-Ons

Now is the time to book all those extra add-ons that did not come as part of your cruise fare.

Many add-on items like drink packages can be purchased pre-cruise on the cruise line’s website. Using the cruise planner, you can often pre-purchase these items at a reduced cost. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line offers a 10% discount off onboard prices for its  Cheers drink package .

Many cruise lines also run promotions and sales with anywhere from 20-40% off cruise planner items like shore excursions, specialty dinners, WiFi packages , and more.

So, once you have a cruise booked, keep an eye out for these special deals.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Of course, you will want to weigh the pros and cons for purchasing a drink package to determine if one is right for you. If you decide not to book these items pre-cruise, you can still do so once you board the ship (subject to availability).

Plan to Fly a Day Early

Thinking about taking the first flight of the day on the morning of your cruise?

Well, we think you should reconsider.

One of the biggest cruise mistakes you can make is not appropriately arranging transportation to and from the cruise ship. Remember, the ship is going to leave with or without you, so it is up to you to make sure you are onboard before sail away.

One of our recommendations for cruisers who do not live within driving distance of the cruise port has always been to arrive a day early. This will help to alleviate any stress surrounding flight delays, cancellations, missed connecters, etc. This is especially true if you are flying in the winter from locations where snow and ice might impact your travels.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

We always fly a day early and secure a pre-cruise hotel stay. This ensures that we get a good night’s sleep and are well rested for embarkation day. No one wants to start off a cruise vacation feeling tired or jet-lagged.

Lastly, you will also want to arrange transportation from the hotel to the cruise port (or the airport if you are flying the day of the cruise against our advice). Some hotels do offer shuttle service to the cruise terminal; however, we find it to be most convenient to just take an Uber or Lyft to the port.

Pack Appropriately

When packing for a cruise, you will need to consider your cruise destination.

For warm weather destinations , you will want to pack clothing items that are comfortable, lightweight, and multi-purpose. For cooler weather destinations , layers and rain gear are essential! You will want to be prepared for rain and temperature swings on any given day.

Of course, you should also consider how you are going to be spending your days ashore. If you have shore excursions planned, you will want to pack outfits to fit those requirements, especially the proper footwear.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Now more than ever, you will want to avoid getting sick on your vacation . Hence, you can never have enough hand sanitizer.

In 2021, you might also want to pack some disinfectant wipes and/or Lysol disinfectant spray to sanitize your cabin and other high traffic touchpoints.

Besides necessary travel documents, we have accumulated a list of “other” items over the years that we find essential for a cruise to any destination. Some of these  common household items include magnets, an over the door shoe organizer, and Ziploc bags.

While things like weapons and drugs are prohibited on a cruise , travelers might not be aware that other items are also not allowed. For instance, clothes irons and steamers are forbidden on all cruise lines. This is why we always pack plenty of Downy Wrinkle Release.

Additionally, traditional surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships. Though, you can opt for a  cruise-approved one .

Download the Cruise Line App

Cruise lines are shifting to more digital approaches with smartphone apps that can perform various functions to enhance the cruising experience.

Now, most cruise lines offer an onboard app that is complimentary.

You can use this app without purchasing a cruise ship WiFi plan to view daily activities, make reservations, and more. 

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

Newer technologies allow for QR menus, mobile ordering, digital muster drills, and other contactless options.

On some newer ships, guests even have the ability to use their smartphones to enter their cabins and control the temperature and lights in theirs staterooms!

Don’t waste your time or money downloading cruise line apps once at sea. You should do this before embarkation.

Even if you purchase an internet package, connectivity and speeds will vary based on the cruise line, the ship’s infrastructure, the type of plan you purchase, and your geographical location. So, there is no guarantee that you will be able to download these apps using cruise ship WiFi.

Complete Online Check-In

When preparing for your cruise, you must remember to do the online check-in at home. It takes a few minutes and is simple to complete.

For the most part, you can fill out this required paperwork up to three days before embarkation. This process usually requires some basic information about your travel party, as well as setup of an account for onboard spending.

The check-in process will assign you a boarding time to help ease the flow of passengers getting on the ship. This is even more crucial now in the COVID-19 cruising era to allow for social distancing in the cruise terminal. Thus, you should complete this check-in sooner rather than later.

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By completing the online check-in and downloading the cruise line’s app prior to embarkation, you will avoid unnecessary obstacles that could occur if you show up to the port without completing this process.

Be Sure to Take Travel Docs and Passports to the Cruise Terminal

While we have always arrived to the cruise terminal early in the past, guests will now need to follow check-in instructions and assigned boarding times to ensure social distancing.

Also, be sure to take all necessary travel documentation and  your passport with you to the cruise terminal. This information should be readily accessible in a carry-on bag.

Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

We always recommend having a passport for your cruise. Although, one is not required for U.S. citizens who sail on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port).

Technically, U.S. citizens can cruise to Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and Hawaii without a passport.

However, just because you do not need a passport to go on the cruise, it doesn’t mean that you might not need one to enter one or more of the ports of call during your trip. Further, if you miss the ship in a port of call or need to unexpectedly leave the ship, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air.

Pack Essentials in a Carry-On fo

Cruisers should be aware that luggage will not arrive to their staterooms until later in the afternoon on embarkation day. This means that you should pack all your essential items in a carry-on, so you will have immediate access to them.

This includes travel docs, smartphones, credit cards, cash, and any other valuables. You should also pack all medications, suntan lotion, and bathing suits in your carry-on bag.

Pool Deck of Norwegian Encore

In the event of lost or delayed luggage, many cruisers also recommend packing a change of clothes and any essential toiletries in your cruise carry-on.

Most cruise lines allow passengers to take two 750 ml bottles of wine per stateroom onboard the ship. If you plan on taking these items with you, they should also be packed in a carry-on bag. You should not stow these items in the luggage that you leave with the pier-side porter. This could result in your bags being flagged by security.

Planning a Cruise: Embarkation Day

Embarkation day is always the best day of a cruise! Though, it can also be a bit stressful for first time cruisers.

Once cruising resumes, it will be more important than ever to follow the instructions from the cruise line regarding boarding procedures to ensure a smooth embarkation process.

Once onboard the ship, there are a few things that you should complete . Since your room won’t be ready for a few hours, use this time to tie up loose ends like making any remaining reservations and signing your children up for the kids club.

We also recommend taking some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship and where popular amenities and venues are located.

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Another one of the first things cruisers should do on embarkation day is to place their cell phones in airplane mode . Once your cruise ship sails away from the port, you will begin to incur a barrage of roaming fees for data usage even if you aren’t actively using your phone.

Remember, you can still use the cruise line’s app and the ship’s WiFi while you are in airplane mode.

Lastly, you will want to ensure that you attend Muster Drill. Muster Drill is a mandatory maritime safety exercise conducted by all cruise lines usually prior to leaving the homeport. During this drill, safety information is provided to all guests in the event of an emergency. This includes the proper way to don a lifejacket, escape routes, and lifeboat locations.

Muster drills will likely shift to digital drills in 2021 to reduce crowding in light of the current pandemic.

Don’t Book an Early Flight Home on Disembarkation Day

No one likes when a cruise is about to end. The dreaded last morning of your cruise is probably the worst day of your vacation, but unfortunately, you will need to leave the ship at some point. 

To ensure a  stress free disembarkation , be sure to settle your account before you attempt to leave the ship. We also recommend completing self-checkout if you are able to manage your own luggage off the ship.

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Further, if you are flying home, make sure you don’t book a flight that is too early.

When you are allowed to disembark the ship at the end of your cruise varies by the cruise line. It can also be impacted by weather, ship technical difficulties, receiving clearance from port customs, and a plethora of other reasons.

Given the CDC’s requirements, COVID testing at disembarkation will likely also impact this time table.

The cruise lines recommend that passengers avoid booking any flight before noon time. While we have booked earlier flights on some occasions, we generally agree. We would much rather be too early sitting in an airport than having the headache of rescheduling missed flights.

Do you have any tips to add to this Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Cruise? What do you wish you knew before taking your first cruise? Drop us an anchor below to help fellow cruisers plan their perfect cruise vacations.

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Beginner's Guide to Planning a Cruise

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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How To Plan A Cruise For The First Time

First-time cruiser how to book a cruise vacation like a pro.

By Chantae Reden | Published on June 5, 2023

Longtime cruisers know how exciting and yet relaxing a cruise can be. World-class entertainment, scrumptious dining options and adventure activities are just steps away from your stateroom. Out at sea, the stars are brighter than they are on land, and when you open your eyes in the morning, you're often in a new destination. If you're dreaming of a trip that's bound to be memorable, here's how to plan a cruise for the first time.

Bahamas Port, Nassau, Bahamas

How To Choose The Right Cruise For First-Time Cruisers

With hundreds of ports of call around the world spanning from the Caribbean to Europe to the South Pacific and beyond, the options of where to go for your first-time cruise are nearly limitless. If you're not sure where to begin, one of the best first-time cruise tips is to look at how much time you have to travel. If you're searching for a quick getaway, a short cruise to Mexico , the Caribbean  or Catalina Island  might be within reach. Or, if longer escapes are more your style, embark on a seven-night (or longer) cruise to Europe , Asia , the South Pacific  and beyond. There is bound to be a cruise that fits your dream destination and ideal length of time.

Hidden Coves, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Choose Your Own Adventure

Once you book your cruise, select the shore excursions  you'll want to do during your trip. These range from shopping trips, walking tours, cooking classes, cultural performances, zip lines, ATV rides, scuba diving and snorkeling trips and countless other activities. Your shore excursions will help you decide what to pack on your trip, so it's wise to think about them before you set sail.

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What To Expect On Your First Cruise

Your cruise will depart from a port where you'll check in and board the ship. As far as cruise tips for first-timers go, it's always recommended to give yourself as much time in a destination as possible. It's worth arriving a night or two before your cruise departs so you have time to enjoy the activities and scenery that the port city has to offer. It's like a mini vacation before a vacation! Before my cruise from Miami, my friend and I went to museums, buzzed though Everglades National Park and enjoyed the thrum of the city's nightlife.

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy, Flamingo

Once it's time to board your cruise, you'll check in with your luggage, which will be taken to your stateroom. This is a great time to explore the ship and discover your soon-to-be favorite lounge spots, the dining areas, the entertainment rooms, spa, shops and more. For a laid-back start, pack a bathing suit and change of clothes in your carry-on bag to enjoy the sunshine from the get-go.

Cruise days are spent either at sea or at a port of call. While the ship is at sea, take advantage of all the activities, entertainment areas, dining venues, spa treatments and more, or spend the day in the shade with a drink in one hand and a book in the other. Once the ship arrives at port, you'll venture out on any shore excursions you have planned or venture around the destination on your own.

Bahama Mama Rum Cocktail on a Beach

First-Time Cruiser Packing Tips

Packing Souvenirs from your Cruise Travels

When you're packing for your cruise, consider the destination you'll be traveling to and the weather it'll likely have that time of year. Lightweight, airy fabrics that easily layer are ideal for cruises to the Caribbean, while jeans, a blouse and a jacket might be more suitable for an autumn cruise to Europe. No matter where you're going — or how long you're going for — grab pieces of clothing that are comfortable, versatile and are easy to mix and match. Many itineraries have a formal night onboard, and it's a fun experience to go all out if you wish.

Multifunctional pieces are wise to bring along on a cruise no matter the destination. A sarong can act as a scarf in chilly weather, a lounge towel on the beach and a cover-up for a night on the town. Sporty sandals with tread will carry you from the pool deck to jungle trails. Meanwhile, a button-up is great for protecting your skin against sunshine and wind and can be dressed up or down. If you're planning plenty of adventure excursions, pack plenty of athletic attire. If you'll mostly be exploring city streets, embrace a stylish yet comfortable ensemble. The great thing about a cruise is you only have to unpack once, no matter how many ports of call  you visit.

First-Time Cruise Checklist

Your first-time cruise checklist should include; identification documents, your wallet, toiletries, medications, sightseeing clothes, swimming attire, a formal outfit, socks and undergarments, sun protection, a camera, binoculars (for wildlife watching), a dry bag, sandals, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses and a hat.

Get To Know The Ship

The ship will be your home away from home while you're on your cruise. Ships such as Royal Caribbean's fleet of Oasis Class ships have multiple world-class dining venues, thrill-seeking rides, theaters, lounge spaces, pools and entertainment areas onboard. One way to take advantage of the ship's exciting features is to learn about each ship before your trip online on the Cruise Ship Hub . Here, you'll find an overview of the ship's highlights, deck plans, things to do, room options and trip details. Don't be surprised if you find yourself choosing a ship and then the destination you'll cruise to based on upcoming itineraries. A cruise is an experience unlike any other.

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Written By CHANTAE REDEN

Chantae Reden is an adventure writer and photographer who rarely strays far from the coastline. She is a freediver, surfer, scuba diver, and has a mild obsession with sharks. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Escape, ScubaDiving.com and she's a guidebook author for Moon Travel Guides. Discover more of her stories on her travel website, TheSaltSirens.com. 

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How to Plan a Cruise

Last updated: October 18th, 2023

planning in cruise ship

  • Find a Cruise

Planning a cruise is almost as fun as going on the actual trip. In the months leading up to your vacation, you get to research all the different destinations you’d like to visit, look at different stateroom options, and even start booking the onshore excursions you’ll experience.

Even if you’re a first-time cruiser and don’t know where to begin, planning a cruise is pretty easy. Discover how to plan a cruise with this step-by-step guide.

Choose a Destination

Couple walking up the stairs in Mediterranean

The first thing you should do when figuring out how to plan a cruise is to choose the type of destination you’d like to visit.

Do you prefer lounging on the tropical beaches of the Caribbean or strolling through the cobblestoned towns of the Mediterranean? Are you looking for outdoor adventures in the rugged terrain of Alaska or do you prefer navigating the bustling cities of Southeast Asia? It is also important to know the best time to go on a cruise to your chosen destination.

The great part about cruising is that there are destinations for every kind of vacation experience. Not only that, but you can visit multiple destinations all in one trip.

Pick Your Departure Port

Beautiful white sand beach of Fort Lauderdale

Once you’ve chosen the destination you want to cruise to, you’ll now choose your departure port. If you want to sail from a specific port (maybe one that is closer to home or more affordable to fly into), find out what departure ports are available for the destination you chose.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

Decide On Your Itinerary

how to plan a cruise - choose an itinerary

Once the destination and departure port is set, you can start planning your cruise itinerary. First, decide on the length of your trip. Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of itineraries, from 3-day cruises to the Bahamas to transatlantic and transpacific crossing that can last up to 19 nights.

When it comes to choosing an itinerary, you’ll also want to figure out what is most important to you during your cruise. Are cruises with overnight stays appealing? Do you prefer fewer or more days at sea? Are you looking to go on a round-trip journey?

Once you figure out the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the itinerary that works best for you.

Choose Your Stateroom

With the destination and itinerary chosen, now it’s time to make one more big decision: what kind of stateroom you’ll want to stay in. You will also choose between port vs starboard when booking your stateroom. On Celebrity Cruises, you’ll find a variety of staterooms to suit every kind of traveler’s needs and wants.

Oceanview Stateroom on Celebrity

If you’re looking for savings, you might want to book one of our well-appointed interior staterooms. If you prefer to have a little bit of natural sunlight in the morning, then an oceanview stateroom may be the way to go.

If you book a veranda stateroom, you’ll have your own private outdoor space to watch the ocean go by. You’ll often hear from seasoned cruisers that once you stay in a veranda, it’s hard not to cruise with your own private balcony again.

For the ultimate luxury, book The Retreat , our new vacation experience, which offers cruisers stunning suite accommodations, private restaurants and lounge areas, and exclusive services and amenities such as a dedicated Retreat team.

Read post: How to Choose the Best Stateroom on Your Cruise

Book Your Airfare

Airplane in the sky

If you don’t live within driving distance of your departure port, you’ll need to book flights, too.

With Flights by Celebrity, you can book your cruise and airfare all in the same place. We’ll make sure to find a competitive price for your airfare thanks to Flights by Celebrity’s Lowest Airfare Guarantee.

You can also browse flights by any specific airline you prefer to fly on and accrue loyalty points on your preferred mileage rewards program.

Flights by Celebrity has a team of dedicated specialists available 24 hours a day to get you to your cruise ship on time in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Book Your Shore Excursions

Now that all of your travel reservations have been handled, it’s time for the extra fun part: choosing your shore excursions .

Family hanging out on a boat

From lazy days at beach resorts to adventurous hikes and active watersports, there’s no shortage of fun activities to sign up for during your cruise vacation.

Look up your cruise itinerary online and start researching all of the exciting shore excursions available at each port. You can look for specific family-friendly activities, cultural outings, sporty excursions, and all-encompassing destination tours.

Once you’ve picked the shore excursions you like, reserve your spot. Popular excursions, like whale-watching tours in Alaska and gondola rides in Venice, can fill up quickly and may be sold out by the time you board the ship.

Read: How We’re Keeping You Healthy at Sea

Book Specialty Restaurant Reservations

Couple ordering at a restaurant

Aside from booking your shore excursions early, you can also reserve dinner at any of our specialty restaurants before your cruise. From fresh seafood at Raw on 5 to the awe-inspiring dining experience at Le Petit Chef, specialty restaurants can fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve your spot early.

Choose Your Beverage Package

If you plan on enjoying a glass of wine with lunch or sunset cocktails while on board, it’s worth looking into our beverage packages and deciding if one of them is right for you. Our drink packages are unlimited, available at the main restaurant, specialty restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and all bars and lounges.

How to plan a cruise - beverage package at Sunset Bar

If you’re planning on having at least one drink per day during dinner or by the pool, an alcoholic beverage package is a great way to save.

With the Classic Beverage Package, choose from a variety of spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass. With the Premium Beverage Package, you’ll have unlimited access to higher-end liquors and wine, plus a variety of craft beers.

For the non-drinkers, the Zero Proof Drink Package offers unlimited bottled water, specialty coffees, coconut water, smoothies, and juices.

Read: What Is Included on a Cruise?

Work with a Travel Agent

Couple discussing itinerary with travel agent

If you want assistance in planning your cruise, contact your favorite travel agent or call one of our vacation specialists and leave the details in their hands. These travel experts can help you choose between destinations, ships, and itineraries so you’ll have the best vacation experience imaginable.

Start Planning Your Cruise Now!

Now that you know how to plan a cruise, are you ready to make your dream vacation a reality? Browse cruises online or contact your local travel agent and book your cruise, airfare, and excursions all in one place.

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Planning Your First Cruise: The Ultimate Tips Guide

The first time that my family went on a cruise we were so excited, but there are so many things I wish I’d known before we went! A guide or a few tips could have really helped with planning.

I brought way too many things and didn’t wear half of what was packed in that huge suitcase (especially shoes)! The cruise was still amazing and one of our fondest memories, but I changed things up and streamlined my preparations on each subsequent cruise experience.

So, are you ready for an unforgettable cruise vacation? Make your bon voyage dreams a reality with the perfect getaway by researching and being ahead of the game!

You may have a lot of questions regarding your first cruise, and it can be challenging to know what’s in store – especially if this is the first time you’ve experienced this type of vacation. We’ve got you covered!

planning tips for your first cruise ship experience

  • First Cruise Planning Tips:

Our Travel Makes Me Happy team created this guide to help you plan your first cruise vacation! We’ll walk you through the whole process, from researching different cruise lines, what you should pack (and leave at home), and fun things you can experience during your trip.

Table of contents

Cruise pre-planning, decide on a destination and port to embark on your cruise voyage, tips to pick a cruise line and ship, what size stateroom should you choose, balcony staterooms, interior staterooms, ocean view staterooms, suites and other staterooms, know what’s included in your fare, here are some of our top pics for cruise deals from our partners:, early dining vs. late dining on your cruise, muster safety drill, cabin unpacking tip, excursions through the cruise line, get back to the ship before “all aboard” time, medications, portable back up battery charge and data, magnetic hooks, formal attire, lightweight sweater, passport or birth certificate, embarkation day, after boarding your cruise, navigating the ship, scheduling your time onboard, see a musical or comedy show, mini golf and sports deck, skyride, north star, roller coasters, bumper cars, surfing, rock climbing, cruise spa access, tipping extra for great service onboard, debarkation day, final thoughts on first-time cruise planning guide and tips, keep reading for more great travel articles.

The best advice I can give anyone taking their first cruise is to research, plan, and pack accordingly. The better you can plan, the better off you will be!

You don’t want to have any last-minute vacation anxiety or inconveniences because you forgot something important. It’s best to learn the process particular to the cruise line that you choose so that there are no surprises.

planning in cruise ship

For finding the best flights using Skyscanner’s flight search tool will let you compare. They show flight prices of many travel websites so you can choose the cheapest and best one.

first cruise ultimate trip tips and guide

Deciding on your destination whether your ideal cruise is fun in the Caribbean sun, a grand European itinerary, or a multi-country River Cruise is an important step in planning.

It may be that you go with an itinerary available from ships in your nearest home port. For us, it is the Port of New Orleans so we often cruise on one of the lines that leave from there and decide on the destination based on what is offered at our home port.

You may also use budget considerations or time off allowances to guide your cruise choice.

The great thing about cruising from a port close to home is that you dont have the added expense of flights and extended days off from work.

We still usually stay in a hotel the night before close to the cruise terminal just to make it easier to get there on the morning of the cruise.

Check out the itineraries on Celebrity Cruises ! They have great Alaska and Caribbean cruise options!

Before booking your voyage, it’s important to research the different cruise lines and ships available. Read past passenger reviews, look at ships’ photos, and compare prices. This will help you find the best cruise line and ship for your budget and needs.

Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean offer the most varied experiences, especially for multi-generational families. If you are looking for an adult-oriented feel, Virgin offers some great itineraries with many leaving out of Florida ports.

Disney is also a great cruise line for families, but their unique experiences sometimes come with a price tag to match. For river cruises, Viking is top notch in the cruise experience.

Tip: We love decorating our cabin door with colorful magnets to help us find it quickly and feel festive!

planning in cruise ship

Decide on a Stateroom to Book

Cruise ships come in different sizes and offer a variety of stateroom types and sizes.

You can choose the accommodation that best suits your needs, from rooms with balconies to interior staterooms.

Some regular staterooms also sleep up to 5 people (it varies by line), but that would be really tight for adults (in our opinion). You may not be in the room except for sleeping, but trying to get ready in the tiny cruise ship bathrooms would be a nightmare for us.

Most staterooms are smaller than a hotel room and the bathrooms are tiny. They do offer great storage space in most of them with closets, shelves, and drawers.

If you want more privacy or to spend time outside, then balcony rooms are ideal. A balcony also gives you a more private way to enjoy the view without having to go up to the public area decks.

When we took an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin made such a difference in how much we enjoyed the cruise! It is really nice to sit out on your balcony and have coffee each morning or relax at night and watch the stars.

Interior staterooms offer great value for couples or families who wish to keep their budget to a minimum. Keep in mind that they don’t have windows, so it can get dark and feel claustrophobic.

The upside is that if you like it really dark to sleep an interior room is great. When we cruised with our kids we would get a balcony cabin and we’d get the kids an interior room across the hall and it was a great way to save money for us.

Some cruise ships even have virtual windows or portholes to make it less claustrophobic and give the illusion of a window.

Ocean View Staterooms are usually a little less expensive than balcony rooms, but if the price difference is not that great I’d choose a balcony every time.

Ocean View rooms offer a window so that you can see the ocean and get some light in the room.

Suites are a luxe option if your budget allows. They offer larger bathrooms and balconies usually.

The rooms also have larger seating areas and some really posh ones have amazing amenities and come with a butler to cater to your every need.

Spa Staterooms are another option on some ships and offer daily entry into the spa to enjoy the thermal pool, saunas, and other offerings (it will vary by ship).

Spa treatments are extra, of course.

We loved the spa balcony that we had on the NCL Breakaway and started each day with a dip in the thermal pool and visit to the salt therapy room.

cruise ship balcony cabin view harmony tcl

When you book a cruise, most of your meals and entertainment are usually included in the fare.

A few exceptions include shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and upgrades.

When planning your trip, research what will be included in your fare and budget accordingly.

Some cruise lines such as Viking offer a more inclusive experience with excursions and other things included in the basic fare. Virgin also does this to an extent.

It’s best to research exactly what is included in what you are paying because you don’t want to be hit with a huge alcohol bill at the end of the cruise.

In addition to the fare you will be charged a daily gratuities amount (it varies by line).

Find the Best Deal for Your Cruise

Do some research to find the best cruise deals.

planning in cruise ship

We also have a Free Easy Travel Budget Calculator to help you find out how much you’ll need for your trip!

planning in cruise ship

Also, don’t forget good travel insurance to protect your cruise investment! Don’t cruise without coverage – get the best travel insurance with Travelex!

We are usually early diners so choose the earliest time for the main dining room.

This leaves enough time for shows or activities after dinner for us.

The main shows usually have multiple showings to accomodate early and late diners so it just depends on if you like to eat earlier or not.

If eating in the main dining room (or multiple main dining rooms on some ships) you are assigned the same table number and service crew for each night of the cruise.

“Your time” dining is also an option on most ships so you can eat whenever you are ready instead of rushing to make your set time.

Make sure to check out all of the dining options for the ship that you choose.

On embarkation day (the day you board the ship) there will be a Mandatory safety drill that you and your group will have to attend.

Your muster station is usuallly listed on your sail card and you must check in to your station number area for the safety briefing.

This is to inform you of safety procedures and location of life vests/boats in case of emergency.

** UPDATE ** We just got back from a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise and they had us check in at the station and then “self-muster” in the room with a video so other lines may have moved to this or will soon.

It’s a great idea to unpack and organize on the first day of the cruise after dinner when the luggage has arrived.

Staterooms usually have many options for storage so that you can unpack and organize everything.

You can then place the empty suitcase under the bed or in the closet so that it doesn’t take up floor space.

This will help you be able to find the things that you need without having to go through the suitcases and make the most of the small stateroom space.

If you need some great tags for your cruise, Amazon has these great clear cruise luggage tag holders that work great!

planning in cruise ship

Tips to Book an Amazing Cruise Excursion on Your First Cruise

Look into what is available in each port of call and ensure that it fits within your time frame and activity level.

If there is something special you want to do, make sure to plan for that in advance.

We usually book our excursions well in advance of the cruise, but I know some people like to wait until they are on the ship to book. One drawback of this strategy is that the excursion you really want may be sold out if you wait until you are on the cruise.

Most cruise lines offer shore excursions at each port. These are usually organized activities or tours you can join and explore the local area with other passengers. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and experience something in the company of fellow cruisers.

The great part about booking and excursion with the ship (not an outside company) is that the ship will not leave you at port if the tour is running late. There are also tour organizers outside of the cruise line that you can book, but make sure the timing works out and read reviews before you book.

If you book your excursion through the cruise line they will deliver an envelope to your stateroom with the tickets or information about what time and where to meet on the day of the excursion.

Many cruise lines also let you off of the ship first if you have an early excursion booked through them so make sure to check.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the travel time to and from the excursion too and if it involves a boat ride or long bus ride to get there.

We took an excursion in Cozumel one time that had a half hour ferry ride in rough waters each way that kind of took away from the dream experience I had imagined (I should have been more prepared).

planning in cruise ship

Don’t be a “pier runner”! On almost every cruise we sit on our balcony (if we have one) and watch pier runners feverishly running to try and get back on the ship after or close to “all aboard” time. Some don’t make it.

It happens easily when people are having too much fun at the port bars and lose track of time.

Each evening on a cruise you are usually given a daily calendar of what is going on the next day on the ship. On port days you will be given a guide of the port and what time to be back on the ship.

There will also be announcements over the speaker the morning of the port call so make sure to pay attention to the time you need to be back on the ship because they will leave if you are not back before “all aboard” time (and people will be laughing and cheering you on from their balconies).

**Important Customer Service Tip**

A reader recently alerted us to the fact that if there is an issue with your cruise account or other customer service issue and it is not resolved before leaving the ship it may be difficult to get a quick solution.

She sailed Carnival and was told that there is only email customer service after the cruise as they have done away with the phone c.s. line and her response time was 45 days.

So, if there is any issue it is best to wait at guest services and get it resolved before the cruise is over .

Things to Pack for a Cruise

If you’re going somewhere with warm weather, pack apparel that feels comfortable and is lightweight as well as multi-functional.

For colder climates, bring layers along with rain gear (if there’s space). It’s sensible to be prepared for changes in temperature or an unexpected shower.

You do not need to pack a beach towel as most cruise lines provide beach towels that can be checked out or are in your stateroom for use on port days.

A lightweight backpack or tote for transporting towels and beachwear for excursions is also great. The soft backpack ones with the strings work really well.

Below is a nice and inexpensive option from Amazon and the best part is that it is easy to pack to bring with you!

planning in cruise ship

There are certain items that you will want to make sure you bring with you on your cruise, such as:

  • Sunscreen and bug wipes
  • Swimming gear
  • Comfortable shoes for walking around the ship
  • Sunglasses/hat or both
  • Cash for ports. Most cruise lines are cashless, but you will probably need cash for some ports, tipping, etc.
  • Outfit for elegant or formal night (or nights) if you choose (it depends on the cruise line), outfits for themed parties like the NCL infamous “glow party”, Carnival Mardi Gras’ 80’s party and of course their “Mardi Gras” party, and other lines have their own version so make sure to read up on it before you cruise.

The Walking Company

I recommend bringing basic items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

Cruiselines do have dispensers usually of shampoo/conditioner/body wash, but if you are particular to your favorite bring it if space allows.

It is usually kind of expensive if you have to buy any essentials on the ship so having your own saves money.

Staterooms also usually provide decent hairdryers too so you can save space and leave yours at home.

Remember your medication if you need it at sea! Take a small first-aid kit containing essential medicines such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, Benedryl (for those with allergies), and motion sickness medication. If you have to purchase these in the ship gift shop they are usually more expensive.

Combat motion sickness with Sea Bands or motion sickness patches if you are prone to motion sickness to help you feel your best while traveling. However, if you do get seasick guest services will usually have packets of seasick medication that you can get for free or 1-3$.

Being well stocked with basic medications before setting out on your journey will help to guarantee that you have an enjoyable time away from home!

If you’re out at sea, I strongly suggest turning your mobile phone on airplane mode to avoid exorbitant roaming fees.

You’ll likely take many pictures or videos while sailing so the battery will drain very quickly. It’s a good idea to take a portable back up battery charger that will recharge your phone should it go dead with all of the amazing pictures you will be taking!

Make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense due to data charges by activating the airplane mode feature!

You can stay on airplane mode even while on the Ship’s wifi package . Check with your cellular provider to see if they have a cruise package plan or if your plan includes the ports that you will be traveling to.

On a cruise ship, visitors must be conscious of utilizing their space wisely. You want to keep the room in your cabin–most cabins are only 160 square feet!

The metal walls and doors make magnetic hooks a great way to help organize. They provide an efficient way to use your limited area while ensuring everything is easily accessible.

You can also bring magnetic signs to put on the outside of your door. That will make it easy to spot when you are heading back to the cabin at the end of the day.

For most cruises, packing an outfit for the formal or dressy evening is a must-do!

Make sure to pick one that’s elegant yet comfortable. Some itineraries have more than one formal night. So be sure to check with your chosen cruise line/ship and see which nights are “formal”.

Participating in formal nights is not mandatory. It is totally up to you how dressed up or down you get. There are also other restaurants like the buffet that you can visit on that evening if you don’t want to get dressed up.

After cruising for many years we’ve realized that it is not as formal (at least on US sailings) as it was in the past.

Some people still go all out on the formal wear and that’s great.

However, with packing light sometimes I just pack dressy pants and a blouse that can mix and match and my husband will wear a nice button down Hawaiian-style shirt with dressier slacks.

A vacation in the Caribbean might not require much besides your swimsuit, but you may need something cozy and lightweight for warmth during those breezy nights onboard.

Restaurants and cruise ship casinos can quickly become chilly spots. So be sure to tuck away a sweater or pashmina just in case! We usually wear a sweater or light jacket in the auditorium for evening shows because it gets chilly.

Don’t forget your passport (or birth certificate if using that instead)! In an unexpected emergency, you must have a valid passport to board any flight back home from another country.

It’s wise to spare the time and expense for a passport, even if you plan on only taking closed-loop cruises. The sense of security it will provide is worth its weight in gold.

We usually take a photo of our passport so that we have it on port days, but do not take it with us on excursions.

You really only need your ship sign and sail card to get on and off the ship at port.

I know some people insist on having their passport with them at all times, but we just wouldn’t want to lose it.

Most cruise lines will give you a time to show up at the port or you schedule your selected time.

When you arrive you can hand off your larger bags to luggage assistants.

They will make sure your bags are properly tagged (with the printed tags provided at online check-in) and take them away until they show up at your stateroom later in the day.

We usually keep an extra set of clothes in our carry-on bag or tote in case the luggage is late showing up and it is time to go to dinner.

You’ll then line up to go into the port and go through security where they check your passport/birth certificate and boarding paperwork. You then go through the bag check which is similar to airports. Make sure not to bring any prohibited items (check your cruise line website).

M ost cruise lines allow 1 bottle of wine per adult and we usually take advantage of this for having a bottle in the room to sit on the balcony in the evenings with.

Once you are through security, you will be guided to the cruise check-in area and this is where your onboard account is set up, passports/birth certificates checked again, and cruise paperwork.

You are then given a sign and sail card (or it may be called different things on other lines). This card is how you scan into and off of the ship.

NOTE: Sometimes we have received our cards at the stateroom instead of at check-in.

After you have your cards in hand you are given a boarding group and wait until it is called to board the ship. Then the fun begins!

fun towel animals on first time cruise

Once you are on the ship many people head to the buffet. We like to see what other eating options are open on embarkation day (it varies by ship) and usually choose another option that is less crowded. Either way, you will not be disappointed because there is a variety of food available.

It is also a great time to wander around and get the feel of the layout of the ship and all that is offered.

Your luggage will show up later in the day (usually before dinner) and the staterooms will be ready at a time designated by the particular ship you are on.

There is a mandatory Muster Drill (mentioned earlier) that you will need to attend (you are given a station area) and check in for before everything else opens and the cruise gets in full-swing.

I t’s a good idea to learn the navigation terms for the sections of the ship such as:

  • Forward: The front side onboard interior of the ship
  • Aft: The onboard rear side of the ship
  • Port side: The left side of the ship if you are facing forward (towards the front of the ship).
  • Starboard: The right side of the ship when facing forward

To get the most out of your time onboard, it’s important to schedule some activity for each day of your trip—you don’t want to miss out on anything!

We love to look at the next day’s newsletter schedule after returning to the stateroom each night to see what we are interested in doing the next day.

Cruise ships offer various activities for guests, including spa treatments, fitness classes, dance classes, games, entertainment options, and more.

On larger cruise ships that offer many different shows or activities you have to book a reservation in advance.

Check your online cruise planner for your ship to make sure you don’t need to book a reservation in advance.

We were surprised the first time we sailed on RCL Harmony of the Seas that we had to book everything in advance! The ice skating show was amazing (below pic) and I’m glad we made a reservation.

Broadway quality shows are fun on cruise ships

Things to do on a Cruise

While you’re hanging out on the ship for several days, you may be wondering what’s in store for you and what your entertainment options are.

Here are some unique things you can do on many of the popular cruise lines!

Take in a night at the theater, entirely free of charge! On select Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you can enjoy iconic musicals like Grease, Mamma Mia, or Jersey Boys.

We love the Broadway-caliber shows on so many of the ships we’ve been on. Get ready to experience the world’s best theaters without leaving the ocean’s waves!

The comedy shows are also a favorite with our crew!

surf rider machines are fun activitires on cruise ships

Mini-golf is a fun activity for families and couples aboard cruise ships, so it’s no surprise that you can find courses on Carnival cruises, Royal Caribbean vessels, Norwegian Breakaway, and some of their Breakaway Plus class ships as well as Disney Cruise Line’s Dream and Fantasy!

A first-time cruise can have so many adventurous activities all on the ship! SkyRide® (Carnival Vista class ships) is like pedaling a bicycle.

You’ll never forget it. But unlike biking, how often can you ride around the ship while suspended in mid-air above the vessel and gazing at the azure ocean below? SkyRide offers an experience that’s totally out of this world!

The Larger Carnival ships like Mardi Gras even offers a roller coaster at sea! Some of Disney’s ships also have a coaster.

We loved the RCL Harmony of the Seas giant slides and amusement park area! There was so much to do that we didn’t get to it all.

Some NCL ships that we’ve been on have bumper cars that are a blast!

Most of the ships have rock climbing, some have bowling, basketball courts, and other fun activities! Sea days can be relaxing or exciting with all there is to do.

bowling on a cruise ship NCL breakaway

If you’re looking for some relaxation, then the spa on some cruise ships is the place for you. A great first-time cruise tip is to make time for at least visiting the spa to see what is offered.

With options like saunas, steam rooms, Salt therapy rooms, and thermal tubs available to guests on board ships from Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Costa Cruises, and more, you can easily sit back and relax!

One of our favorites is the previously-mentioned NCL Breakaway’s thermal pool and salt room in the spa. They also had heated bed loungers that look out to sea that were amazing!

You can get a day pass that provides entry to the rooms and thermal pools or buy a week pass (if you book a spa cabin it is usually included).

Specific spa services (like massages, facials, etc) are extra, but just visiting the spa and relaxing in the steam rooms is rejuvenating!

I know tipping can be a controversial topic on many of the cruise ship forums, but we always tip our cabin stewards, main dining room wait staff, and many bartenders extra on top of the daily tips that are added to your cruise fare.

It’s a personal choice, but we feel they always go above and beyond.

The amounts vary and also vary by the length of the cruise but on average we tip our cabin steward 20-40$ on the last day of the cruise, wait staff in the main dining room 10-20$, and an extra 1-2$ to the bartenders/coffee shop most times on each order.

We bring cash for the cabin steward and wait staff, but just add an extra 1-2$ here and there on the bill for drinks when we sign for them.

Tipping extra is totally optional! I just thought I’d mention it because I was unsure on our first cruise and some examples would have helped with planning.

At the end of your cruise you will get information in the room the day before about debarkation procedures.

If you choose, you can have your larger bags packed and outside of the stateroom the night before where they will be picked up and will have already gone through customs when you get off the ship.

You can also roll your bags off of the ship yourself and go through customs [ self assist ].

Either way is usually efficient. Having the larger bags picked up the night before just saves you from having to lug so many bags off the ship.

You will be given (or choose) a time to get off of the ship and when your group, floor, etc. is called you can make your way to the waiting area.

You are then called to the gangway to head off of the ship (sad face) and on your way through customs and then home.

I’m usually sad after the cruise ends and ready to book another one!

cruise planning tips and guide first time cruise porthole

Taking a cruise for your next vacation can be a gratifying experience that will be amazing for the whole family.

With proper planning and packing beforehand, scheduling activities during your time onboard, and connecting with other passengers along the way, you will have an incredible adventure!

Before you know it you will be a cruise expert with tons of sailings under your belt!

Are you taking your first cruise or are you a seasoned cruiser? Drop us a line and let us know your story!

Bon Voyage!

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How to Plan a Cruise in 6 Steps

Carissa Rawson

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Whether you’re jonesing for an epic Antarctic holiday or an extended weekend in the Bahamas, cruises can be a good way to let someone else take the reins for your vacation. But planning a cruise can be confusing, especially when there are several types of cruises, destinations and price points.

When planning a cruise, you’ll want to consider a variety factors, especially if you’re dealing with limited time or a tight budget.

Let’s look at how to plan a cruise, from your budget to booking, and what to expect along the way.

1. Establish a budget

The first step in planning a cruise is deciding how much money you want to spend. Costs for a cruise will vary based on a number of things, including:

Cruise line.

Destination.

Cruise length.

Number of guests. 

Onboard spending. 

Offshore excursions.

If price is top-of-mind, consider a budget-friendly cruise line. These cruise lines tend to be less glamorous, and you’ll likely be paying for more optional add-ons, such as drink packages and excursions. But you’ll still find plenty of activities to keep you entertained, no matter who you’re cruising with.

You may find deals for as little as $40 per person per night, not including gratuities or any onboard spending. For example, we found a deal for a four-night cruise from Long Beach, Calif., to Ensenada, Mexico, for $169 per person on Carnival.

On the high end, you’re looking at costs as high as $90,000 per person — though these cruises tend to be much longer (nearly six months!) or feature exotic destinations and itineraries.

For example, a 168-night cruise on luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas — with dozens of stops in ports around the globe — costs more than $97,000 per person.

Of course, your budget will likely fall somewhere in between these low- and high-end examples. The bottom line is that it’s important to plan for a cruise that fits your budget. With such a wide variety of options, odds are you’ll find a price point that's comfortable for you.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

2. Decide on cruise length

Once you’ve decided how much money you’re willing to spend, you’ll need to see how much vacation time you have available.

If you live far from a port, be sure to factor in the time it takes to get to and from the departure city. Add that to the length of the cruise, and that's how many vacation days you'll need.

To optimize your time off, you'll probably want to try to leave from the closest port possible. If you're on the East Coast, for example, leaving from Miami would require far less travel time than leaving from L.A.

If you’re taking a week-long vacation, a five-night cruise would give you the time to arrive in the port city the day before departure and then return home without feeling rushed.

» Learn more: Are cruises worth it?

3. Choose a destination

How can you plan for a cruise without giving some thought to the destination? The cruise industry is worth more than 7 billion dollars and includes routes all over the world.

If the number of destinations seems a little overwhelming, remember that you've already narrowed down your options by establishing your budget and cruise length.

Many search engines will allow you to look for cruises using these parameters — in addition to helpful filters like departure port and desired departure date.

Your cruise dates will likely affect your destination options. For example, if you want to depart in February, you likely won’t find any cruises going to Alaska . And booking a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season might result in a rerouted itinerary — or even a canceled cruise — if a hurricane forms in the Atlantic.

» Learn more: How to get the best deal on your next cruise

4. Compare cruise lines

Different cruise lines cater to different clientele. Some are geared toward those who want to travel in luxury, while others are designed for spring-breakers or families.

If you’re looking forward to a quiet getaway in the Caribbean but choose a Carnival cruise in the middle of April (i.e. prime college spring break time), you may not have much fun when the pool party gets going.

Do some research on the demographics each cruise line attracts. For a family-friendly cruise, sailing with Disney or Royal Caribbean might be a good choice. Those looking for a calm, adult-only atmosphere may want to choose an itinerary on Viking Cruises.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

5. Book your cruise

There are several different ways to book a cruise, including reserving directly with the cruise line, using an online travel agency or even working with a travel agent.

Each method has its advantages. Booking through an online agency can save you money. Compared to booking directly through the cruise line, though, it may not be as easy to make changes or cancel your reservation if something comes up. If you book through a travel agent, you have the advantage of being able to arrange your cruise and airfare at the same time.

It’s a good idea to compare cruises across all available platforms, because pricing and special add-ons vary. Last-minute cruises can get you serious discounts, as can stacking cash-back opportunities with shopping portals such as Rakuten .

6. Complete your documentation

Once you’ve booked your cruise, you’ll need to submit some documentation, such as an ID, a health declaration, and a credit card to keep on file.

Most of the time, you can also choose to pre-book activities and excursions, though this may depend on the cruise line you’re sailing with.

You’ll want to find out if you need a passport or any visas for your cruise — this will depend on where your cruise is departing from and where it will stop. Be sure to verify this soon after booking your cruise, as obtaining or renewing a passport can take time.

Planning a cruise recapped

Cruises can be an exciting way to visit multiple destinations in a single trip.

When planning a cruise, you’ll want to decide how much you’re willing to spend, where you want to go and the amount of time you have available.

Aside from that, consider what types of cruises you’d like to go on and the people you want to be around. Once everything is taken care of, all that's left to do is enjoy!

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planning in cruise ship

21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Gene Sloan

Cruising is easy. Or so cruisers will tell you.

For starters, you only have to unpack once, even as you travel from place to place. You also don't have to go hunting for a restaurant every night. There usually are a bunch just steps away from your cabin with tables waiting for you. You'll also have no trouble finding entertainment.

But even in its simplicity, cruising still can be daunting for a first-timer. What should you bring? What should you plan on doing in ports? What is the best way to book?

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

As the head of The Points Guy's cruise content team , I get these sorts of questions all the time.

This brings me to the tips below. If you've read this far, you are likely a first-time cruiser looking for advice for an upcoming trip, and that's exactly what this story is meant to offer. It contains my list of 21 ways to make your first sailing go more smoothly.

It's a list drawn not just from my own experience over 20-plus years of cruising but also the observations of more than 100 cruising fans who shared their tips with TPG in a lively conversation on the topic at the TPG Lounge on Facebook. (If you're not a member yet, we highly encourage you to join.)

Arrive at your departure port a day ahead of schedule

If you only follow one piece of advice in this story, it should be this one. It is the only way to ensure you won't miss your ship — something that happens to cruisers more often than you would think.

Many cruises depart in the afternoon, so it might seem just fine to fly or drive to a port on the morning of departure. But all it takes is a moderate flight delay or a pile-up on the highway to upset those plans. If you're delayed in your arrival at the port, the ship will not wait for you.

If you're traveling overseas for a cruise, we recommend traveling to the port two or even three days in advance. This isn't just so you don't miss the ship. It's also so you have some time to recover from jet lag. European cruises, in particular, can be port-intensive, with lots of touring, so you want to be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running right after the cruise begins.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship

Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on

When you first arrive at a ship, before you even get on board, you'll likely be greeted by porters who will whisk away your luggage. It will be delivered to your room later in the day. This is a great convenience, as there's no need to haul your bags through the entire check-in progress. But it also means you might not have access to your luggage for many hours on your first day on board.

planning in cruise ship

Be sure to pack anything you think you might need for these first hours of your cruise in your carry-on bag. This means things like medication, for sure, and a phone charger, but also a bathing suit, hat, sunscreen and other items that will let you head straight to the pool deck to start the fun.

Related: Use this packing list for your next cruise

Don't overpack

Use this strategy when packing for a cruise: Throw all the clothes you think you'll need on a cruise in a pile, and then take away half of them. You won't need them. Trust us.

Most cruising these days is casual, and you really only need a few outfits to rotate through a voyage. If things get dirty, it's no problem. Many ships have launderettes on cabin decks where you can run a load or two of laundry every few days. If not, you can send laundry out to be cleaned on board. It'll usually come back in a day or two.

The extra cost of doing a few loads of laundry on a ship is a small price to pay for the freedom of not having to lug a giant suitcase around as you travel to and from your ship. Plus, you'll want to save room in your suitcase for all the little treasures you're going to find along the way.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry service

Bring your own drinks on board

Many first-time cruisers assume they can't bring their own drinks on board a ship. But many lines will allow this, usually with some limits. It's one way to save money when cruising, as drink prices on ships can be high.

Among the lines that will allow you to be your own bartender is Disney Cruise Line . Adults can bring up to two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne or six beers onto Disney ships at the start of a cruise and at every port of call. Note that these beverages must be packed in carry-on bags. At Royal Caribbean , the bring-your-own allowance is two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks.

One caveat: Many lines levy a "corkage fee" if you want to bring your wine into an onboard restaurant. Be sure to read the rules for your line before you bring any drinks on board.

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Bring extra toiletries

Yes, you'll be able to find sunscreen, aspirin and Band-Aids on a cruise ship. But it'll cost you. Cruise lines know you're a captive audience and price their shipboard stores accordingly.

I have a small "go bag" of over-the-counter medicines that I throw into my suitcase for every cruise that contains everything from cold medicine to seasickness pills. I rarely use any of it. But I also never get hit with a crazy toiletries charge.

While we're on the topic of sundries, don't forget extra batteries for your camera if you are bringing one.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Bring these six other things, too

In addition to extra toiletries, cruising regulars often bring Clorox wipes or something similar to wipe down surfaces in their cabin upon arrival (and to bring along on shore excursions). I admit, I've never done this, though I know I should — if only to wipe off the remote control for the cabin TV.

Many cruisers also won't head to a ship without room freshener, a foldable shoe rack (which they hang in the cabin bathroom to store toiletries), a highlighter (to highlight activities on the daily planner) and a lanyard (to hold their cabin key card). I am, of course, too cool to ever put a key card lanyard around my neck, which means I lose my card once or twice on every trip. They always give me a new one at the front desk. My cruise team colleague Ashley Kosciolek also escews landyard-wearing on ships, but that didn't stop her from writing this wonderful guide to the coolest cruise lanyards around .

Some cruisers also swear by bringing magnets to ships to affix dinner invitations, excursion tickets and other important papers to their cabin walls. Walls on ships often are made with metal (even if they look like wood, thanks to faux wood veneers) and will hold a magnet. Some cruisers even bring magnets with hooks so they can hang up clothes and other items on their walls.

Related: 20 things you should bring on every cruise — including a roll of duct tape

Skip the buffet on your first day on board

There's nothing more jammed than a cruise ship buffet on embarkation day. Everybody boarding heads straight up to it. To avoid the first-day buffet crowds, head to whatever secondary dining option is available. Sometimes, a ship will open one of its table-served eateries for lunch on embarkation day. It'll likely be much less crowded than the buffet.

Research ports in advance

There are some types of vacations — a beach trip, for instance — where you don't have to do much advance research. You just sort of show up. Most cruises aren't this way — at least if you want to get the most out of them. At the heart of most cruises are port calls that, in many cases, are very short — often just a few hours. You want to have a plan for what to do in these ports or you'll miss out on a big part of the cruising experience.

planning in cruise ship

Once you know what ports you'll be visiting, research them as much as you can at travel sites such as The Points Guy. Here at TPG, we're starting to build out a series of home port and destination port guides for everywhere from PortMiami to Bora Bora .

Related: The ultimate guide to Caribbean cruising

Join a Facebook group for your line

Another great place to get ideas for what to do in ports and on ships — and what to bring on a cruise, for that matter — are the many private Facebook groups dedicated to particular lines. I belong to a number of them, including the Royal Caribbean Cruises group, the COPs (Cruisers Opinion Page) group and the Holland America Line Fans group. You'll find thousands of cruise fans at these pages who often are more than willing to answer questions about their favorite line, its ships, its itineraries and the destinations on the itineraries. I've met some wonderful people in these groups, some of whom have become my longtime friends on Facebook.

Sign up for private tours

Booking a shore excursion directly through your cruise line is easy. You just check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. But booking tours through your line isn't the only option, and it's not always the best option. In many cases, you can save a lot of money — and get a better touring experience — by booking shore excursions through independent tour operators in ports or a tour booking service such as Viator or ToursbyLocals .

Often, independent tours will be much more intimate than the tours offered directly through cruise lines. They might go to the same sites but in a small van instead of a big motorcoach. You might have just six or eight other people on a tour with you instead of nearly 40. If your group is big enough, you might even be able to book a private tour with an independent tour operator.

Related: The ultimate TPG guide to shore excursions

Independent tours also can take you to places that the cruise line-organized tours don't. Plus, they often come with excellent service. ToursByLocals has staff on hand around-the-clock to respond to questions, and — for those worried about missing your ship — they offer a return-to-ship guarantee with every tour.

Sign up for activities in advance or soon after boarding

Some lines will let you sign up for shows, tours and other activities (including meals at specialty restaurants) in advance of sailing using online portals. If you want to be sure that you get a seat for a specific show on a specific night, or a specific tour or restaurant reservation time, it's a good idea to do this. It's not uncommon with some ships to find that some shows, tours and restaurant reservation times book up in advance.

If you don't sign up for activities in advance, a backup strategy is to do so just after you board a vessel. That said, whether you need to race to sign up for activities at the start of a voyage depends a lot on which ship you are on. I am more careful about signing up for a lot of things in advance when I am sailing on a giant ship such as Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Wonder of the Seas where there are thousands of other passengers competing for the choicest reservations.

Related: 12 giant ships that are the best for fun

Don't feel like you have to do it all

While we're on the topic of signing up for activities, note that it's OK if you miss a few things. You don't have to do it all. In fact, you should force yourself to try to not do it all. Remember, you're on vacation. Relax. Take some downtime. Sit on your balcony, if you have one, and just stare out at the ocean for a couple of hours. You won't regret it.

Always carry the ship's contact information with you

When going ashore, always bring the ship's contact information with you. Those details are usually printed in the newsletter that's delivered to your cabin each night. If something goes wrong when you're away from the ship, you'll want to get in contact with the cruise line right away.

Keep your phone in airplane mode

Some of the biggest cruise ship horror stories you'll find on the internet are tales of cruising newbies who racked up thousands of dollars in cellphone charges while on ships. This can happen when you leave your phone turned on and, say, watch videos on the internet. Many phone plans — even international plans — do not include talking, texting and data on cruise ships, and you'll pay exorbitant roaming rates for such services that will show up weeks later on your phone bill.

There are ways to make calls and access the internet from ships without spending a boatload of money. You can buy a Wi-Fi package, for instance, that will let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos (on some ships) over Wi-Fi without using phone data.

Some phone companies have cruise-specific plans you can buy in advance of a voyage. But I personally never go that route. I keep it simple. I just put my phone in airplane mode the moment I step on board a ship and never switch it back on. I then turn on the phone's Wi-Fi, buy a Wi-Fi package and do all my calling, texting and internet surfing over Wi-Fi. That way, there's no way that I can be surprised by an unexpected charge.

Download the cruise app

A growing number of lines now have apps that you can download to your smartphone in advance of sailing. The apps vary in what they offer, but many will show you a daily list of activities and all of the things that you have reserved. Many also will let you make restaurant reservations and book shore excursions and other activities, and a few will let you order drinks and other items to wherever you happen to be standing. That's pretty cool, right? The best part: The apps will work on board even if you don't pay for a Wi-Fi package.

Related: This cruise app lets you order pizza anywhere on board

Use a travel agent to book

Given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you arrange things. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. The agent also can help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

In addition, travel agents often can you extra onboard credit and other perks that you might not be able to get by booking directly with a line.

Related: Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise

Consider travel insurance

It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising — or any sort of travel. We hate to even bring it up, but you might need to cancel your cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness. Or, maybe you'll fall ill during the cruise and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled and you miss the vessel's departure. These sorts of things can happen to cruisers, and they're all the sort of situations where you might benefit from having travel insurance. Here's a comparison of the top travel insurance providers and information about Cancel for Any Reason add-ons .

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Don't book a cabin near an elevator

Not every cabin on a ship is created equal. When choosing a room on your first cruise, you might want to stay away from those near elevators and just above nightclubs and other late-night venues. They can sometimes be noisy. Cabins just below the pool deck and near the anchor also can be problematic as well as cabins near casinos.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Use a points card for onboard spending

You saw this one coming, no? Given TPG's origins as a points and miles website , we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you to maximize your credit card points while making purchases on ships. The way to do this is to tie a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases to your onboard account. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Don't tip twice for drinks and spa treatments

Most cruise ships now automatically add a gratuity to bar bills, often in the amount of 18% to 20% of the total. Such automatic gratuities also are becoming more common in ship spas. But many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. Be sure to ask if a gratuity already has been included before adding another 15% or 20% to the total. Otherwise, you may end up tipping twice.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Use points to get to your cruise

Using points and miles to pay for a cruise doesn't always make sense , as it often requires a huge number of them to secure a cabin. But that doesn't mean you can't save big time by booking your flights to and from a ship using points and miles .

You'll find plenty of stories here at The Points Guy about how to, say, pay the equivalent of $1,330 in points for a flight that cost $16,000 , or book a $27,000 around-the-world trip for just $168 in out-of-pocket costs . Scroll around a little, and you may never pay cash for a flight to a cruise ship again.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

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How to Plan a Cruise Vacation With These 9 Essential Steps

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How to plan a cruise? Planning a cruise vacation is exciting but can be overwhelming for first-time cruisers. As a seasoned cruiser, I still go through these steps every time.

To plan a cruise vacation, start by aligning your preferences for destinations and cruise lines with your budget, then delve into the specifics, like choosing the right itinerary and cabin. This guide offers nine essential steps to ensure your cruise vacation is enjoyable and well-suited to your travel style.

Choosing a cruise is almost always a combination of three factors: itinerary, cruise ship, and budget.

featured blog image with text | how to plan a cruise | kathy pointing at cruise ship

Planning a cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn how to plan a cruise with our concise step-by-step guide.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Table of Contents

9 Essential Steps to Planning a Cruise

Planning a cruise is exciting and just the beginning of your cruise vacation. To help you guide you, we’ve compiled nine essential steps. This guide is designed to streamline your planning process.

Step One: Decide on a Budget

Begin planning your cruise vacation by setting a realistic budget. This initial step will help narrow your options and simplify the planning process.

You can begin your research and visit a travel site like CruiseDirect to understand the cost of different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. You can also go directly to the cruise line site to see their promotions. 

For example, cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, offer a Free-at-Sea Promo that includes an unlimited drink package. Sometimes, they even have 3rd & 4th guests sail free, which is a huge saving for families.

While cruise costs typically cover accommodation, meals, and entertainment, it’s important to budget for additional expenses like flights, transportation to the cruise ship, shore excursions, and other incidentals. Of course, cruise lines and cruise agents can also arrange most of these things and add them to your cruise fare package, but that is not always the best way to save money on a cruise .

It’s also important to remember that the cheapest cruise option may not always provide the best value or match your cruise travel style.

Step Two: Choose Your Ideal Cruise Experience

solarium on the celebrity beyond cruise ship

With your budget in mind, it’s time to define what kind of cruise experience you want. Consider whether you seek relaxation or adventure and if exploring ports or savoring onboard amenities is your priority.

Start thinking about what kind of cruise itinerary you’d like – the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean, or Alaska. While you start to narrow down these options, it will be easier to get through the next steps.

Step Three: Choose a Cruise Line

kathy and the celebrity beyond cruise ship at sunrise

The cruise line can make or break a cruise vacation. Each cruise line has its unique style and vibe, so finding one that matches your interests and needs is important.

Most of the most popular mainstream cruise lines:

  • Carnival : Ideal for a fun, festive atmosphere with a younger crowd. Perfect for party enthusiasts.
  • Royal Caribbean : Suitable for families and those seeking an action-packed vacation with numerous activities. Known for their large ships.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) : Offers freedom and flexibility with “freestyle cruising”. No fixed dining times or assigned seating for a relaxed, personalized experience.
  • Celebrity Cruises : Provides a more sophisticated experience with excellent food and top-notch service. Best exemplified by Celebrity Equinox.
  • Virgin Voyages : Adult-only, unconventional approach. Includes dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, shows, and fitness classes in the cruise price. Embraces a “you do you” motto.
  • Disney Cruise Line : Ideal for Disney enthusiasts, families, and those who love a whimsical, youthful vibe.
  • Princess Cruises : Known for elegant, refined cruising experiences. Great for couples and mature travelers seeking a relaxed, upscale voyage.
  • Holland America Line: Focuses on classic cruising with a touch of luxury. Ideal for a mature demographic, offering excellent culinary experiences and cultural enrichment programs.
  • MSC Cruises : Offers a European flair with a diverse international passenger base. Known for their modern, stylish ships and family-friendly amenities.

Some cruise lines specialize in specific themes or cater to particular age groups, such as adventure travel, wellness, educational themes, senior travelers, or singles. Considering your interests and the type of fellow passengers you’d like to be with can help narrow your choices.

Step Four: Determine the Dates and Time of the Year

Selecting the right season or time of year is key to planning your cruise. If you’re hunting for the best deals, being flexible with dates can save you money. However, if you have specific dates in mind, be prepared to pay a bit more, especially during popular times like summer or holidays.

For budget-friendly options, consider sailing in shoulder seasons or off-peak months. Also, remember that some destinations, like Alaska, have limited seasonal availability, while others, such as the Caribbean and Hawaii, are accessible year-round. Make sure to decide on your preferred dates before booking.

Cruise Tip:  Check if you have a home port near you where cruise ships depart. It’s easier to snag last-minute cruise deals leaving out of your home port. This approach offers potential savings on cruise fares and cuts costs on pre-cruise hotel stays and flights, as you can drive to your nearest cruise port.

Step Five: Select a Cruise Ship

man admiring cruise ships docked in juneau alaska

When selecting a cruise ship, consider how it ties in with your preferred itinerary and dates. If a specific route has already caught your interest, the choice of ship might naturally follow, as some ships are designated for certain itineraries. Alternatively, if you’re drawn to a particular ship, search for itineraries that match your dates.

We typically prioritize itinerary, then the ship. However, several factors are crucial when selecting a ship:

  • Ship size and how many passengers it can hold
  • Ship’s age and refurbishment history (you might not want your first cruise to be an old ship that’s not been recently refurbed)
  • Passenger demographics
  • Onboard activities and amenities
  • Dining options
  • Variety and size of staterooms

Research and find a ship that aligns with what you expect from a cruise, keeping in mind that ships within the same cruise line class often offer similar experiences but distinct features.

Step Six: Select a Cruise Itinerary

kathy lying back on a hammock on a cruise

The cruise itinerary is a key aspect of cruise planning. Choosing a cruise based on the itinerary might already be clear from your initial planning, or you might be drawn to a particular cruise line and ship – this sometimes happens. Aim for a balance between port-of-calls and sea days to match your preferences.

  • Active Cruises : If you love exploring, opt for itineraries with numerous port-of-calls, allowing you to immerse yourself in new destinations daily while enjoying evening ship activities.
  • Leisure Cruises: Prefer a more laid-back experience? Select itineraries with more sea days to enjoy the ship’s amenities fully.

You can also check travel advisories and stay informed about the conditions in certain destinations, just to be safe. However, a cruise line will not sail anywhere deemed unsafe for passengers.

Step Seven: Selecting Your Stateroom Cabin

norwegian joy cruise ship cabin 9900 | sofa bed, double bed, balcony

After finalizing your ship, date, and itinerary, the next step is to choose a stateroom cabin. Your decision will hinge on your budget, desired cabin size, location on the ship, and preferred amenities.

  • Stateroom categories range from budget-friendly interior cabins without windows to luxurious suites with balconies in prime locations.
  • More lavish options like suites come with a higher price tag, but there are various cabins to suit different budgets.
  • For solo travelers, look for promotions or cruise lines that offer single-occupancy rates. 
  • Consider your preferences for convenience to onboard activities, your desire for quiet, and any concerns about seasickness. Mid-ship cabins, for example, are known for less movement.

Think about how much time you’ll spend in your cabin as well. An inside cabin might suffice if you’re mostly out exploring the ship and ports, leaving the cruise ship’s outdoor public spaces as your balcony. However, a balcony cabin is a great choice if you would appreciate having private outdoor space.

Cruise Research Tip: Search YouTube for cruise cabin tours to get an idea. You may even find the exact cruise cabin you’re thinking of booking on the cruise.

Step Eight: Booking Your Cruise

Now that you’ve selected your cruise ship, date, itinerary, and stateroom, the next step is booking your cruise! You have three options: booking directly with the cruise line, using a travel agent, or going through an online travel agency.

Booking Directly with the Cruise Line

  • Pros : Direct access to special offers and the ability to communicate directly with the cruise line for any issues.
  • Cons : Potential to miss out on exclusive deals like onboard credits or cabin upgrades often available through travel agents.

Booking Through a Travel Agent

  • Pros : A good agent often has access to exclusive deals and handles all details, offering personalized advice and taking care of any issues that may come up with the cruise line.
  • Cons : Risks include dealing with a less reputable agent that offers no customer service and complicating your cruise vacation plans. The cruise line can’t assist directly with third-party bookings.

Booking Through an Online Travel Agency

  • Pros : A wide range of options and deals, convenient comparison of cruises and prices.
  • Cons : Possible lack of personalized service and challenges in addressing specific requests or problems.

A travel agent or an online agency might provide additional support for first-time cruisers. No matter which option you choose, make sure it’s with a trustworthy and customer-focused provider. Your booking method should match your comfort level.

Read reviews, ask family and friends, or ask cruise-focused social groups for recommendations.

Step Nine: Preparing for Your Cruise

seattle skyline at sail away from cruise ship aft

Congratulations, your cruise is booked! Now it’s time for the exciting part – preparing for your cruise. For a comprehensive guide, check out our detailed article on cruise preparation. But first, here are some tips to get you started:

  • Essential Documentation
  • Plan Your Travel Logistics
  • Cruise Communication
  • Packing for the Cruise
  • Onboard Preparations

Steps on How to Prepare for Cruise

FAQs on How to Plan a Cruise

How do i start planning a cruise.

Start planning your cruise by setting a budget, choosing a cruise line, selecting your destination, itinerary, and travel dates, and booking your trip.

How much does an average cruise trip cost?

Cruise trip costs vary based on length, destination, cruise line, and time of year. Prices can range from $40 per person per day for an economy cruise to over $500 per day for a luxury cruise.

What is the best way to plan a cruise?

The best way to plan a cruise is by setting a budget and researching different cruise lines and destinations to find the best fit for you. Once you’ve chosen, book your cruise and start prepping for it.

How do I plan a cruise for the first time?

If you’re new to cruising, read reviews and seek advice from friends who have cruised. Then, research different cruise lines and destinations before contacting the cruise line or a travel agent to book your cruise.

How far in advance is the best time to book a cruise?

The best time to book a cruise is when the itineraries and dates are announced, typically 18 to 24 months in advance, to secure the best rates and optimal cabin location. However, last-minute bookings are also possible, depending on the itineraries and time of year, based on supply and demand.

What mistakes should you avoid when planning a cruise?

When planning a cruise, it’s important to avoid mistakes such as booking the cheapest option without researching the cruise line and ship, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser. Choosing the wrong cruise line and the ship can lead to disappointment and ruin your first cruise experience.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

  • What Makes Cruising an Ideal Vacation Choice?
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Going on a Cruise
  • Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make
  • Cruise Tips for Every Cruise Planning Stage

planning in cruise ship

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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Planning A Cruise: How To Easily Navigate The Process

Planning a cruise is an exciting opportunity to plan your dream vacation, and with so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious all-inclusive vacation, an adventure-filled adventure, or a cultural experience, a cruise can offer it all.

And the best part? You will only have to pack and unpack once. Great, right?

If you are planning a cruise – whether your first or your tenth – you may want a little push in the right direction to be sure you don’t miss anything. To help you along, we have organized our posts geared toward cruise planning to guide you.

Planning A Cruise

Our Ultimate Cruise Planner

Staying organized during your planning process can help tremendously, which is why we designed the Ultimate Cruise Planner. If you’re an organizer, you will love our planner:

Cruise Planner Cover Instagram Post Square

Ultimate Cruise Planner

Need a little assistance organizing and planning your cruise? Our Ultimate Cruise Planner can help!

Planning Your Cruise Posts

The following posts cover the entire cruise process, from learning about cruising in general, to picking the best cruise line, to packing for your cruise, to rocking your first day on your cruise, to learning cruise etiquette. If you take your time to make your way through all of them, you will have a great education in booking, planning for, and enjoying your cruise.

The posts are organized by Before You Book, After You Book, Packing For, and During Your Cruise. Tackling them in order should be helpful.

Before You Book Your Cruise

The following posts take you from what you need to know before booking your first cruise, through selecting the best cruise line, the best itinerary for you, why you should consider cruise insurance, and how to organize the many cruise documents you will generate through your booking process.

  • What to Know Before Booking Your First Cruise
  • Class of Cruise Line: Which is Best for You?
  • Selecting The Best Cruise Line For You – Try Our New Quiz
  • How To Travel Well: Choosing A Cruise
  • 10 of the Best Places To Go On A Cruise
  • 103 of the Best Frequently Asked Questions About Cruising
  • 18 Reasons You Might Be Disappointed On Your Cruise and How To Avoid Them
  • Cruise Insurance: A Must-Have for Peace of Mind
  • Be Prepared: How To Organize Your Cruise Documents

After You Book Your Cruise

Once you’ve booked your cruise, there are still things to do. You will need to plan your travel to the port, plan shore excursions, and book reservations for onboard the ship. This post will walk you through the things you need to consider.

  • Important Things to Do After Booking Your Cruise

Packing For Your Cruise

Packing for a cruise is an art form – you don’t want to pack too much or too little. Our posts will help you select just what you need to enjoy your cruise, without forgetting the important things or taking too much.

  • 25 Smart Tips For Packing Light For A Cruise
  • How to Create A Cruise Capsule Wardrobe
  • Surprising Prohibited Items On Cruise Ships: What Not to Take (With Downloadable List)
  • Your Essential Cruise Carry-On Bag: Ideas for Smart Items to Pack (With Checklist)
  • 6 Helpful Must-Have Cruise Accessories to Always Pack

While You’re On Your Cruise

Cruising has its own etiquette – it’s like its own little world. Breeze through these posts for tips and tricks to help you fit into the cruise world with ease.

  • Pro Cruise Tips For Beginners: 22 Tips for The Best First Day
  • Important Things To Know About Cruising
  • What NOT To Do On A Cruise
  • What to Do If You Get Sick on a Cruise
  • 8 Natural Tips For Preventing Motion Sickness on a Cruise
  • Comprehensive Guide To Tipping on a Cruise Ship

Final Thoughts On Planning A Cruise

Planning a cruise can be a fantastic experience, but it takes some consideration and research to make the most of it. With the right planning, you can choose the perfect itinerary, the right cruise line and cabin, and the onboard and shore activities that match your interests, budget, and preferences.

So, it’s time to plan your dream vacation, book your cabin, and set out to sea. We hope these posts help you navigate the process of planning, booking, and enjoying your cruise like a pro.

Happy cruising!

Planning A Cruise

Planning Away

How To Plan A Cruise (Cruise Planning Made Easy)

Are you planning a cruise and wondering where to start?! I know exactly how you are feeling. It can be so overwhelming! Planning for a cruise is no joke! 

I am going to break down how to plan a cruise for you! But I have to warn you, once you get the hang of cruise planning, it might become addictive.  Cruising is the kind of vacation people love to repeat over and over again.  

In this post, we are going to help you plan a cruise vacation. I will teach you the basic things you need to know on how to plan a cruise.   I will also give you cruise planning tips you probably wouldn't even think of. 

Not only is this post great for cruising for beginners, but it will also help anyone come up with a cruise plan. 

Let's learn how to plan a cruise trip and make cruise planning easy! 

If you would like to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest. 

This post may contain affiliate links (Including Amazon)  that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.

Best Time of Year to Plan a Cruise

The first thing you need to think about when planning a cruise is the time of year you would like to go. 

There are a lot of factors that go into deciding the best time of year.  For example, Alaska cruises are from May – September.  The best times are June and July but if you want to save money booking early in the season or at the end of the season will be less expensive.  

I actually created a document that breaks down the best prices, the most popular months, weather considerations, and my personal recommendations for the most popular areas to cruise.  

I can email you a free copy! 

This document is awesome! It is a great resource as you start to plan a cruise! 

How Far In Advance Should I Plan a Cruise?

Planning for a cruise 6-12 months in advance is perfect.  Here is the deal, if you are going on a longer or more expensive cruise booking early gives you the time to pay off the cruise! 

Some people suggest booking as early as 18 months in advance.  I don't think this is the best advice because the cruise lines typically haven't added all of the cruise ships and itineraries to their site that early.  

Last Minute Cruise Planning

Last-minute bookings are an option.  A lot of cruise ships have last-chance deals.  What I have found however is that the closer you get to the cruise date, the fewer choices are available and prices tend to get higher.  Interior rooms tend to be sold out leaving you with a higher-priced balcony option. 

How to Plan a Cruise Step by Step

We are going to break down the steps on how to plan a cruise. 

  • Determine Your Budget
  • Plan a Cruise Destination
  • Plan Your Cruise Dates
  • Pick Your Cabin
  • Pick a Cruise Line
  • Select a Ship
  • Choose an Itinerary 
  • Book Your Cruise
  • Booking Specialty Restaurants 
  • Booking Shore Excursions
  • Booking Entertainment and Shows

These cruise planning steps will help you know exactly how to plan a cruise! 

1. Determine Your Budget

A cruise plan budget is one of the most important things you need to do before you start planning for a cruise. 

One thing to keep in mind is that cruises are all-inclusive.  It is so nice to just pay one price which includes, food, lodging, and entertainment.  You know exactly how much your vacation will cost without too much guesswork.

How to Plan a Cruise and Save Money

Shorter cruises are typically less expensive.  Florida seems to have lower-priced cruises compared to California.  But here is the thing, if you live closer to California it might be less expensive to drive or fly there even if the cruise is a little more.  

I mentioned early that certain times of the year are less expensive to cruise.  Sometimes adding 4 people in a room will save you money. There are always deals available.  We will talk about those later.  

If you book early enough, you can easily create a monthly cruise plan budget to pay off the cruise before you go on it. 

Cruise Planning Tips

One of the things to know about cruises is how gratuities work. Make sure you include enough funds in your cruise plan budget for gratuities.  At the end of the cruise, you will be asked to tip the staff.  This is so important for these workers.  They work extremely hard. 

These tips are about $100 per day per cabin.  So a 7-day cruise could incur another $700 in tips. 

2. Plan a Cruise Destination

You probably already have an idea of what cruise destination you would like to go to.  If you haven't thought about it yet no big deal. Most major cruise lines go to the same locations. 

If this is your first cruise I imagine you are looking more in the USA, maybe Europe, or possibly Asia or Australia.  Picking your destination is an important step of planning a cruise.  I will list the top cruise ports in these destinations. 

Top Departure Cruise Ports in US/Canada

  • Port Canaveral (Orlando)
  • New Orleans
  • Galveston, TX
  • San Francisco
  • Hawaii 

Top Departure Cruise Ports in Europe

  • Ravenna 
  • South Hampton (London)
  • Netherlands

Top Departure Cruise Ports in Asia/Australia/New Zealand

  • Toyoko 

Once you pick your departure port you can see what itineraries are available so that you can choose your cruise stops.  You will also want to think about what airports are near each port and how easy or difficult it will be to get to the port. 

3. Plan Your Cruise Dates

When planning a Cruise consider the prices by date of departure. Here is the deal, typically the same ship sticks with the same itinerary for an extended period of time.  This allows you to see week after week of options.  

If you don't have a set date I would explore which date is the least expensive.  What I have found is the prices are pretty similar maybe a few hundred less for certain dates. (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Planning a Family Cruise

I would get a copy of the best times to cruise PDF I created to get you started.  Remember that families with children in school can only travel during certain times. Typically those times are a little more expensive. (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and Summer)

If you can go during an off-peak time you will be saving money.

4. Decide on a Cabin Type

In most cruise ships you have a few options for cabin types.  Different cruise lines may call these room types slightly different names but the most common are:

If you are new to cruising, interior rooms are typically the cheapest and provide 0 outside light.  Oceanview rooms have a window, and the Balcony rooms have a walk-out balcony.  Suites are typically much bigger and typically come with more perks. 

Which Part of the Ship is Good to Book my Cabin? 

Once you pick your room, you will then have to decide what part of the ship you would like to be in.  Your choices are the back of the ship, the middle of the ship, and the front of the ship.

Cruise Planning Tip 

The more centered and lower you are the less rocking you will feel.  Midship is great especially if you tend to get seasick. If you want a balcony room just book the lowest balcony level available.   

Our Experience

We have stayed in both a balcony room and an interior room.  Honestly, I really did not mind the interior room.  It was really dark and great for sleeping! I would book an interior room again.

The balcony room was nice as well.  We liked hanging out on the balcony and enjoying thing fresh air.  As you are planning for a cruise decide what makes sense for you.

5. Pick a Cruise Line

I have done a ton of research on different cruise lines. Plus it helps that my parents are cruise addicts and go every three months! There are some amazing cruise lines.  I am only going to list the best cruise lines for first-timers below. 

Disney Cruise 

Disney cruise line caters to families.  Think 5-star quality and service and unfortunately prices. I have never met anyone that has said they didn't love their Disney Cruise. You will find lots of families with young kids on Disney Cruises. 

  • Fantastic Entertainment
  • Private Island Castaway Cay 
  • Caters to Families 
  • Disney Cruises are Expensive! 
  • Ships are Smaller
  • Some of the Ships are Older (but well-kept)
  • Shorter Itineraries

My best advice for a Disney Cruise is to go through a professional Disney Planner like GetAwayToday .  They know everything about how Disney operates. 

We used a travel agent to book everything.  It is nice to have someone who can help you navigate everything for you. We went on the Disney Wish.  It was really awesome! We had a lot of fun.

I think the ideal age to go on a Disney cruise is about 7. My kids ranged from 8-16.  We really loved it, but felt like Royal Caribbean was a good competitor.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean is another family-friendly cruise line .  Their ships are huge with lots of entertainment options for all ages.  Royal Caribbean caters to a lot of demographics. You will find kids and the elderly alike. 

  • Lots of New Ships
  • Phenomenal Entertainment
  • Great Prices
  • Variety of Itineraries 
  • Good Food Options
  • Private Island CocoCay ( Thrill Water Park )
  • Smaller ships do not have as much entertainment but usually have great itineraries. 
  • Some ships are Older (make sure to look at dates)

We have been on 2 Royal Caribbean cruises. If you are planning a family cruise this is a great option! We did a family reunion with 22 people and had a fantastic time. We went on the Allure of the Seas.   It is very similar to the Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.  We loved how much 

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is a budget cruise line.  Typical you will find a good price.  Carnival also has a reputation of being a party ship.  A lot of young adults and college-age kids love Carnival.  However, I know many families who have gone on Carnival and loved it. 

  • Less Expensive
  • Great Itineraries
  • Party Scene 
  • Good For Families
  • Older Ships
  • Party Scene

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian is another great cruise line that caters to families.  The ships have fun entertainment options.  They have a variety of ships both big and small.

  • Variety of Itineraries
  • Great Dining Options
  • Fabulous Entertainment
  • Everything Cost Extra on Ship 
  • Crowded Areas

Princess Cruise Line

Princess has a fabulous reputation! It is one of the best cruise lines to go on if you are headed to Alaska because they have amazing land excursions for before or after your cruise.   

  • Military Cruise Benefit
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Piazza is Beautiful
  • Great Service
  • Hot Tubs are Small
  • Food is Okay
  • Internet is Horrible  

Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity is a higher-end cruise line.  It is a little more expensive but offers a different experience than some of the other cruise lines.  Kids are welcome but Celebrity caters to couples 35 and older.  My parents just got back from one and absolutely loved it!  

Pro's 

  • Pristine Cleanliness 
  • Food is Fabulous
  • Heated Pools
  • Beautiful Ships
  • Non-Smoking Casino
  • Older Demographic
  • More Expensive
  • Not Great for Kids

MSC Cruise Line

MSC is a well-established European cruise line.  It is another budget-friendly option like Carnival. Recently, they have added more itineraries in the US.  I haven't been on an MSC cruise but have talked to a few people that have said you pay for what you get. 

  • Inexpensive
  • Food Options are not Great
  • No Soft Serve Ice Cream
  • Not A Lot of Activities for Kids
  • Lots of Upcharges on Ship
  • Can not Connect a Credit Card to Ship Card

6. Select at Ship

Another important step for your cruise plan is to pick your ship. If this is your first time cruising, you might not even know where to start when picking a ship.  It really matters! If you haven't picked a cruise line narrow it down to 2-3.  This will help you in the cruise planning process.

Things to Look at When Picking a Ship

  • New Vs. Old
  • Small Vs. Big

New Vs. Old Ships

When picking your cruise ship look at the age of the ship and if it has been refurbished.  The newer the ship the nicer it is going to be.  (like USB's in the room instead of plug-ins)  It really makes a difference.  Everything feels nicer on new ships. 

Amenities on the Ship

Look at the entertainment options when choosing your cruise.  Cruises are full of fun stuff like water slides, pools, race tracks, mini golf, escape rooms, laser tag, bowling, sports facilities, Flo Riders, and rope courses. 

Also, look at what shows are being offered. Typically cruises will have a Broadway show, magic show, comedy shows, and ice skating shows.  Explore your ship to see what is available. 

Bigger Ships vs. Smaller Ships

Bigger ships typically offer more amenities.  They have a lot of fun activities to do onboard. Some bigger ships are limited to where they can port because of the size of the ship.  

Smaller ships typically have really nice itineraries.  It is more about the destination than the ship itself.  Some of the smaller ships are older but just check refurbished dates and you should be good. 

All of these considerations are important when you plan a cruise. 

7. Choose an Itinerary

One of the best things about planning a cruise is picking your itinerary.  There are amazing itineraries all over the World. 

Some popular itineraries include visiting all the Caribbean islands, Mediterranean cruises, Alaska cruises, and Mexico cruises.

Does the Cruise Ship have a Private Island?

Most cruise lines have private islands.  These islands are awesome.  They typically have activities and food that are included in the price of your cruise. 

Royal Caribbean's island has lots of free options plus some fun Cococay excursions including Thrill Water Park . Disney's Castaway cay is amazing as well. 

When planning your cruise itinerary look to see if a cruise line private island is included. 

My Experience Cruise Planning

I have been looking for a Mediterranean cruise for a while.  I knew I wanted to visit Spain, France, and Italy.  Most cruise lines offered these stops in the itinerary.

So I moved on to find a ship that offered amazing amenities. I narrowed it down to my top 3.  And finally, I found the dates that would work for me. If the dates did not line up with my ships they would get eliminated.  

It is really important to write down your top 3 choices, dates, and itineraries.  It will just help you plan a cruise and stay organized. 

8. Check for Cruise Deals

Who wants to find a good deal?!  ME!!!!  I love getting a good deal.  Most cruise lines offer deals throughout the year.  Some offer kids sail free or some are 30- 50% the price.  I have seen free drink packages or free internet.  

These deals are great but in the end,  be prepared even with these discounts cruising is expensive!  I think these promotions are there to help you feel better about spending money!  But I bet you are wondering if can I save any more money….  the answer is YES! 

Once you have viewed the current promotions for the cruise line you would like to book with head to 3rd party travel agents.  Seriously! I love booking directly with a company but if you want added bonuses travel agents are the way to go. 

You will typically get up to $1000 or $2000 onboard spending credits.  These credits can go toward shore excursions, specialty dining, and spa services.  

I know Priceline always has additional offers on top of what the cruise line is already offering.  My mom likes to book through Priceline.  

CruiseDirect is another great option and GetawayToday is great for Disney and Royal Caribbean Cruises. 

8. Book your Cruise

Once you feel comfortable with the date, itinerary, and ship, you can move forward with your cruise plan and book your trip.  

Dining Time

When you book your cruise you will be able to select your preferred dining time.  Each night you can dine in the main dining room which is included in your cruise.  There is typically an earlier dining time and a later dining time. 

Cruise Deposit

When you book and plan your cruise trip you typically need to put a deposit down. You then can make payments and pay the rest of the cruise off over time.  I love this option.  It is so nice to have your cruise paid for before you even step foot on the ship.  It makes it so much easier to relax on vacation!  

9. Specialty Restaurants on Cruise Ships

Many of the dining options onboard are included in your cruise, however, there are some specialty restaurants that are not included.  

You can use your onboard credits to dine at these restaurants or just pay an additional amount. You will want to make reservations ahead of time.  

When to Book Specialty Restaurants

If you would like a little more variety than what is included in the cruise price, booking a specialty restaurant is a good idea.  These restaurants give a variety to your dining options, especially if you are on a longer cruise. 

10. Booking Excursions

Once you book your cruise you will be able to book excursions at the destination ports you are going. You can download the cruise line app to make this easier. 

If you are given onboard credit you can use this for shore excursions.  Be aware, some of the excursions do sell out.

Booking Excursions Through the Cruise Line 

There is safety in booking through the cruise line.  If you book an excursion through the cruise line and the tour is running late, the ship will wait for you to return. 

If you book a tour through a third party and it is late, the ship will leave you!!!! 

I think if it is a small excursion, it isn't really a big deal to book through a third party like renting jet skis or swimming with dolphins.  But if you were going from Cozumel to Chichen Itza and it was an 8-hour tour I would book through the cruise line. 

We used Viator to book some of our cruise excursions.  It was so much cheaper that we were willing to take the risk and it really worked out perfectly.  We booked a trip to see the ancient ruins in Costa Maya and a zip line tour in Honduras .  Both tour companies were fabulous and we had no problems completing our tours and getting back on the boat. 

11. Booking Entertainment

Are really important cruise planning tip is that you need to book your entertainment on most cruise lines.  This means keep checking your app!  These shows are included in your cruise but you still have to reserve them. 

All of the shows will require you to have a reservation for the date/time of the show.  I have found that on shorter cruises you did not need to do this but on longer cruises it is essential. On big ships like Oasis of the Seas it is important to book ahead.  

Part of the fun of cruising is the entertainment.  Be ready to book these shows. 

12. Get Excited About the Cruise!

You pretty much have all the information you need for how to plan a cruise! Now is the fun part! 

There are a few ways to make this cruise vacation exciting! Getting a few cruise gifts for those who are coming with you can make it extra special.  

A cruise countdown is a fun item to purchase.  There are lots of fun options! I also love purchasing matching shirts especially when we go on big family reunion vacations.   

Are you Ready to Plan a Cruise?

Hopefully, now you know how to plan a cruise! There are lots of components to consider when cruise planning!  

Spend some time in front of your computer and create a cruise plan. Narrow down the best options for planning a cruise vacation that will be perfect for your family. 

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If you have any questions be sure to join my  Planningaway Travel Community  on Facebook.  This is a place where I post travel deals, and you can ask any questions about your upcoming trips!

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14 Comments

There is so much planning for a cruise. You did a great job breaking it down not to miss anything.

Thanks! Once the planning is done you can really relax when you go on vacation!

This is a fantastic breakdown of what to do to plan for a cruise! I’ve never been on one (yet) but will definitely be referring to this post once I get to planning stages….always nice to have something to look forward to!

Great tips on how to plan a cruise. We are planning a river cruise next year. So helpful!

That will be so cool!

Great tips on planning for a cruise.

These are excellent tips for going on a cruise. I’ve yet to do a cruise. I feel most drawn to a river cruise in Europe.

That would be awesome!

Great tips for planning a cruise. There are so many different kinds of cruises, it’s fun to investigate which one is best for the way you travel.

There are so many great cruise lines that cater to certain groups of people!

My husband and I have wanted to do a cruise for some time now, but haven’t the money or time. That and we have two cats who really don’t cope when we’re not here. BUT, with that being said, we are putting away money for a time when we can go on a cruise – be it next year or five years from now!

We waited a long time to go on our first cruise, for the same reasons. I will warn you once you go on one, you most likely will want to go on another!

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21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Get ready for a trip to remember with these helpful cruise tips from industry experts.

planning in cruise ship

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Some 30 million people board cruise ships every year to hit the high seas in style. If you’re thinking about becoming one of them, first, congratulations, and second, there are a few things you should know. But not just from us. Here are 21 cruise tips and tricks from insiders to help you have the best sailing of your life . 

Related: 11 Luxury Cruise Lines That Offer Stunning Suites, Fine Dining, and Exceptional Itineraries

Understand what’s included and what’s not before you step aboard.

“Make sure you know what's included before you board your cruise, so you're totally clear on what you've paid for in advance and what you haven't. It may make sense to purchase an all-inclusive beverage package ahead of your sailing — which means less to think about once on board and potential savings depending on how much you imbibe. Windstar, for example, books cruises with rates for cruise-only options or at all-inclusive rates with unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Make the decision that fits your circumstances the best when you're booking, and simply enjoy once you're on board.”  — Chris Dodds, captain on the Star Breeze from Windstar Cruises

Get the lay of the land ASAP.

“When you arrive on the ship, take time to explore each deck so that you know exactly where everything is so that you do not lose time or arrive late to an activity because you got lost. Review the schedules to see when you may be able to avoid lines for certain activities on board. If there are games such as bingo, reviewing the schedule also helps to ensure that you have the right amount of cash for the activity." — Dr. Terika Haynes, owner, Dynamite Travel

For the best en-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship.

“Although our ships offer many amazing views, especially in the comfort of your suite, I personally love the decks located on the back of the ship. Not only are they nice and quiet, but they offer wonderful sweeping views of the ocean or port. Often whales, seals, and dolphins can be spotted at the back of the ship, and a must-see for photographers is the amazing sunsets and sunrises you can catch from this area.”

— Kelly Cochrane, executive chef, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For the best sunsets, head to the observation deck.

“ There are a lot of places you can enjoy the views onboard, but my favorite is the observation deck. Quiet and secluded, the observation deck is a wonderful place for a spectacular view.” 

— Allan Ortiz, head sommelier, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

ullstein bild/Getty Images

Explore all your shore excursion options.

"Just because your cruise ship offers a shore excursion doesn't mean you need to book the shore excursion with the cruise. I recommend working instead with an experienced travel advisor for your shore excursions in order to make your experience as immersive, private, and unique as possible."

— Andrea Galvez, director and expedition cruise expert, Craft Travel Group

Don’t overlook night time excursions.

“ Some cities are great for soaking up the sun, while others come to life at night – and some have special experiences to offer at every time of day. Do some research ahead of your voyage to find out what can’t be missed, and take advantage of all the time you have in port, especially during a late night or an overnight.”

— Andrea Baigorria, global head of PR and communications, Azamara

And pay close attention to the listed physical activity levels for excursions.

“Pay attention to the described physical activity levels when booking excursions. Many people don't anticipate (or perhaps don't believe it) when a Windstar excursion is marked as ‘strenuous,’ we actually mean it. Many of our guests are active travelers seeking a workout and will gleefully power up a hill on a mountain bike or paddle for hours. But if you're a traveler who is not seeking physical exertion like that on your outing, stick to the easy, easy to moderate, or moderate levels to ensure maximum enjoyment.” — Chris Dodds

Don’t overpack — take advantage of laundry service instead.

“My best packing tip for long trips at sea is to take advantage of the laundry services onboard. Additionally, I recommend limiting the amount of clothes you bring and packing smart. For example, windbreakers are handy in all climates and comfortable clothes for lounging around the suite and enjoying room service are a must.” 

– Kelly Cochrane

And make sure to pack important items in your carry-on luggage.

“A lot of travelers overstuff their checked bags and don't give enough care to what they're carrying in their carry-ons. Keep in mind that it takes at least several hours to deliver your baggage to you. Based on the number of workers onboard and your cabin's position, the time it takes to receive your baggage can range from a few hours to half a day. Due to this, it's imperative to have a day pack that contains everything you'll need right away. Also, don't forget to pack some fun items. Fill a compact carry-on with essentials you'll need quick access to, such as prescribed medicine, contact solution, a set of clothes, swimwear, lotion, sunglasses, and footwear.”

— Sean Harris, managing editor, Family Destinations Guide  

Don’t limit your vacation to the sailing dates.

"Be sure to pick destinations that easily allow for extension trips. For instance, if you visit Antarctica, you can easily visit Patagonia in both Argentina and Chile, as their ports also serve as the gateway to Patagonia. Another example is visiting mainland Ecuador in combination with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. What's more, some cruises include one night at a hotel before embarking. If the cruise doesn't include this, I highly recommend one night at a hotel before embarking to err on the side of caution due to flight delays.”

— Andrea Galvez

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Share your special moments with the crew ahead of time.

"A great way to make the most of your time at sea, particularly if you’re going to be celebrating a special occasion, is to mention it in advance to your agent/cruise operator. More often than not, you’ll end up with some freebies to make your day extra special, including in-room treats, complimentary upgrades, private picnics, and onboard chefs who are typically happy to show off their creative talents by making a cake."

— Jeremy Clubb, Founder, Rainforest Cruises

And make sure to get to know the crew, too.

“Get to know your crew members – they are from all over the world, and they’ve been all over the world, so they have some amazing stories to tell. They can clue you into the hidden gems of each destination, such as the best local shopping, restaurants, viewpoints, and more. Some of my favorite moments and discoveries across the globe have come from the recommendation of an Azamara crew member.”

— Carol Cabezas, president, Azamara  

Always read the daily itineraries.

“ Keep an eye out for the ever-changing activities and food offerings onboard, especially during sea days. On Azamara, you’ll find these in your Insider delivered to your room daily. You never know when you might find me hosting our guests in one of our restaurants or an incredible local performer out on the pool deck.”

— Ryzsard Gusmann, hotel director on Azamara Quest

Let yourself enjoy a full day at sea.

"My tip to make the most of your time aboard — make sure you have at least one day at sea. Cruises are so destination-focused that travelers often overlook those ‘at sea’ days in the itinerary. But, as the saying goes, getting there is half the fun!”

— Carlos Caicedo, Marketing Manager, Luxury Cruise Connections

John Elk/Getty Images

Tip accordingly. 

“You have two options: you can prepay the tips before the cruise and not worry about that. Some people really like to do that, but some people like to tip based on the quality of the service they received. And so, we normally recommend that you tip the crew $20 per person per day, which is divided among all the crew members, and the guides between $10-15 per person per day. Those are tipping guidelines. We like to recommend to guests that they tip when they’re there because really tipping should be a representation of the quality of the service.” 

— Fernando Diez, marketing director, Quasar Expeditions , 

Have dietary restrictions? Speak directly to the chef.

“On a special diet, or have a food allergy/sensitivity that can make travel difficult? If you haven't been able to adequately address your needs virtually during the booking or pre-cruise process, ask to speak to the chef once on board to discuss your restrictions or requests. Sometimes just having the conversation in person is enough to put any worries at ease, and it will allow the culinary team every chance possible to make your dining experience the best it can be.” 

— Chris Dodds

Book specialty dining as soon as possible.

“Always try to book specialty dining as early as possible. If you wait until you board the ship, the popular restaurants are often sold out or have limited times available. I once waited until the last minute, and the only time available to book the steakhouse was at 5:30 p.m. on embarkation day. That was also the same time the ship was scheduled to sail through the Giudecca Canal in Venice. — Ben Souza, editor, Cruise Fever

Ask about a chef’s table experience.

“If you love immersive culinary experiences, see if your ship has a chef's table. This will likely be a three to four-hour tasting menu with an intimate group of eight to 10 guests led by the chef and sommelier. Only a very small portion of the ship's guests will have the opportunity to take part in these limited events, so book early or inquire with the maître d as soon as you board.” — Lauren Quirk, owner, Travel With Character 

Bring a converter just in case.

“Bring a European travel plug adapter.  Most cruise ships are built overseas, and you'll often find that lots of the outlets both in common areas and even some in staterooms are the European-style plugs.  If you're out and about and want to plug your phone in to charge, an adapter might give you access to many more plugs than other guests.” — Jonathan de Araujo, owner, The Vacationeer

You can’t count on onboard Wi-Fi, so make sure to do all your planning prior to departure.

“The Wi-Fi on ships is slow, unreliable, and expensive. When you're home and have unlimited access to Wi-Fi, plan your port days, so you don't waste the limited time you have in port researching things to do. Find out whether you're able to use Uber/Lyft in the port or find the transportation schedule ahead of time. Buy your museum/attraction/tour tickets in advance.” — Alissa Musto, cruise ship entertainer

Traveling with kids? Try connecting rooms.

“If you have a larger family, check out connecting room options. This has worked out really well for our family with children. Usually, one adult and one or two children can be assigned to each room. This setup allows for some more space and a separate space for the kids to nap while all still being connected.”  — Michelle Schomp, founder, Passport Explorers

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How to Spend a Sea Day on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

Kristi Sellers

Don’t overlook sea days on a cruise.  Some of the best memories you create on a vacation at sea can happen far from land.  Here are 10 tips for making the most out of your sea day.

Allure of the Seas out at sea

Many people love to plan their port days while on a cruise. Some plan their cruise for months (or years!), and have excursions they are interested in or particular places to visit.

If you are visiting Cozumel, you may already know that you want to visit Mr. Sancho’s or Nachi Cocom. While in Belize, you may have your sights set on scuba diving. If an Alaskan cruise is on the docket, a scenic train ride could be on your schedule.

On the other hand, many choose to “wing it” on sea days. It can be difficult to plan your sea days, since you won’t usually know the exact schedule before cruising. Don’t underestimate these days on the ship and you will find yourself making memories to last a lifetime.

Related: Top 12 mistakes cruisers make on sea days

1. Study the Daily Schedule

This could be the most valuable piece of information in the entire article. ALWAYS check the daily schedule for the following days’ events.

Cruise lines create a daily schedule, filling your dance card with endless possibilities. Oftentimes, unique activities or special dining options are available on sea days. Extra rounds of trivia, bingo, lectures, or crafts are common on these days. Brunch and afternoon tea are popular options when many are on the ship.

Without a schedule, cruisers would be wandering around the ship, missing out on some amazing opportunities. Be sure to check the schedule often to stay up-to-date on all cruise information for the duration of your trip.

You can also watch the morning show on your stateroom TV or in the theater, if your cruise ship does it that way.  The cruise director and some guests will usually cover what will be going on around the ship.

2. Arrive at the Pool Early

planning in cruise ship

If soaking up some sun is a priority for you, consider waking up early to make your journey to the pool areas. Sun loungers can be a hot commodity while on a cruise and the selection is always better early in the day.

Some cruise lines offer an “adults only” area with plush loungers and other amenities. If this interests you, go to this area directly after breakfast. It is almost a guarantee that these sun loungers will attract a crowd.

Pro Tip: Don’t be a Chair Hog. No one likes a Chair Hog! 

Related: 10 things to never do on the pool deck of a cruise

3. Book a Spa Experience

planning in cruise ship

The spa can usually be pretty busy on a sea day, but this is a great time to schedule a treatment at your preferred time. Sometimes, the spa will offer different packages on sea days and it might be something you are interested in.

If your sea day falls on the same day as an elegant evening, consider booking a beauty appointment, haircut or massage early in the day. This is a great way to relax and get ready for a night full of photo ops, amazing food, and a variety of music.

Ideally, you should book your spa treatment well before that sea day.  As everyone is on the ship it will be the busiest time for the spa and time slots fill up very quickly on these days.

4. Attend a Class

Cruise lines love to offer classes on sea days. Everyone is on the ship and people need options to fill their time. Cruise lines deliver in the form of cooking classes, arts and crafts, napkin folding classes and various activities for kids.

Some classes are very popular and there may be a sign-up or fee required. Be sure to check your daily schedule for detailed information. It is always a good idea to arrive early for any class you choose, as there may be limited spaces.

5. Hide Some Ducks

cruise ducks on a ship

Popular with some (and frowned upon by others), cruise ducks have taken on a life of their own. This exciting activity is great for adults and children. Some cruisers start preparing their rubber ducks months in advance of their scheduled cruise.

If you do enjoy this activity, sea days are a great time to participate. There will be plenty of people looking for ducks and finding the perfect hiding spot for the ones they brought. It doesn’t matter if you have kids or not, seeing the excitement on a child’s face after locating a duck is enough to make your entire day.

6. Show Off Your Competitive Side

mini golf on carnival celebration

There’s nothing like joining your fellow cruisers for a challenging activity while on your trip. Many cruisers love to participate in trivia and sea days tend to be full of opportunity.

If trivia isn’t your favorite, consider one of the other options that may be available on your cruise. Gather a few friends for a game of hoops or miniature golf. More of a gambler? Consider a slots tournament or blackjack tournament to get your adrenaline pumping.

7. Enjoy the Water Activities

planning in cruise ship

Many popular cruise lines include a wide variety of outdoor activities. Water activities are always a great option and may include water slides, an AquaPark, or FlowRider.

Be sure to check your daily schedule for availability and operating hours. More than likely there will be extended hours on sea days, since everyone is on board.

8. Explore New Culinary Options

On port days, many cruisers will be participating in shore excursions or other scheduled activities. Sometimes, your lunch will be provided or you will eat at a location off the ship. Sea days are the perfect time to really explore everything the ship has to offer. More than likely, all casual dining venues will be available on sea days, especially the lunch locations.

Some ships will offer a sit-down lunch in the dining room on sea days. Others offer brunch that won’t be available while the ship is at a port. Utilize these days to try new dining options that you may not have tried before.

Related: 15 most popular cruise ship restaurants ranked in order

9. Check out the Discounts

Do you need to take home souvenirs to family members? Maybe you want to do a bit of shopping for yourself.

Cruise lines will offer discounts and sales throughout the trip. Sea days are usually full of sales in the shops and the cruise line may offer special deals exclusively on these days. Raffles are held in some locations, so be sure to check your daily schedule for these opportunities.

Related: Cruising on a budget: 12 money saving tips

10. Consider Some Nap Time and RELAX

Cruise packing: Sun setting on back of Sky Princess cruise ship

This list started with the most important piece of information we could suggest. This suggestion very well places second in that race.

Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for sleeping-in and lots of napping opportunities. Vacations are for relaxing and enjoying your time away. Consider having a daily afternoon nap before getting ready for dinner. You will wake up refreshed, ready to take on the evening.

Try not to take sea days for granted. Cruise lines offer plenty of activity options that will suit a variety of tastes. Sea days are the perfect time to participate in new things, meet new people and create new, unforgettable memories.

Read more: Top 12 mistakes cruisers make on sea days

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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Ellie's Travel Tips

Cruise Planners: Free 42-Page Printable + Comprehensive Guide

Posted on Last updated: March 6, 2024

Ahoy, future cruisers! 🚢✨

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from countless oceanic adventures, it’s this: A spectacular cruise isn’t just about the destination or the ship—it’s also about meticulous planning.

But wait, before you start envisioning tedious spreadsheets and overwhelming to-do lists, let us introduce you to the magic of cruise planners.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or embarking on your maiden cruise journey, this comprehensive guide (alongside our free 42-page planner ) will ensure you navigate the vast seas of cruise planning with ease and expertise.

free cruise planners

Why Cruise Planning is Essential

Breathtaking sunsets, the gentle rock of the ship, exotic ports with adventures awaiting—cruising is an experience unlike any other.

However, as idyllic as it sounds, hopping aboard without a clear plan can quickly turn those dreamy sunsets into stormy clouds of stress.

Let’s dive into why plotting your course in advance is the real key to unlocking a memorable cruise.

1. Navigating Your Budget Like a Pro

The allure of the open seas can quickly become a daunting affair if costs spiral out of control. While most fun cruises are all-inclusive, there are many additional expenses—excursions, premium dining, spa treatments, and those irresistible souvenirs—that can take you by surprise.

Planning ensures you’re not only prepared for these expenses but can strategically indulge without breaking the bank.

2. Maximize Every Moment

Every cruise ship is a floating city, brimming with activities, shows, workshops, and more. Without a plan, you might find yourself overwhelmed by choices, leading to either a rushed experience or missing out on fantastic opportunities.

Knowing what’s on offer and pre-scheduling can help you strike the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.

3. Port-of-Call Perfection

Those few precious hours at a port can fly by. Having a clear itinerary ensures you experience the best of each destination without the last-minute scrambles.

Whether it’s exploring a hidden beach, tasting local delicacies, or embarking on a cultural tour, pre-planning helps you anchor your experiences to cherished memories.

4. Bypassing Common Cruise Pitfalls

Ever found yourself in the wrong dress code for a themed dinner night? Or realized too late that your dream excursion was fully booked?

Such hiccups can put a damper on the cruising spirit. A cruise planner helps anticipate and sidestep these common oversights.

5. Tailored to Your Taste

Cruise ships cater to a diverse clientele, from families with kids to honeymooners to solo explorers.

Planning ensures your cruise is tailored to your preferences, ensuring each day feels like it was crafted just for you.

In essence, a well-charted cruise plan is the wind in your sails, driving your ship towards sunny horizons and starry nights. So, as you look out to the vast ocean of possibilities, remember: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes (and a solid plan!). 🌟🗺️🚢

cruise ship at sea

Unveiling the Concept of ‘Cruise Planners’

Cast away the visions of old-school travel agencies, clunky brochures, and hour-long phone holds.

Enter the digital age of cruise planning, where the term ‘cruise planners’ doesn’t just refer to professionals, but also to modern tools and resources that make planning a breeze. Let’s set sail into this brave new world.

A Blast from the Past:

Remember when planning a trip meant visiting a travel agency, pouring over hefty brochures, and relying on the knowledge of someone who might have visited your desired destination once or twice?

Those were simpler times but not necessarily easier. The evolution of travel planning, especially for cruises, has brought empowerment to travelers.

The Rise of Cruise Planner Professionals:

Today’s cruise planners are a blend of travel agents, consultants, and experience curators. They’re armed with vast databases of information, partnerships with cruise lines, and personal experiences.

They don’t just book your tickets; they craft your journey. From ensuring you get the best cabin to curating on-shore excursions tailored to your interests, they’re your personal cruise concierge.

Digital Tools and Apps:

The internet era has birthed a multitude of platforms, apps, and tools specifically designed for cruise enthusiasts. From virtual ship tours to detailed reviews of every activity onboard, these digital tools provide invaluable insights.

Many come with user-friendly interfaces, allowing travelers to drag and drop activities into their itinerary, creating a visual blueprint of their cruise.

Community and Crowdsourced Knowledge:

The term cruise planners isn’t confined to professionals and tools; it’s also about the community. Online forums, social media groups, and cruise-focused blogs are treasure troves of first-hand experiences and advice.

Fellow travelers share hidden gems, tips to save money, and even recommendations on what to avoid. In many ways, today’s cruise planning is a collaborative effort.

Why It’s Trending:

The increased search and interest around cruise planners reflect a larger trend: travelers desire enriched experiences, not just trips. They seek a blend of relaxation and exploration, craving curated journeys that resonate with their personal tastes and interests.

As we steer through this section, one thing becomes clear: cruise planning has evolved from a task to an art form. Whether you’re leaning towards professional assistance or reveling in DIY, understanding the vast realm of cruise planners equips you for an unforgettable voyage. 🌐🛳️📲

free cruise planner

DIY vs. Professional Cruise Planners: Pros & Cons

In the vast ocean of cruise planning, two predominant approaches emerge: the independent, DIY route, and the guided path of professional cruise planners.

Both have their merits, and each carries a unique allure. But which one is your siren song? Let’s delve deep and weigh the anchors of each side.

DIY Cruise Planning:

  • Personalization & Flexibility: The cruise world is your oyster! Design each detail according to your desires, making on-the-fly changes whenever inspiration strikes.
  • Potential Cost Savings: No middleman means you might snag a few deals, especially if you’re a savvy researcher and bargain hunter.
  • Deep Dive Research: There’s a unique joy in scouring forums, reading reviews, and diving into blogs. You’ll feel a sense of achievement and anticipation building as you craft your dream cruise.
  • Time-Intensive: With great freedom comes great responsibility—and a ton of research. It can become overwhelming, especially for complex routes or long-duration cruises.
  • Possible Oversights: Without expert guidance, you might miss out on exclusive deals, hidden gems, or important logistical aspects.
  • Potential for Stress: Facing uncertainties or second-guessing choices without professional validation can lead to pre-cruise jitters.

professional cruise planners

Professional Cruise Planners:

  • Expertise & Experience: These professionals know the cruise world like the back of their hands. They can guide you to choices you might never have considered, enhancing your experience.
  • Time-Saving: Just share your preferences, sit back, and let the magic unfold. Your planner will handle the nitty-gritty, from bookings to special requests.
  • Exclusive Access: Many cruise planners have tie-ups with cruise lines, granting you exclusive deals, early-bird offers, or special amenities.
  • Potential for Higher Costs: Their expertise comes at a price. While you might get exclusive deals, the overall cost may be higher than a DIY approach.
  • Less Personal Touch: While professionals curate based on your preferences, you might miss out on the detailed personal touches that come from hours of personal research.
  • Dependency: Any changes or issues? You’ll need to go through your planner, which could cause delays or miscommunications.

Both paths, DIY and professional assistance, offer unique experiences in the world of cruise planning. It boils down to your personal style. If you’re a meticulous planner who loves diving into details and has the time for it, DIY might be up your alley. However, if you seek a hassle-free, expert-curated experience and are okay with a slightly higher budget, professional cruise planners are your best bet.

Whichever path you choose, remember: the journey of planning can be just as exciting as the cruise itself. So, hoist your sails, and may the winds of adventure guide you forward! 🌍🚢📖

post-cruise adjustment sailing

Sail Ahead with Our Exclusive Free Printable Cruise Planner!

Charting your next cruise adventure has never been this exhilarating—or easy! We’re elated to introduce our meticulously crafted, user-friendly, and absolutely FREE Printable Cruise Planner . Created with love and a passion for the seas, this planner is designed to be your trusty co-captain on your cruise planning journey. Let’s dive in and explore how this nautical gem can enhance your voyage from start to finish.

1. Crafted with Experience: Every page of our planner is imbued with insights from seasoned cruisers and travel aficionados. This isn’t just a planner; it’s a distillation of years of cruising knowledge, refined into a sleek, actionable tool.

2. User-Centric Design: Tired of scribbles, scattered notes, and losing track of your plans? Our planner’s intuitive layout ensures a smooth sailing experience. Segmented sections cater to all cruise planning facets, ensuring you never miss a detail.

3. All-in-One Organizer: From pre-cruise checklists, daily activity trackers, and excursion planners to budget worksheets and meal reservation logs, we’ve got you covered. It’s your one-stop companion for a stress-free cruise journey.

4. Personal & Flexible: While our planner comes with a recommended flow, its design embraces flexibility. Add, remove, or rearrange pages as you see fit. Plus, there’s ample space for personal notes, doodles, and those spontaneous ideas that pop up.

5. Sustainable & Eco-friendly: Designed to be printed at home or at your local print shop, our planner champions sustainability. We recommend printing on recycled paper, and its compact design ensures minimal waste.

6. A Continual Companion: Whether you’re cruising for a month through the Mediterranean or venturing into the Alaskan wilds , this planner is adaptable to any cruise type, duration, or destination. It’s a timeless tool you’ll find yourself reaching for, cruise after cruise.

How to Get Your Free Printable Cruise Planner: Excited to set sail with our planner by your side? Simply print it, bind it, and begin the delightful journey of crafting your dream cruise.

month-long cruise itineraries

A Comprehensive Guide to Using Our Cruise Planner

Embarking on a cruise journey entails much more than just boarding a ship. From the minute details of your cabin choice to the broader scope of your travel itinerary, every decision impacts the kind of memories you’ll craft.

And while spontaneity has its charm, a well-structured plan often guarantees a smoother, richer experience. That’s where our cruise planner shines. In this in-depth guide, we’ll navigate through its various sections, ensuring you harness its full potential. So, let’s set sail!

Budgeting for Your Voyage: Making Every Penny Count

Every memorable cruise starts with a realistic and well-thought-out budget. It’s the foundation upon which your voyage stands. With our cruise planner’s dedicated budgeting sections, you’re not just jotting down numbers—you’re crafting a financial blueprint for a stress-free journey.

Start with the Basics: Begin by filling out the primary expenses: cruise fare, flights (if applicable), pre and post-cruise accommodations, and travel insurance. These are the pillars of your trip’s financial structure.

The All-Inclusive Trap: Many cruises market themselves as all-inclusive, but there are always additional expenses. Use the planner to list potential on-board expenses: specialty dining, spa treatments, premium beverages, and onboard activities that might come with a fee.

Excursions & Exploration: While the ship offers a universe of experiences, the real adventures often lie ashore. Research potential excursions or guided tours. Also, account for impromptu local experiences, shopping, or meals at port cities. Allocate funds accordingly.

Buffer Budget: The seas are full of surprises! Always keep a buffer budget for unforeseen expenses. Whether it’s a sudden urge to try an upscale restaurant onboard or a local craft that catches your eye at a port, this safety net ensures peace of mind.

Track as You Go: A budget is not a set-in-stone document. As your cruise progresses, keep updating your planner with actual expenses. This helps keep a check, ensuring you stay within limits and can make adjustments if necessary.

Saving Opportunities: Dedicate a section for potential discounts, deals, or loyalty rewards. Cruises often have loyalty programs, early-bird specials, or last-minute deals. Tracking these can significantly reduce costs.

Budgeting with our cruise planner ensures you’re not just spending, but investing in experiences that truly matter. It’s about optimizing your resources for maximum joy. Remember, a well-planned budget is the wind behind the sails of your dream cruise, propelling you towards memorable horizons without financial hiccups.

west coast cruise ports

Itinerary Planning: Charting Your Course with Precision and Passion

Crafting the perfect cruise itinerary is an art, blending structure with spontaneity, must-dos with delightful detours. Your cruise will glide through beautiful regions, docking at exotic ports, each offering its unique array of experiences. Our cruise planner’s itinerary-focused sections are the canvas upon which you’ll paint your dream journey. Here’s your step-by-step guide to using it to its fullest.

Familiarize with the Ship’s Itinerary: Start by filling in the fixed elements of your trip: dates, destinations, docking times, and durations. This gives you a clear scaffold upon which to layer your personal plans.

Research Each Destination: For every port of call, delve into research. Look up the top attractions, experiences, local cuisines, cultural events, and hidden gems. Jot down what piques your interest.

Prioritize: With so much to see and do, prioritization is key. What are your non-negotiables? Maybe it’s the ancient ruins in one city or the famous beach in another. Highlight these in your planner.

Schedule Excursions: If you’re booking guided tours or ship-sponsored excursions, slot them in. Ensure you have a buffer time before and after, accounting for any unforeseen delays.

DIY Adventures: Perhaps you’re keen on exploring a destination at your own pace. Use the planner to sketch a rough route, noting down places of interest, local eateries, and spots to relax.

Onboard Activities: Your ship is a floating paradise, bursting with activities, shows, workshops, and events. Interweave these with your port days. Maybe you’d like a spa day after an intensive excursion or a special dinner on a night when the ship stays docked longer.

Stay Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, remember the magic often lies in unexpected adventures. Leave gaps in your itinerary for serendipitous discoveries.

Gather Local Insights: Interact with locals or fellow travelers to get recommendations. Perhaps there’s a local festival, a lesser-known museum, or a just-opened eatery worth checking out. Update your planner accordingly.

With our cruise planner, every day of your cruise transforms from a mere date on the calendar to a tapestry of vivid experiences, memories in the making. Itinerary planning isn’t just about filling slots; it’s about curating moments, both monumental and minuscule, that together create the symphony of your cruise adventure.

fun cruises on deck

Onboard Experience: Savoring Every Moment Aboard Your Floating Paradise

The sea’s gentle sway, the horizon stretching infinitely, the allure of a new dawn each day – life aboard your cruise ship promises experiences as vast as the ocean itself. Your vessel isn’t merely a means to get from one port to another; it’s a universe of entertainment, relaxation, and enchantment. Our cruise planner ensures you don’t miss a beat. Let’s set sail on this immersive journey!

Know Your Ship: Begin by exploring your cruise ship’s layout, offerings, and daily events. Familiarize yourself with entertainment zones, dining venues, recreational areas, and relaxation spots.

Day-to-Day Events: Most ships offer a daily bulletin or newsletter detailing the day’s activities. Extract the ones that intrigue you and slot them into your planner. Whether it’s a dance class, a wine tasting session, or a themed night, ensure you’re prepped and punctual.

Dine in Style: With a plethora of dining options, from casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants, plan your culinary journey. Make reservations for must-visit venues, and allocate days for spontaneous choices.

Recreation & Wellness: Cruise ships are wellness havens. Schedule spa appointments, fitness classes, or simply pencil in pool days. Remember, relaxation is as vital as exploration.

Nightlife & Shows: From Broadway-esque productions to jazz nights, your evenings onboard promise a whirlwind of entertainment. Mark out shows you can’t miss, and perhaps days you’d just like to stargaze from the deck.

Engage & Socialize: Many ships offer workshops, lectures, or group activities. Engage in ones that pique your interest. It’s also a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and make lasting connections.

Capture Memories: Dedicate some time to journal your onboard experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of a casino win, the serenity of a sunrise, or the novelty of a cooking class, your planner will become a trove of treasured memories.

The ship is more than just steel and sophistication; it’s the heart of your cruise experience. With our cruise planner’s dedicated section, each day onboard metamorphoses into a vibrant mosaic of moments, memories, and sheer magic. As you traverse the waters, let the ship not just be a vessel, but a vivacious companion on your epic odyssey.

cruise packing tips

Packing and Prep: Ensuring Smooth Sailing with Every Suitcase

The thrill of an impending cruise can often be juxtaposed with the dread of packing. But what if we told you packing could be as enjoyable as the voyage itself? With our cruise planner’s preparation and cruise packing segments, you’re not just stuffing suitcases but curating collections for every chapter of your adventure. Dive in!

Climate & Itinerary Checks: Examine the regions you’ll be traversing and their expected climates. Also, sync with your itinerary: a gala night, a beach excursion, or a hiking adventure will each demand different attire.

Essentials First: Start with the basics – passports, cruise documentation, medications, and other vital items. Use our dedicated cruise essentials checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Day-Wise Wardrobe: Instead of random outfits, consider packing day-wise or event-wise ensembles. It saves the daily decision-making hassle and ensures you’re always aptly dressed.

Tech & Entertainment: Remember chargers, converters, headphones, and any other tech essentials. If you’re planning relaxed days, perhaps some reading material or downloaded shows could be handy.

Toiletries & Personal Care: While most ships offer basic amenities, if you’re particular about brands or have specific requirements, pack cruise accessories accordingly. Consider the environment and opt for biodegradable products.

Snacks & Munchies: While food is abundant on a cruise, if you have specific dietary needs or just want some familiar comfort snacks, leave some space in your luggage.

Review & Reduce: It’s easy to overpack. Once done, review and ask yourself if you genuinely need every item. Shedding even a few unnecessary things can lighten your luggage and your stress.

Equipped with our cruise planner, packing is no longer a tedious task but a tantalizing teaser for the adventures ahead. It’s the prelude to your symphony, setting the rhythm for a voyage that’s as seamless as it is splendid.

cruise documents

Documentation and Legalities: Navigating the Nitty-Gritty with Ease

Cruises, with their promise of unhindered serenity and adventure, do come with an underbelly of necessary documentation and legalities . It might sound tedious, but with the right preparation and our cruise planner by your side, it’s just another step toward ensuring a smooth voyage. Let’s set your sails straight with this crucial aspect of cruise planning!

Passport and Visas:

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
  • Check visa requirements for every port of call. Some countries might offer visa-on-arrival, while others demand prior arrangements.

Cruise Tickets and Boarding Passes:

  • Always have a printed and digital copy.
  • Familiarize yourself with the boarding procedure, time windows, and the location of your embarkation point.

Medical Documentation:

  • If you have specific medical conditions, carry relevant documents or prescriptions.
  • Research on onboard medical facilities and what kind of health insurances they accept.

Special Requests & Accommodations:

  • If you’ve made special requests like dietary accommodations or accessibility provisions, have these documented and easily accessible.

Local Laws & Etiquette:

  • Brief research on local customs, laws, and etiquettes for each port can save potential hassles. It’s not just about compliance but also about showing respect to the cultures you’ll be immersing in.

Emergency Contacts:

  • A list of emergency contacts, including those of the cruise line, local embassies or consulates, and close family or friends, is crucial.

Backup & Digital Security:

  • Ensure all vital documents have a digital backup, perhaps in a secure cloud storage.
  • Protect your devices with strong passwords, and be cautious about using public Wi-Fi networks.

girl being mindful on beach

Post-Cruise Reflection: Reliving and Reveling in the Resonance of Your Journey

The end of your cruise isn’t the final chapter but the beginning of a beautiful reminiscence, a great way to end your mindful travel adventure . It’s a time to reflect, to capture the essence of your journey, to dream about future voyages, and to be grateful for the just-concluded odyssey.

Journaling:

  • Pen down standout moments, unexpected delights, and even fleeting observations. Over time, these become priceless recollections.

Feedback & Reviews:

  • Your experiences can guide future travelers. Take a moment to leave reviews or feedback, both for the cruise line and for specific excursions or services you availed.

Photos & Souvenirs:

  • Organize and backup your photographs. Maybe create a digital or physical album dedicated to this cruise.
  • Place your souvenirs in spots where they can serve as daily reminders of your voyage.

Connections & Friendships:

  • Did you meet like-minded travelers or forge new friendships? Note down their contacts and make an effort to stay connected.

Learnings & Takeaways:

  • Every journey teaches us something. Reflect on what this cruise added to your life’s tapestry – be it a new perspective, a rejuvenated spirit, or just a broader smile.

Future Cruise Wishlist:

  • Inspired for another trip? Start creating a wishlist for your next cruise, be it destinations, activities, or even a different cruise line.

Using our free cruise planner, the end of your voyage transforms into a heartwarming epilogue, a promise of many more tales on the tides, and a testament to the timelessness of travel memories.

cruise ports east coast

Tips and Tricks from Veteran Cruisers

Every cruise ship is a world in itself, with its own rhythm, rules, and revelations. And who better to guide you through these intricate cruise travel tips than the seasoned travelers who’ve charted these waters before?

The wisdom of veteran cruisers is akin to a treasure map, leading you to hidden gems and helping you steer clear of potential pitfalls. Dive into this treasure trove of advice with our curated collection of tips and tricks.

1. Embarkation and Disembarkation Mastery:

  • Arrive Early, But Not Too Early: Arriving a tad earlier than the suggested time can help you beat the crowds, but too early might leave you waiting.
  • Luggage Tags: Always secure and double-check your luggage tags. It ensures your bags find their way to your cabin efficiently.

2. Make Reservations Ahead: Whether it’s specialty dining, exclusive shows, or spa treatments, booking in advance ensures you get the best slots and don’t miss out.

3. Navigating Onboard Sales: Veterans often advise to be wary of the first-day sales pitches for spas, photo packages, and more. Wait for mid-cruise offers, which can often be more lucrative.

4. Stay Connected, Economically: Internet packages onboard can be expensive. Seasoned cruisers suggest investing in a package only if necessary and logging off when not in use to conserve minutes. Alternatively, many ports offer cafes with free Wi-Fi.

5. Room Location Matters: Picking a cabin mid-ship and away from high-traffic areas can reduce noise and motion, ensuring a more peaceful stay. Make sure to review the top cabins to avoid before you book your stateroom.

6. Pack a Day Bag: Since checked luggage might take a while to get to your room, always have a day bag with essentials – medication, swimwear, sunscreen, and any immediate necessities.

7. Go Off the Beaten Path: While popular excursions have their charm, often the best memories are crafted when you venture off on your own or pick less crowded activities.

8. Mind the Dress Codes: Cruise lines often have specific dress codes, especially for dinner or special nights. A quick check ensures you’re always dressed to impress.

9. Interact with the Crew: The ship’s crew are invaluable sources of information and stories. Engaging with them not only enhances your onboard experience but also offers insights you wouldn’t find in any brochure.

10. Stay Informed: Make it a habit to check the daily newsletter or bulletin. It’s your guide to the ship’s happenings, offers, and important announcements.

11. BYOB, with Caution: Some cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne. However, always check the cruise line’s alcohol policy to avoid any unexpected corkage fees or confiscations.

12. Embrace Flexibility: While planning is pivotal, sometimes the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions. Whether it’s a sudden deck party or an unplanned shore excursion, embrace the unpredictability of the journey.

Drawing from the vast ocean of experiences of veteran cruisers, these tips and tricks are your compass, ensuring smooth sailing and memorable moments at every turn. Remember, every cruiser starts as a novice, but with the right guidance, each journey can be navigated like a pro.

NCL things onboard

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

As we anchor down on this comprehensive cruise-planning journey, it’s important to remember that each voyage is as much about the destinations as it is about the journey itself. Cruises offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, all set against the majestic backdrop of the vast ocean.

Every Cruiser’s Evolution: It’s a given – your first cruise will be markedly different from your tenth. With every voyage, you’ll learn more about your preferences, the quirks of different ships, and the nuances of navigating the high seas. Embrace this evolution, knowing that every experience, whether smooth or turbulent, contributes to your cruiser’s repertoire.

Trust in Preparation: While the allure of spontaneity is undeniable, there’s a unique comfort in knowing you’re well-prepared. Our cruise planner, coupled with the wisdom of countless cruisers before you, ensures that you’re equipped for every eventuality, allowing you to relish every moment to the fullest.

The World Awaits: Beyond the confines of your ship lies a world rich in culture, history, and natural splendor. Whether you’re wandering through bustling markets, lounging on sun-kissed beaches, or exploring ancient ruins, cherish these moments of discovery and connection.

Your Cruise Community: From fellow passengers to the dedicated crew, the connections you forge onboard often endure well beyond the journey. These shared experiences, stories, and laughter become the hidden gems of your cruising adventures.

planning in cruise ship

FAQs on Free Cruise Planners

What exactly is a Cruise Planner? A cruise planner is a comprehensive tool designed to help travelers plan and organize every aspect of their cruise vacation. It covers everything from budgeting to itinerary planning, ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Why should I use a Cruise Planner? Using a cruise planner allows you to consolidate all the crucial information in one place. This ensures you’re well-prepared, reduces stress, and allows you to make the most of your cruise experience. Plus, with everything organized, you’re less likely to overlook important details.

Can I use a Cruise Planner for any cruise line or ship? Absolutely! Our cruise planner is designed to be versatile, accommodating the specifics of any cruise line or ship. Simply adjust and fill in the relevant details according to your chosen cruise.

I’ve cruised before without a planner. What’s the added advantage? While many seasoned cruisers have their own systems in place, a cruise planner provides structure, consolidates information, and ensures you don’t miss out on new experiences or opportunities. It’s also a great tool for reflection and keepsakes.

How do I incorporate budgeting into the Cruise Planner? Our cruise planner has a dedicated section for budgeting, which covers everything from cruise fares to excursions and onboard expenses. By noting down and tracking your expenses, you can ensure you stay within your budget and make informed financial choices.

Is the Cruise Planner digital, printable, or both? Our cruise planner is primarily designed as a printable tool for hands-on planning. However, with evolving digital tools, you can easily use apps or software to fill it in digitally if that’s your preference.

How can I make the most of the onboard experience using the Cruise Planner? The cruise planner provides sections for you to note down daily activities, events, and shows you’re interested in. By planning ahead, you can optimize your time onboard, ensuring you participate in all the activities that pique your interest.

What if my plans change mid-cruise? Flexibility is the essence of any vacation! The cruise planner is designed to accommodate changes. It’s a tool for guidance, not rigidity. Always feel free to adapt and evolve your plans as your journey unfolds.

How does the post-cruise reflection section help? Reflecting on your journey allows you to savor and process your experiences. The post-cruise section is a space to note down memories, learnings, and even things you’d like to do differently next time. It becomes a cherished keepsake of your voyage.

Can I share the Cruise Planner with fellow travelers? A: Absolutely! Sharing the cruise planner is encouraged. Whether they’re first-time cruisers or seasoned voyagers, everyone can benefit from a bit of structured planning.

free cruise planner

planning in cruise ship

8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner)

I f you’re planning to go on a cruise, you may be wondering where to start. Planning a cruise is quite different from planning a resort vacation. There are several things to consider and coordinate, such as shore excursions and purchasing cruise extras like beverage packages. Also, packing for a cruise is more complicated than packing for a typical vacation. You’ll need to bring different types of outfits, from dinner attire to beachwear. I’ve been on over 25 cruises, I’m sharing essential things you need to know when planning a cruise and my cruise travel planner which you can download for free as a printable to help you stay organized and make your cruise planning experience easier.

Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Planning

There’s more to planning a cruise vacation than just booking your cruise. When you go on a cruise, you also need to plan the details of your pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel, transportation and flight. 

To avoid missing the ship due to flight delays, you should arrive at the port city a day earlier. This means you’ll need to book a hotel near the cruise port and a transfer from the hotel to the port on the embarkation day. 

It’s also best not to wing it when it comes to the transfer from your hotel to the cruise port. You’re better off pre-booking your car transfer, especially if you’re a big group. Trying to get an Uber or a cab to the cruise port from your hotel might be difficult because you will be competing with other cruise guests staying at your hotel who are also trying to get a ride to the cruise port. I suggest playing it safe and pre-booking your transportation. 

As for post-cruise planning, it’s best to avoid booking a flight on the same day. If you must, I suggest booking an evening flight in case of any unforeseen delays. This is especially important during hurricane season when cruises can be delayed due to bad weather. It’s safer to book a hotel for a night before flying out. 

Use the Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Travel Itinerary worksheets in my cruise travel planner to fill out your flight, transfer, and hotel details to make planning easier.

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Cruise Budget Planning

Planning your cruise vacation budget can be challenging; some cruise charges will be incurred before boarding the cruise ship, and some will be incurred when you’re on the ship. 

Typically, when you book a cruise, you’re required to pay a small deposit to reserve your spot, and later, a few months before your departure date, you’ll have to pay the remaining amount. However, additional expenses, such as cruise shore excursions and cruise extras, like beverage packages, WIFI, and specialty dining, are not included in the cruise fare total. 

If you book cruise shore excursions online before boarding the ship, you’ll need to pay for them in advance. And if you book through independent tour sites, such as Viator , you can book it first and then pay later. You might also have onboard credit that you can apply toward cruise shore excursions and cruise extras. 

To keep track of your cruise budget, use my cruise budget tracker worksheets. It will show you what you’ve already paid for and your remaining balances. Be sure to check out my article, if you want to learn how to get free onboard credit on your cruise.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise

There are many things to do before your cruise. To help you keep track of everything, I have a checklist included in my cruise travel planner that you can use as a guide. 

This checklist includes things to do before your cruise such as checking if your passport is not expired, booking shore excursions, arranging for hotel accommodations, and checking out travel advisories for the cruise ports you’ll be visiting. You can learn more about all the things you need to do before your cruise by reading this article.

Cruise Ports 

It’s a good idea to plan ahead for each cruise port you visit. Some ports are conveniently located within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, shops, and beaches, so you might not need to book a shore excursion. However, other ports may be in more remote areas, and if you’re planning to explore on your own, you’ll need to make some arrangements for tours or transportation. 

To help you stay organized, I have Cruise Port planning worksheets that you can use for each day of your cruise. These worksheets allow you to log in the tour that you’re taking, pick-up time, pick-up location, and the ship’s all-aboard time. There is also space for you to plan what to wear since some tourist attractions, like mosques and other places of worship, require conservative dress or even a head covering. You can also jot down your thoughts and impressions about each port so that you can refer to them when planning future cruises.

Sea days are more relaxed and you can certainly wing it. However, for those of you who are planners, I’ve created a Sea Days worksheet that you can use to plan your day accordingly. 

You can note down the restaurants you want to visit, the activities you’d like to participate in, and even plan your outfit for dinner that evening. There’s even space for you to fill out the weather so you can plan your sea day accordingly!

Do Your Research

Leading up to your cruise, you should do some research by reading blogs and watching videos on what to do at the cruise ports. Talk to your friends who’ve been on the cruise. Then come up with a list of places to see, food to try, and things to buy. This way, you can maximize your cruise vacation and not just wing it. I’ve included a travel wishlist worksheet in the cruise planner for you to log down things you want to see and do during your cruise.

Keep Track of Passwords and Loyalty Numbers

As you plan your cruise, it’s important to keep track of your loyalty numbers for airlines, cruise lines, and hotels. This way, you can enjoy the perks and accrue points from your trip. Plus, you’ll probably be logging in to various travel websites during your cruise planning so you’ll need a way to keep track of all the new passwords and usernames. 

To make this process easier, I’ve included a travel website password tracker and loyalty program tracker in my free cruise travel planner. This will help you stay organized when you’re planning your cruise.

Packing Lists

Packing is the most difficult part of planning for a cruise. When it comes to packing for a cruise, you really need 3 different packing lists. 

First, you need a packing list for your carry-on bag or overnight bag. This bag will not be checked in, and you will carry it with you as you walk onto the ship. Since you will not receive your checked-in luggage until later in the afternoon, you need to pack your first day cruise essentials like medications, toys, books, bathing suits and change of clothes. You can read this article to learn more about what to pack in your carry-on bag . 

The second packing list you need is a toiletry and first aid kit packing list. This list will include all the necessary toiletry essentials, such as toothbrushes, nail cutters, and razors. Since you’ll be on a cruise ship with limited access to a pharmacy, it’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit with prescription, over-the-counter, and anti-seasickness medicine. You can find out exactly what you need to pack in your cruise toiletry and first aid kit by reading my article. 

Finally, you’ll need a packing list for your checked-in luggage. This packing list will vary depending on your destination and when you’re traveling. For example, if you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise, what you pack for a summer Mediterranean cruise differs from packing for a spring Mediterranean cruise . I have included my Caribbean cruise packing list in the cruise travel planner, but you can also find my other cruise destination packing lists below:

Alaska cruise packing list

Caribbean cruise packing list

Mediterranean cruise packing list

Mexico cruise packing list

Bermuda Cruise Packing List

British Isle Cruise Packing List

Free Cruise Travel Planner Printable

Download our Free Cruise Travel Planner! It’s a 25-page journal designed to keep you organized before and during your cruise. The cruise planner includes pre-cruise and post-cruise itineraries, a cruise port planner, a sea days planner, packing lists, a cruise budget tracker, and much more! And the best part? It’s absolutely free! Download your Free Cruise Travel Planner today!

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The post 8 Things to Know About Planning a Cruise Vacation (Free Travel Planner) appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, you may be wondering where to start. Planning a cruise is quite different from planning a resort vacation. There are several things to consider and coordinate, such as shore excursions and purchasing cruise extras like beverage packages. Also, packing for a cruise is more complicated than packing […]

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Long Range Planning

  • Request Ship Time
  • Request major shipboard services and equipment
  • WHOI's Research Vessels

Before Cruise

Before the Cruise

  • Check list for Chief Scientist
  • Cruise Planning Questionnaire
  • Hazardous/Radioactive Materials

at sea

  • Tips for Going to Sea

forms

  • UNOLS Vessel Request Form
  • Scientific Personnel Form (pdf)
  • US Customs Form 445 (pdf)
  • Hazardous Material Inventory Form (xlsx)
  • Isotope Authorization Form
  • UNOLS Post-cruise Assessment Form

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

  • Cruise Synopsis
  • Ship Schedules
  • Support Services

Contact

  • Research Vessel Science Coordinator
  • Director of Ship Operations
  • Shipboard Scientific Support Group Manager

planning in cruise ship

Behind the scenes: How this Carnival cruise ship galley serves thousands of meals a night

planning in cruise ship

"Behind the Scenes” is a five-part series focusing on the inner workings of the travel industry and how those impact the consumer’s final product. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

On any given night, Pacific Restaurant on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship is a hub of activity. On multiple evenings during a recent sailing, guests lined up at the entrance to one of the main dining rooms on Carnival Jubilee , which gave way to a two-deck space with ornate, twinkling light fixtures and soaring white columns.

But a windowless room several decks below is where the real action happens.

The ship’s main galley, lined with metallic counters, stoves and ceiling panels, cranks out 15,000 dishes per night on average. The kitchen – one of 18 galleys overall – supplies multiple meals, but dinner is its busiest time.

“It's not a small operation by any means, especially on this class of ship,” Vivek Menon, the ship’s Food and Beverage Director told USA TODAY on board. Here’s how they do it.

Ever wanted to ride an airport bag belt? You can't, but we can show you where they go.

Behind the scenes with Disney's baby elephant: 'We don't force our animals to do anything'

How does a cruise ship galley work?

Lots of planning happens before meals ever hit guests’ plates. Food orders are placed around two weeks in advance and loaded onto the vessel on turnaround days, said Menon, whose food and beverage team includes just under 900 members (Jubilee can accommodate more than 6,000 guests).

The ship's galley staff cooks roughly 5,000 pounds of whole chicken, grills around 5,000 pounds of strip steak and bakes approximately 600 loaves of bread every week.

One morning in late February, fish was thawing in a walk-in refrigerator the size of a small bedroom on deck 3, two decks below the galley. According to a label on its exterior, a nearby freezer housed ice cream, while another room was filled with boxes of cruise essentials like Grey Goose Vodka and Crown Royal whiskey.

Chefs then place orders with the vessel’s storeroom team two days before they need the ingredients. “Pre-prep” – such as trimming and marinating chicken breasts – takes place a day beforehand, with more prep following on the day of service, though the time required varies.

Those chicken breasts, for example, might be prepped an hour prior to service. By contrast, “Prime rib cooks for six hours,” Menon said. “A short rib braises for 12 hours, so obviously that has a huge lead time. So, it depends on the dish.”

Then it’s showtime. The galley provides food for an average of 4,000 people a night between Pacific Restaurant and the ship’s other dining room, Atlantic Restaurant.

Orders start trickling in at around 5:45 p.m., but the crew is ready. Chefs are given a head count at the beginning of the evening, at peak time and near the end of dinner.

For example, Menon said, “If we’re cooking 1,000 fish for early dining, 1,000 filets, the counts are spread out in such a way that in the first 15 minutes, the cook is running around 200 ahead of count, because these counts are very quickly going to catch up,” Menon said.

As orders slow down, they narrow the gap and reduce output accordingly. “At the end of dinner service, you have very little left,” Menon said. “By the time it's nine 9, 9:15, we’re already down one or two, four or five pieces, depending on the volume we're setting up.” Guest flow differs each evening, however.

At the beginning of a cruise, the crew starts logging how much of a given item is used on that sailing – down to details like how guests want their steak cooked – which allows them to prepare more or less as needed.

Does food go to waste?

Tracking guest preferences is about more than just providing good service. The line has paid close attention to what goes uneaten as part of efforts to reduce food waste. “We looked at what the guests don't like, what's coming back on the plate,” Menon said. Then they can make changes.

Carnival also introduced QR-code menus in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it easier to tweak menus (though they have printed ones as well). Other measures, such as adding a charge for once-included room service in 2022, have helped the line move closer to those aims, too.

“Before (when) you walked down a corridor, every second cabin, you're going to see a plate outside with some things half-eaten because it was complimentary,” Menon said.

The line generated nearly 2.5 pounds of food waste per person around five years ago. Now that number is about 1.5 pounds. (Read more about how cruise lines have been working to reduce food waste here .)

What is Carnival’s Chef’s Table?

If guests want to peek behind the culinary curtain, they can see the galley for themselves. Carnival’s Chef’s Table experience features a tour and a multi-course dinner for between 12 and 16 people, according to the line’s website .

The sleek dining room that hosts the dinner on Jubilee was tucked deep inside the galley space, giving passengers up-close views of the kitchen. The menus – which can’t be found elsewhere on board – vary from ship to ship but have included items like knotted parmesan herb brioche, black-garlic cannelloni, a “lamb trilogy” (roasted, broiled and confit) and more.

When is the best time to take a cruise? We broke it down by region.

The experience is available on all Carnival ships and ranges from $90-$150 per person, depending on the vessel and the menu. Passengers can make reservations online after booking their cruise.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Carnival. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

What behind-the-scenes aspect of travel would you like to know more about?

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Cruise expert shares what not to bring on cruise

@sheknowshership/TikTok dbvirago/Adobe Stock (Licensed)

‘Don’t even think about trying to hide it’: Cruise expert shares what not to bring on cruise

'how can they not let you have bottled water'.

Photo of Angela Littlefield

Angela Littlefield

Posted on Mar 25, 2024   Updated on Mar 25, 2024, 1:24 pm CDT

Whether you’re a first-time cruise ship guest, or a seasoned traveler looking for a refresher, this TikToker is here to show you the dos and don’ts when it comes to traveling by ship. The consequences for no following her advice can mean a vacation ruined.

The video was viewed 854,000 times. @sheknowshership dedicates her TikTok page to helping viewers and followers plan their “perfect cruise vacation;” she refers to herself as “Your Cruise Mom.”

“Ever wonder what you can’t bring on a cruise?” she asks in a video viewed 854,000 times. “I’ve got some answers for you! Happy cruising.”

“First don’t bring hard liquor with you on board,” she starts her list. “Don’t even think about trying to hide it to get on board.” The TikToker shares that if you are caught trying to get hard liquor on board, not only will your alcohol get confiscated but you could also “get in trouble.”

More surprising, she says cruise ship guests are likely prohibited from bringing bottled water

“Instead bring what is allowed,” she continues.

She says it is likely travelers can bring one bottle of champagne or wine. You can also likely bring a 12-pack of soda per person, she says. Bringing your own beverages can help you save money, she exclaims.

She adds at the end of her video that drones will also get confiscated.

@sheknowshership Ever wondered what you can’t bring on a cruise? I’ve got some answers for you! Happy cruising!!! #foryourpage #fypシ゚viral #fyp #cruisetok #whatnottobring #cruising #viral #viraltiktok ♬ ThisIsWhatYouCameFor(Remix) – HEST

Many viewers in the comments were shocked by the fact they couldn’t bring bottled water on the cruise ship.

“How can they not let you have bottled water? like sorry I don’t wanna pay 7 bucks for questionable water…..,” commented one viewer.

@Sheknowshership replied to the viewer, saying, “You can order bottled water to be in your room when you arrive, that’s not questionable.”

Another viewer chimed in on the conversation and mentioned it that it “depends on the cruise line”

@sheknowshership replied by confirming to her audience that this is a true statement; different rules apply depending on the cruise line.  

Since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise line industry has taken a tremendous hit. 

According to Reuters , “About 35.7 million passengers are expected to cruise in 2024, up from 31.5 million in 2023.”

Travelers all across the world are opting for more affordable vacations.

“Travelers are looking to cruises in 2024 because they are still cheaper than land-based alternatives. With occupancy levels approaching pre-pandemic levels, operators plan to hike prices in coming months,” stated Reuters.

@sheknowshership’s content is sure to prove especially helpful in the coming months as summer kicks off.

The Daily Dot reached out to @sheknowshership via TikTok comment. 

The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter  here  to get the best (and worst) of the internet straight into your inbox.

Angela Shanice Littlefield is a freelance writer for the Daily Dot with a focus on pop culture and tech news. She's a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). She has written and worked for entertainment figures such as Sirius XM Radio Personality Sway Calloway, and published work for Grammy U, the NAACP's Crisis magazine, and Austin Monthly magazine.

Angela Littlefield

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2 crew members die on cruise ship during ‘incident’ in the Bahamas

  • Published: Mar. 25, 2024, 9:11 a.m.

Holland America cruise ship

FILE - A Holland America cruise ship is shown in Victoria, Canada on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship's engineering space, the cruise line said. The unidentified crew members died Friday, March 22, 2024, while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.(Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

  • The Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship’s engineering space, the cruise line said.

The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.

Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members were being offered counseling.

“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” the statement said. “The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.”

The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members. It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

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