how to book a cruise trip

Everything to Know Before Booking Your First Cruise

By Mark Ellwood and Ramsey Qubein

Approaching how to book a cruise for the first time has always been somewhat daunting, with a dizzying assortment of itineraries, companies, destinations, and ships to choose from. How can first-timers  book a cruise without going wrong? We asked three  Traveler -approved experts for their seasoned advice: Gene Sloan is cruise editor for  The Points Guy ; Jason Leppert is cruise editor for  TravelAge West ; Carolyn Spencer Brown is  Cruise Media’s chief content officer. All three are industry experts that have decades of experience across various types of cruises.

What’s the ideal cruise length for a first-timer?

A week or so is the  sweet spot for most first-time cruisers , which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won’t allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can’t decompress as thoroughly, either. Still, Leppert suggests a weekend trip could be enough for those that just want to try out cruising for the first time to see if you like it. 

While that’s  a good idea for some, Sloan also points out that cruise lines don’t always put their best ships on shorter runs. The ships on these itineraries can sometimes be older and have fewer of the bells and whistles that draw people to cruising in the first place. He says it is not exactly representative of the latest cruising has to offer, and the destinations on super-short cruises are not always the most unique offerings.

What’s the best way to book a cruise?

Many may wonder: Is it cheaper to book a cruise direct? Sure, you can  book a cruise online—but it’s a rookie mistake. Smart cruisers know the best place to book a cruise is with a  travel agent . Though agents’ roles have diminished in the mass-market travel biz, they remain crucial for cruising. Not only can specialists offer seasoned advice, but they can also wrangle deals and promos: Ask them about shipboard credit, which is the ocean equivalent of a gift card to spend onboard—$100 or so is a standard bonus. They may also have access to group rates, according to Sloan. Even if their prices are similar to those when booking direct, the volume of business agents do with cruise lines means you are more likely to score perks like a cabin upgrade or welcome bottle of Champagne when using one.

As the industry reinvents itself in the wake of the pandemic, it’s never been more important to have expert counsel, adds Spencer Brown. “At the end of the day, you’re going on this trip to relax, have fun, learn something, and get away from your everyday world. I want that support system.”

If something goes wrong, an agent can help rectify the situation faster than you may be able to if you go it alone. You won’t be paying more for their service, either. Most make their money via commissions from the cruise lines. Leppert calls it “the best of the best” advice to go with a travel advisor. 

What’s the best time to book a cruise?

If you're looking to leverage new cruise deals, the best way to  book a cruise is by starting early since prices continue to be robust. “There’s so much pent-up demand. People haven’t traveled for a year or more, so they’re spending more money on the trips they’re going on—upgrading to a nicer suite, perhaps,” says Spencer Brown. This could make it harder to secure the cabin you want on the sailing you want.

Leppert highlights  Wave Season (January through March) for booking a future cruise since this is when cruise lines typically announce their best deals although last-minute bargains always pop up. Like Spencer Brown, he says that demand is outpacing inventory so it is best to book as soon as possible.

Sloan agrees and says people  book cruises much further in advance than a hotel or flight, which means that inventory can get gobbled up quickly. Many cruise lines open up their reservation window as far as two years in advance, which means certain cabins can get snatched up. Don’t forget that many travelers are looking to use leftover credits they have from the pandemic, which further compounds the demand.

Most major cruise lines offer the equivalent of a price adjustment—if the cost of your cruise drops after you pay a deposit, but before the final payment, you’ll be protected, and refunded the difference. This means there is little penalty to reserving as early as possible.

What are the best types of cruises for first-timers?

Opt for a winter sun trip in the  Caribbean . It’s easy and affordable to reach the boarding port, and shuttling between the clusters of islands offers a compact, convenient way to experience a multitude of cultures. “Think of a cruise as a tapas menu,” says Spencer Brown—it allows you to sample destinations to which you might later return for a longer visit. Even handier, when on a Caribbean cruise almost every island accepts payment in dollars, so there’s no need to juggle currencies. The waters also are largely calm, keeping seasickness to a minimum.

River cruising is another smart first-time choice, adds Spencer Brown. “You can literally walk off the ship into town, go to a park or ride a bike, or just sit on the top deck breathing the air—it’s marvelous,” she says. 

Sloan offers another take saying that your travel budget should lead the way. If you are prepared to drop $1,000 a night on a cruise, start out on an upscale line with smaller ships like Silversea Cruises or Seabourn. These will give you a taste of cruising with fewer passengers, and often to smaller, less-frequented ports. 

If the budget leans more toward the $100 per-day price point, try one of the newer mega-ships from Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. These newer ships can have a bustling resort vibe that will keep you busy no matter what your cabin type.

Seasoned cruisers know that ship amenities are often less buys while at port.

Understanding cabin categories

There’s a dizzying array of options (and pricing) for staterooms, especially on larger ships. First-timers who simply want a place to crash often book the cheapest category, an interior cabin with no window or balcony. 

Sevil Delin

Anya Meyerowitz

Meaghan Kenny

Paul Richardson

If you fall for the trappings of a bargain-basement deal, that cheapie stateroom might be right across from the service area, with a door slamming shut 24/7 or underneath the kitchen, with heavy carts rolling at 6 a.m. Avoid cabins below frequently used passageways on the top decks where footsteps and the sound of deck chairs moving frequently can be annoying. Even higher category cabins can be one deck below the main deck so it is wise to ask about this when reserving.

There are several websites with exhaustive cruise deck plan maps that offer advice and user-generated feedback, almost like a sea-going counterpart to SeatGuru’s airline seat maps. These can be a lifesaver when choosing a cabin type.

The scoop on shore excursions

For a first-timer, these can be confusing. Details aren’t often added to an itinerary until six months or so before sail date; check back regularly, snap up a place on any excursions that are of interest, and book early—popular options can reach capacity long before sailing. 

Still, some travelers choose to go off-menu and arrange private excursions, using independent companies, which can often be cheaper than the line's options. Just keep in mind that when taking an independent excursion, the ship won’t wait for you if you’re late. Staying with the cruise line’s jaunts may be more expensive, but is a safer bet if you are not sure of a new destination.

Sloan says that it really depends where the ship is going. In some ports like Barcelona or Venice, it is easy to venture off on your own without an excursion. Others, however, may require longer drives or special access passes making excursions a safer bet.

Another consideration is to use port days to spend more time on the ship. Leppert notes that onboard amenities like pools, buffets and waterslides are less crowded when most people are ashore. If a particular destination doesn’t appeal to you (or perhaps you have been many times before), it’s ok to enjoy the ship instead.

What is a sea day?

Transits, when the ship is en route between ports, are known as sea days (like the term shore excursions, it's more  cruise lingo ); passengers, obviously, remain on board. Many newbies fret about wasting time at sea rather than exploring, but they’re often a fun chance to explore the ship itself, as well as decompress between ports. Some travelers actually  book cruises that have at least one or two sea days, especially if it’s a larger ship with loads of amenities like water parks, race car tracks, zip lining, and multiple shows. 

What's the best first cruise for a family?

The mega ships are always primed to be the best first choice for families, whether Norwegian’s 4,200-passenger  Escape or the newest Oasis class of ships beginning with the  new  Wonder of the Seas . Their emphasis is on activities like adrenaline-rushing water slides, surf simulators, and three-tiered race tracks.

Disney Cruise Line is an obvious place to start for families, but it has a surprising number of activities and experiences for adults, too, including adults-only areas on board. Still, this isn’t the line for an adult-only vacation unless you’re a hard-core Disney fan.

How much does it cost to book a cruise?

You may be wondering how much does a 7-day cruise usually cost? The answer is that it depends. The time of year you travel (avoid school holidays, for example), the destination, and the ports of call can affect the overall cost. 

Many travelers enjoy, for example, taking repositioning cruises. These happen typically as the seasons change and cruise lines move their ships from one region to another (between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, for example). Sometimes, these cruises visit islands that are rarely frequented making them more expensive. Many experts say that they are not ideal for first-time cruisers, however, as there may be many sea days. 

Shorter cruises that rely on drive-market travelers typically come with a lower price point than those in far-flung destinations. Special deals and repeat traveler discounts can also affect the overall cost.

What is the cheapest cruise ship to go on?

These are generally the shorter sailings from Miami or Port Canaveral, for instance, using the larger brands like Carnival, Princess Cruises, or Royal Caribbean, according to Sloan. The best deals are generally in the fall (the low season for Florida departures). Cruises to the Bahamas or the Caribbean tend to be more affordable than those to places like Europe or Alaska.

West Coast travelers can find great bargain deals on cruises to Mexico, too, adds Leppert.

What to know about cruise insurance

Don’t skimp on  cruise insurance . Cruise vacations can easily fall prey to flight disruptions or storms that can snarl plans. Check online for insurance policies from places like VisitorsCoverage and Seven Corners, which have reasonable prices for comprehensive coverage.

If you’re flying to the embarkation point, plan to arrive the day before—even the most perfect cruise won’t wait if you’re stuck in air traffic congestion all morning. Yet another reason to ensure you’re insured.

How to Book a Cruise for the First Time: a Comprehensive Step-by-step Guide

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Many first time cruisers find the process of booking and planning a cruise confusing, for good reason. Even though cruising is pretty effortless once you’re on the cruise ship, there are a lot of things to be aware of as you plan.

If you’re booking a cruise for the first time, it can be hard to know where to start. After all, there are so many cruise ships and itineraries to choose from, the decisions might seem overwhelming. Plus, there are so many other things to think about, from choosing the best cabin to booking shore excursions !

In this post, I share how to book a cruise for the first time, in a step by step guide. You’ll find answers to some common questions people have about booking a cruise, as well as tips to avoid unfortunate rookie mistakes .

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Book Your First Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

To book your first cruise, you can either book directly with the cruise line through their website, book online with a large booking engine or book with a travel agent .

All are good ways to book, however first time cruisers often benefit from working with an individual travel agent or cruise advisor. While you can find someone local, it’s common to work with a cruise travel agent through email and occasional phone calls as needed.

This can be really helpful as your travel agent can help to book hotels and flights, share important information from the cruise line and answer your questions along the way.

Most travel agents don’t charge for their service to book a cruise, and you may get an incentive for booking, like an extra onboard cash credit .

Read more:   Best Way to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line?

Can You Book a Cruise on Your Own?

Can you book a cruise on your own? Absolutely. If you know what cruise you want and prefer to book directly with the cruise line it’s easy to do so. You can reserve and pay for your cruise booking on the cruise line website or work with one of their Personal Vacation Planners over the phone or by email.

Planning a cruise? Here’s a list of the cruise accessories and travel items to pack for your vacation.

How to Plan Your First Cruise

Part of the fun of going on a cruise is the research and planning. Here’s a list of things to do as you plan your first cruise. You’ll see the details below.

• Cruise line and cruise ship
• Length of cruise
• Choose your dates of travel
• Choose a cabin
• Book your cruise
• Book your flights and hotels
• Buy travel insurance
• Book excursions and research cruise ports
• Add on beverage and dining packages
• Do your online check in
• Have a packing list
• The best time to book a cruise

1. Choose a Cruise Line and Cruise Ship

There really isn’t one best cruise line or cruise ship, since everyone is different, and so are the cruise lines. However, first time cruisers are usually best off choosing from some of the most popular cruise lines. This includes Carnival, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, Princess Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises.

Here are a few quick tips that will help you to know what to expect from each cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line are known for their fun ships and casual atmosphere. They offer a good value vacation, and are great for budget or family cruisers.

Newer cruise ships like the Mardi Gras, have some cool features, like the first roller coaster at sea along with more food and dining options.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises have beautiful cruise ships, many of which are known for their famous sparkly Zwarovski crystal stairs. MSC cruise ships have a European flair, which includes dining and entertainment that may feel more international.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean are known for their large innovative cruise ships with lots to do for kids and adults. Entertainment on Royal Caribbean is second to none, with Aqua and Ice Skating shows, Broadways shows and more on many of their cruise ships. Royal Caribbean is great for families as well as cruisers of all ages.

Smaller Royal Caribbean ships won’t have the same bells and whistles as the larger mega ships, so make sure you check the cruise ship features before you book.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line, or NCL as they’re sometimes called, are well known as the Freestyle cruise line. Norwegian cruises are fun and fairly casual, while their ships are innovative and beautiful. In contrast to most other mainstream cruise lines, Norwegian doesn’t have strict cruise dress codes .

You’ll find great entertainment on NCL, including Broadway shows like Rock of Ages and venues such as Dueling Pianos. Newer or refurbished cruise ships are good choices. As with Royal Caribbean, check the cruise ship for the features and activities you like best.

Read more:   Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Perks Explained

Disney Cruises

Disney Cruises is a quality cruise line that commands a higher price than other cruise lines that cater to families and kids. As you can imagine, the ships are Disney themed and offer many Disney shows and experiences. Even though Disney is more expensive, many people rave about the Disney cruise experience – from entertainment, dining and service, the kid’s camp and more.

If you’re cruising with kids and have the budget for it, a Disney cruise is worth considering.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruise ships are elegant and beautiful and tend to be somewhat traditional. The food and entertainment is very good, as are the enrichment activities. On Princess, you’ll be able to cruise with Ocean Medallion , which has made the service and overall experience quite good.

Outside of the Holidays and summer months, you won’t see too many families. However, since the activities are so varied, Princess is a really good cruise line for multi-generational travel.

Related:  Princess Cruises: 15 Tips, Tricks and Insider Secrets

Holland America

Holland America has beautiful, classic cruise ships. You can expect very good food and service and a focus on enrichment. Overall, a Holland America cruise will be relaxing and while they have very good shows and live music, this is not a late night party ship. Holland America passengers are generally experienced and mature travelers.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity cruise ships feel both modern and upscale, but not stuffy. As an example, they’ve done away with formal night and replaced it with an Evening Chic dress code .

Celebrity’s dining and service is very good. The entertainment includes a combination of Celebrity produced shows and quality guest entertainers.

While families can cruise and be comfortable on Celebrity, in contrast to sister cruise line Royal Caribbean, you won’t find waterslides and other theme park like activities.

Something to note is that the price of Celebrity Cruises may seem a fair bit higher than other popular cruise lines. However, this is partly because Celebrity includes a beverage package, wifi and gratuities in the price .

You can find out more about what’s included and how it works in this post:  Celebrity Cruises Always Included (how it works)

2. Choose the Perfect Itinerary

For your first cruise, you’ll want to get familiar with cruise itineraries and what there is to do in the ports of call . These are some great cruise itineraries for first time cruisers .

Caribbean & Bahamas Cruises

Many first time cruisers dream of beautiful beaches and tropical islands, so Caribbean cruises are ideal, especially for a winter getaway! Caribbean cruises itineraries offer water activities, beaches, sightseeing and shopping. There’s Western Caribbean, Eastern and Southern Caribbean to choose from, with each port of call feeling unique and offering different types of excursions.

Typically Caribbean and Bahamas cruises are the most popular with first time and seasoned cruisers alike.

Bermuda Cruise

Bermuda cruises offer the appeal of staying longer in one destination and having more time to explore on your own. A subtropical destination, Bermuda cruises sail from April until October, with summer as a high season. This safe and charming island makes it a perfect first time cruise experience.

Bermuda cruises are a great romantic cruise for couples , but also amazing for a family friendly family cruise vacation.

Read more:   Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard – Best Things to Do Near the Cruise Port

Best Things to do In Bermuda for Cruisers

Horseshoe Bay Beach Bermuda Review & Guide

Mediterranean Cruises

If you’re less into beaches and more interested in History, culture, sightseeing and good food, you can’t go wrong with a Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Ports of call may include Rome, Florence, Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Cannes, Barcelona and more.

These cruises tend to be more expensive than Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, but are “bucket list” travel experiences.

Alaska Cruise

Alaska attracts many first timers who are destination focused travelers . An Alaskan cruise is seen as a once in a lifetime experience for many, filled with adventure and the wonder of nature.

Alaska cruises are great for people of any age, but it does attract an older demographic. However, over the last few years Alaska has gained popularity with younger couples and even families with young kids or teens, and larger family cruises.

Read more:  5 Alaska Whale Watching Tips You Need to Know

5 Reasons Why Everyone Needs to Go on a Cruise to Alaska

Cruises to Avoid for First Time Cruisers

There are some cruises that first time cruisers should avoid . as they can lead to disappointment.

Repositioning Cruises

While one of the best ways to get a deal on a cruise is by booking repositioning cruises, they are not recommended for new cruisers. Repositioning cruises tend to be much cheaper than other cruises, when you look at a cost per day.

However, there are a lot of sea days and possible rough seas crossing the Atlantic or Pacific oceans – not great for those that are concerned about potential motion sickness . There are also usually less activities per day than a cruise line’s popular 7 day cruise itinerary.

Short Cruises

A cruise is a pretty full vacation, with a balance of both days in port where you can book excursions and explore, and sea days when you can enjoy the cruise ship and all the onboard activities. Short 2, 3 or 4 day sailings just don’t give you enough time to experience it all, while also relaxing.

Many people who’ve taken short cruises as a first cruise have said it was just too short.

Older Cruise Ships

An easy mistake to make, is to book on older cruise ships which have not been adequately refurbished. Even as an experienced cruiser, I’ve been on some cruise ships where the cabins are outdated and I’ve seen snags in the hallway carpets and pool areas which need painting. It just doesn’t make the best impression of cruising or the cruise line, and this is especially important for a first cruise.

Cruise tip: You can find out when your cruise ship was last refurbished and what was done. Read recent reviews on Facebook and on message boards and see if any recurring issues come up.

Read full article here (with 4 more cruises): 7 Cruises NOT to take & Which to Do Instead

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

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3. Pick the Best Length of Cruise

The length of your cruise may be important than you know. Choose a cruise that’s too short, and you may not have enough time to truly relax and enjoy all that cruising has to offer. However, choose a cruise that’s too long or that has too many sea days , and it may just be too much if you aren’t used to it.

A perfect cruise length for many first time cruisers is 7 days. This usually gives you at least 3 cruise ports and 3 sea days, a couple of formal nights , and enough time to enjoy may activities on the cruise ship.

Related:  63 Things NOT to Do on a Cruise Ship

4. Set Your Cruise Budget

An important part of planning for your cruise is knowing your budget. If you have an idea of how much you want to spend on your first cruise , it can help to narrow down your choices.

On average, you can expect cruises to start at about $100 a day. However, you can find some cruises that are as low as $50 a night and others that are much higher. This depends on a few things including the cruise line, cruise cabin choice and date of sailing.

Remember to factor in the cost of your cruise, plus flights, hotels, excursions and other extra expenses. Plus, you’ll need to bring some cash or spending money for the cruise as well.

Read more: 27 Tips to Save Money on a Cruise

How Much Cash Should You Bring on a Cruise?

5. When Should You Cruise?

When is the best time to cruise? It depends on the cruise itinerary you’d like to book, as each has it’s season.

Alaska cruises sail from May-September. Bermuda Cruises start in April-October. Caribbean cruises sail year round, however there may be fewer ships sailing in summer months. Mediterranean cruises are most popular from May-October, although there are a few cruise ships that will sail during the cooler winter months,

While some people are flexible and can choose to cruise anytime, many others have a set vacation time or have to plan around school breaks and summer holidays. Remember that late summer through Fall is hurricane season , so while prices will be lower, I wouldn’t suggest these for first time cruisers.

If you have a preferred time that you want or need to travel, search cruises and itineraries that are available at that time. If you can be flexible with your travel dates by even a couple of weeks, you may be able to save 50% or more on a cruise .

Read more: 75 Cruise Hacks to Help Save You Money & More

6. Which Cruise Cabin is Best

Choosing your cruise cabin is a really important decision. After all, you’ll be spending a fair amount of time there and want to make sure you have a good sleep, at the very least.

There are 5 main cruise stateroom categories to choose from:

Inside or interior cabins

Inside cabins are usually the least expensive cabins on any cruise ship . They are interior rooms, so they don’t have any windows, however they can still be comfortable and cosy.

These are good cabins for anyone cruising on a budget and those that love dark spaces for a really good night’s sleep. Inside staterooms are also great for people who don’t think they’ll be in their cabin other than to sleep, shower and dress.

Read more: How to Make Your Inside Cabin Feel More Spacious

7 Reasons Why You Should Book an Inside Cabin on Your Cruise

Oceanview Cabins

Ocean view cabins often have a nice large picture window, although sometimes you’ll have only a port hole. Ocean view cabins are similar in size to inside cabins, however these are preferred by those who want more natural light.

Balcony Cabins

Balcony cabins are sometimes referred to as veranda staterooms. These rooms are more spacious than inside and ocean view cabins, and have private balcony where you can spend time and view the ocean as well as ports of call.

If you can afford a balcony cabin, you’ll probably love it!

Read more: Best Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin on a Cruise

Aft Balcony Cruise Ship Cabins Pros & Cons

Mini-suites or Junior Suites

Mini suites are great cabins for families or anyone who wants more space, including a small living area in their state room. Mini suite staterooms will usually have a larger bathroom and a bathtub, whereas the lower cruise cabin categories will have smaller bathrooms and just a shower.

Looking for a really special experience on a cruise? Book a suite to have a separate living room and dining area, beautiful spacious bathroom, balcony which may even have your own hot tub and more. Many cruise ships now offer a private sun deck and lounge for suite guests, plus extra amenities and butler service.

Read more: 10 Worst Cruise Cabins to Avoid 

7. Book Your Flights

Once you’ve booked your cruise, it’s time to book a flights.

One of the most common mistakes people make when going on a cruise is flying in on the same day of their cruise. While many times things can turn out just fine, by planning to arrive the same day as your cruise you risk arriving late and missing your cruise. It happens more often than you know.

Veteran cruisers and travel agents always advice to arrive one day prior to your cruise

You can book your flights on your own through your favorite travel website, a travel agent or by using reward points. You can also book your flights with the cruise line using cruise line air .

Cruise Line Air Option

Cruise line air is available with many cruise lines, however it does come with some pros and cons. Some cruise lines allow you to book flexible flights right on their website, where you can choose your dates and air carrier. Others will have more restrictions and charge extra charges for deviations.

Related: 6 Best Reasons to Book Cruise Line Air (plus 3 Reasons Not To)

8. Book Pre and Post Cruise Hotels

If you’re flying in a day before your cruise, which you won’t regret, it’s time to book a pre-cruise hotel . Since the embarkation port is likely near a major city worth visiting, you may want to extend your stay by booking a couple extra nights before or after your cruise.

While you can book your hotel with your cruise line, you’ll likely pay more than if you book on a website like Expedia or even directly with the hotel. One cruise travel hack I’ve used is booking with my travel reward points or Air Miles, so I don’t really feel the extra cost of my pre-cruise stays.

Related: Best Things to Do in Miami Pre & Post Cruise

9. Purchase Travel Insurance

As more people are planning cruises in 2021 and 2022 , many are also prioritizing purchasing travel insurance for their cruises .

Buying cruise travel insurance is important for people of every age. Should you get ill or need medical treatment while cruising or in a foreign country, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Talk with your travel advisor about insurance options or research the best coverage for your needs.

Read more :   7 Reasons You Need Travel Insurance for Your Next Cruise

10. Research Cruise Ports and Book Excursions

Now for the fun part – researching your ports of call and planning shore excursions !

One of the best parts of cruising is the opportunity to travel to different ports of call. You have couple of options when it comes to planning how you’ll spend your time in each port.

Related: 15 Best Beach Bags for a Cruise

Cruise Line Shore Excursions

You can make it really easy and book cruise line shore excursions . You may choose a sightseeing tour, a beach break, a snorkeling excursion or even a hike through a rainforest. There will probably be 10-20 different types of activities to choose from.

The nice thing about booking excursions through the cruise line is that everything is organized for you. It also comes with an assurance that the ship will wait for you if for some reason your excursion is late.

A practical tip for first time cruisers is to book cruise line shore excursions especially if the attraction is far from the cruise port.

Research Your Cruise Ports and Plan Your Own Excursions

Some people like to visit cruise ports independently. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to research the cruise ports and the main attractions and best things to do.

If you feel comfortable, book an excursion with a private tour operator or visit on your own. You can find great advice in cruise Facebook groups, on cruise line message boards, and by reading blogs and watching YouTube cruise vlogs as well.

Related:   What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Bag

9 Best Tips for Cruise Shore Excursion Planning 

11. Add on Optional Beverage or Dining Packages

There’s a lot included on a cruise , however most cruises aren’t all inclusive. So you may want to consider adding a beverage or dining package to your booking.

Packages for dining as well as soda, coffee or alcoholic beverage packages can be added to your cruise booking on your cruise personalizer or online planner. While you can add drink packages and specialty dining once on your cruise ship, many cruise line’s will have discounts and promotions leading up to your cruise.

We’ve found that for most cruise lines, that you save money by booking in advance.

Are beverage packages worth it? Here’s info on 3 cruise lines:

Are Princess Cruises Drink Packages Worth it?

Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages: What’s Included and is it Worth it?

Celebrity Cruises Always Included (drinks, wifi, gratuities)

12. Online Check-in

Cruise lines require you to complete your online check-in before you cruise. You may as well do this as soon as it’s available, but at least about a month before your cruise. This way, if you have an issue or any questions, you have time to resolve it.

When doing your online check in, you’ll be asked for your government identification or passport information, a credit card to keep on file, proof of vaccination (most cruise lines), and to fill in a health questionnaire.

13. Have a Cruise Packing List

Print out or write a cruise packing list, so you don’t forget to bring anything on your cruise . I like to make a personalized list that I add onto as needed, but you can start with a pre-filled one as a guide.

Things to consider are clothing and cruise outfits , toiletries and first aid items , as well as what to pack in your cruise carry on bag for the first day of your cruise .

Don’t forget to check your cruise line’s dress code to plan for what to wear on your cruise on formal nights and other days and evenings on your cruise.

Looking for a way to keep organized from the moment you start planning your cruise? Check out the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner ($10 0ff for a limited time)

14. Double Check Your Cruise Travel Requirements

These days, most cruise lines are requiring most cruise passengers to be vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to board. As well, there are pre-cruise testing requirements.

However, the cruise protocols and requirements continue to change and evolve. It’s very important to keep up to date with your own cruise line’s policies and protocols, especially in the last few weeks before you sail.

You can do this by keeping an eye on your emails from the cruise line as well as by checking directly on the cruise line website regularly.

Related:   Why Now is a Good Time to Book a Cruise for 2021 or 2022

15. The Best Time to Book a Cruise

The best advice I can give, is book your cruise as early as possible, especially for popular cruise destinations or new cruise ships. Last minute deals aren’t common in the cruise industry, and the best prices are often seen about 6 months to a year in advance.

When you book far in advance, only a deposit is required. Final payments are due, depending on the cruise line, between 120-75 days before your cruise. If your cruise lowers in price during this time, you can usually take advantage of any new promotions.

By booking early, not only will you usually get a better deal, but you’ll also get the best choices of cabins. You can also book flights, plan your onboard activities and shore excursions.

Related:   10 Things that Cost Extra on a Cruise but Are Worth It

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What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (with packing list)

Final Thoughts on How to Book a Cruise for the First Time

Planning a cruise doesn’t have to be hard. With a step by step process that begins with choosing the right cruise ship and itinerary, you can use this list to help plan your cruise, every step of the way.

I hope this post will make your cruise planning process easier and make you feel like a more confident cruiser!

Do you have questions about how to book your cruise or tips to share? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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

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.

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.

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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The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

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Not all cruise sites are created equal. While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies. 

So, what's the best way to book a cruise? From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers.

The best cruise websites and how they sweeten the deal 

For sailings across the caribbean, mexico or central america: cheapcaribbean.

CheapCaribbean.com is the best cruise website for the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. It offers a best-price guarantee plus limited-time offers and discounts.

If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

Best-price guarantee.

Customer service is available seven days a week.

Charges a $24.99 processing fee on reservations.

Must provide an email address to receive the best deals and promos.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

For reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is an independent website that encourages community members to post reviews and share tips.

Its message boards offer ways for website visitors to ask questions and share feedback with others based on their personal experiences and opinions. The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites.

Read cruise reviews from travelers who've been on that itinerary before.

"Deal Score" ranks deals to find the best value.

Price tracker shows 90-day trends for cruise prices.

Must click through the deal to book your cruise on other websites.

Prices are not guaranteed and can change before booking due to fees and restrictions on the sites where the cruises are being sold.

To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect is the best cruise website when all you want are cruise prices. It doesn't offer hotels, flights, rental cars or other reservations you may want for your next vacation. CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site.

Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships.

Bonus offers on every reservation provide extra value.

Best-price guarantee and free reservation holds.

Buy now, pay later financing options.

Promos offered by cruise lines aren't exclusive to CruiseDirect.

Customer service can be unfriendly.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

For budget-friendly options: Priceline

Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations.

Up to $2,000 to spend on board.

Waived deposits of up to $500 when booking your cruise.

110% best-price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more from the same site.

Must call Priceline to get exclusive offers and unpublished fares.

Restrictions make the best-price guarantee harder to benefit from.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best cruise deals

For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise.

Search over 70,000 cruise deals from more than 60 sites at once.

Dedicated ship pages share details, reviews, photos and itineraries.

Too many search results make it harder to narrow down your choices.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned website that matches travelers with a vacation planner based on their preferences. It's the best way to book a cruise using a travel planner because it offers a low-price guarantee without charging extra fees for the planner.

The downside is that online pricing is not "live." Therefore, you must speak with a travel planner to get the latest prices and book your cruise.

Match with cruise planners according to your needs.

Does not charge Avoya fees for booking, changes or cancellations.

Get a low-price guarantee and the expertise of a vacation planner without extra fees.

Must become a member to unlock the best deals.

Pricing on the website is not "live" pricing, so actual cost may vary.

Cannot book a cruise online. You must speak with an independent vacation planner.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance right now

To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel

American airlines cruises.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com . All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise.

If you have an American Airlines credit card, you'll earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles. These miles and Loyalty Points count toward airline elite status. Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines.

Earn miles and Loyalty Points toward travel and elite status.

Cardholders earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles on cruises.

Cruise experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cruise reservations are offered by a third party, so customer service issues can be a challenge.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase.

Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations.

Can earn up to 100,000 miles when booking a cruise.

Waives deposits when booking eligible cruises.

110% price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Most cruise awards are capped at 10,000 miles.

Miles earned are based on the length of the cruise, not the amount spent.

United Airlines Cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com .

When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase. If you have Premier status, you receive additional perks on select cruise lines, like wine and onboard credits.

Earn up to 7x miles on cruises.

United MileagePlus Premier members receive additional perks.

Can redeem miles to pay for some or all of your trip.

Not all cruises can be booked online.

Prices do not include a nonrefundable $24.99 processing fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

If you want to earn hotel points on your cruise, Marriott Cruise with Points is the best cruise website for you. You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Earn up to 6x points on your cruise, up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Marriott cardholders receive an extra 2x points when paying with their cards.

Can use Bonvoy points to pay for your cruise.

Redemption value of Bonvoy points is only 0.4 cent.

Must call to book cruises using points.

Processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards vs. hotel credit cards

For cruise package deals: Costco Travel

Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members. Through its Costco Travel website , members receive exclusive prices and benefits when booking hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Earn 2% rewards and extra perks with Executive Membership.

Some cruises offer Costco gift cards or onboard credit.

Must be a member to book reservations with Costco Travel.

Directly with the Cruise Line

In some cases, booking directly with the cruise line can be best because it eliminates a third party. If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other.

This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.

Simple search functions.

No hassles with third parties for problems, changes or cancellations.

Less likely to get scammed by fraudulent sites.

Miss out on deals offered by third-party sites.

Harder to compare prices, benefits and routes from multiple cruise lines.

Comparing cruise prices across websites

Without being able to compare prices, it can be a challenge to determine the best site for booking a cruise. To make it easier to compare, we priced out a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two adults. 

We selected the lowest-priced balcony room on Royal Caribbean departing from Miami in August 2023. Here are the results:

Mitigate cancellation policy risks with travel insurance

If you're worried your trip plans being disrupted by bad weather or a change of plans, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for cruises

Booking a cruise recapped

When looking for the best way to book a cruise, the price is virtually the same on every website. The difference lies in how each seller sweetens the deal.

Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites. 

When prices are the same, we recommend cruise bookers compare the perks being offered, then book on the site with the most appealing bonuses, like onboard credits, airline miles, hotel points or cash back.

If you're searching for cruises on a third-party website, you may question the legitimacy of that site. This is especially true if the site doesn't look professional or some of the information is outdated.

For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers.

Yes, last-minute deals can be the best way to book a cruise. If your travel plans are flexible, these deals can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book your preferred destination or routing if it is sold out.

Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

First-Time Cruiser Packing Tips

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.

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 and book a cruise trip in 9 easy steps

Cruising is a fantastic way to see the world, and with careful planning, you can ensure your next vacation is the best yet. The planning stage is where the excitement begins. Here are our best tips on planning and booking a cruise trip that will give you value for money and unforgettable memories.

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The benefits of investing time in planning your cruise vacation

Many cruise guests prefer to let a travel agent do all the work when planning a trip. Consider instead planning your own vacation. Investing your time in planning and booking a cruise vacation yourself will save you money and give you the bonus of always being in control of your plans.

• Cost savings – planning your own cruise vacation can often save money compared to using a travel agent. You can research deals and discounts on your own and book directly with the cruise line or through an online travel agency, which can offer lower prices than a traditional travel agent.
• Tailored experience – doing all the work yourself allows you to tailor the experience to your specific preferences and needs. Enlist the help and opinions of your family or friends you are traveling with, as the planning process can be great fun. You will learn so much from the research process you will probably end up doing more fun activities and seeing more new places than you ever thought possible.
• Flexibility – you can plan your pre- and post-cruise activities and hotels according to what you want to do and the budget you have to spend. Researching destinations is great fun and very absorbing; we can promise you that your list of “must-see” sights will get longer when you discover just what each destination offers. Familiarizing yourself with cities and ports to plan how you will spend your day on land will give you more time to pack in as many new experiences as possible.

Remember, planning your own vacation will save you money and, at the same time, gives you a much richer vacation experience.

Step 1: Define your budget to book a cruise that fits your wallet

Your travel budget will always dictate and determine the type of vacation you can plan. Start as early as possible to save money for your dream vacation. When you have established your budget and the amount you are willing to spend on your vacation, move on to the planning.

It may seem obvious, but it is a crucial step. And you must be honest with yourself. 

After all, where is the fun in being away on holiday and feeling like everything is too expensive? 

Exactly, no fun at all. 

So set a budget you are comfortable with and then stick to it. And if it’s a little less than what you had wished for, research ways to save money and cruise for less before choosing your destination.

When you are trying to book a trip, it is easy to get lost and dream for hours. It is, of course, harmless but do stay on point and look within your budget. Why look at trips and alternatives outside your reach? It is unlikely to make you feel better about your booking option.

We all have a budget when we book a trip. Period. The tríck is to make the most with the budget you have.

Step 2: How long are you planning to be away? When will you travel?

We have already established that your travel budget would significantly impact the type of trip you can plan for your next vacation. The second key factor is time, and it boils down to the following:

• The amount of time you can and want to spend away on your vacation
• When you want to travel

Regarding the time you want to be away, it is essential to be precise as extra days directly translate into more cost.

As for when you want to travel, we have the seasonal factor where peak season means higher prices, but we also, especially on shorter trips, have the option to travel on less popular days to save money on flights and accommodation.

Step 3: Decide on the cruise region you want to visit

To make it easier to book a cruise, you need to limit your searches. One way is to look at the area you want to see. Do you intend to fly to a port city or live close enough to drive there?

The Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean are the most popular cruising regions in the world, with more cruise ships visiting these areas than any other region. You will, without a doubt, find an itinerary and a cruise ship to suit you and your family amongst the many cruise lines sailing in these regions.

Or perhaps you are thinking of a cruise to New England and Canada , or a cruise from Singapore to Thailand and Vietnam, or perhaps as far as Australia and New Zealand ?

This step will help you focus on the destinations and locations you are most interested in. It is easy to get sidetracked and spend hours reading lengthy articles about perfect beaches for snorkeling when you dream of visiting the wine regions of Italy before starting a cruise from Rome .

Step 4: Decide on the cruise line that suits you best

By now, you should already know the following

• Budget : How much money are you prepared to spend?
• Time : For how long and when are you traveling
• Destination : What region of the world do you want to visit?

Different cruise lines have different itineraries, so make sure the cruise line you choose has the destinations you are interested in. For example, suppose you have decided to visit the Mediterranean region. In that case, you may prefer more stops in Italy and the Greek Isles than itineraries offering ports of call in Spain and France.

Think about the type of fellow passengers you would like. While many cruise ships have a mix of couples, families, groups, and solo travelers , some cruise lines are known for attracting more of a specific demographic. Royal Caribbean, for example, is known for its activities and entertainment and attracts many families. Celebrity Cruises generally have a slightly older average age among their cruise guests.

That’s not to say families can’t have a great time with Celebrity Cruises; quite the opposite. But you will find more families on the Royal Caribbean ships.

Research the cruise line’s reputation by reading passenger reviews and testimonials and joining Facebook groups to read the chatter. There are groups for just about every cruise line out there.

Step 5: Choose your cruise ship and itinerary, and let the fun begin.

Everyone has personal preferences regarding the type of cruise they want. Some love big ships full of activities and entertainment, while others prefer more intimate ships with fewer passengers and a more relaxed atmosphere. Some prioritize destination options, while others focus on the ship and the facilities on board.

If you have cruised before, your past experiences can significantly decide which is right for you. If you are a first-time cruiser , the decision may be more difficult, and we can help you with some essential tips for a first-time cruise .

When you have narrowed your list to two or three cruise ships, compare prices and cabin availability for your travel dates. Spend some time researching the ports and possible shore excursions. When you feel sure you are ready to book your cruise , we have 12 tips for booking a cruise and common mistakes to avoid .

So, what if there are no available options within your budget for the specified time and duration?

You have two options:

• Change the budget, time, or any other input in steps 1 – 3 and go back and see where you land.
• Look at how you can save money and ways to stretch that travel budget a bit further. Then go back to step 1 and start again. 

You can, of course, also look into purchasing your vacation on credit. But if you do, be careful not to overspend with money you do not have.

Remember how we already established that it is no fun to spend your vacation and not be able to afford anything? 

And, if you decide to pay on credit, we recommend you try to pay the total cost of the trip before your vacation starts.

It is no fun to come home after a vacation and have to pay off a trip that has already taken place.

Step 6: Check the cost of travel insurance

Given the options generated in Step 4, you need to check the cost and availability of insurance coverage. It is easy to book a trip, but you must keep your budget in mind.

Each individual is different, but Covid-19 has once again taught us that insurance coverage is essential to understand the details.

You need to ask yourself questions such as:

• How much will travel insurance cost? What does it cover?
• Do you need additional cancellation insurance costs? What does it cover?
• You are denied entry into your destination?
• You do you not want to travel due to health worries or concerns?
• You need to cut your trip short?

Step 7: Book flights

I have written an entire article on how to book cheap flights that make sense. 

But generally speaking, you should book your flights by checking several booking platforms.

1. Price comparison sites

We recommend Momondo, Kayak, and Skyscanner.

2. Airline websites

Find out which airlines traffic your desired routes via Google Flights and then visit the airline’s website directly.

3. Contact your local travel agent and ask them to quote you a price.

Again, your travel agent will find it tough to compete on flight only, but please allow them to compete for your business.

Unless you are in the market to book a package trip, you are generally better off booking flights and accommodation separately. 

Whereas flights get more expensive closer to departure, we see the opposite trend for accommodation. 

Step 8: Book pre- and post-cruise accommodation

There is one golden rule when booking a cruise. Always get to the port at least one day (preferably more) in advance. Never book a flight to get you into your port city on the same day as the cruise departure. Too much is at risk as flights can get delayed and canceled. And the cruise ship waits for no man.

So find a great hotel and relax, knowing you are within reach of the cruise port when you need to get there. And when it is time to book your accommodation, you should not be afraid to haggle.

You have several excellent booking platforms to complement your options of going directly or contacting your local travel agent.

Booking accommodation is pretty straightforward, but there are a few points I want to make to help you avoid unnecessary discomfort and expenses.

• Is it an all-inclusive price including all taxes, resort fees, breakfast, etc.?
• Does the hotel offer airport pickup? Discounted? Complementary?
• Is breakfast included for all guests in the room? 
• Is parking available/complementary? 
• Twin vs. double bed. If necessary, ask before booking.

Step 9: Final preparations and practical details

1. you need a backup credit card for peace of mind (if nothing else) .

What do you do if you lose your credit card? Or maybe it is denied, and you have a bill to pay. Get a backup card, and if you have a Visa, get a Mastercard and vice versa. American Express is also a great option but is unfortunately not accepted everywhere.

2. Keep ATM fees under control

In some places, cash is still preferred, and ATMs are excellent when you need local currency. But the fees can be hefty. So why not look into a better solution and save yourself some money? 

Do check with your current bank or look into The Global ATM Alliance.

The Global ATM Alliance is a group of prominent international banks with a joint initiative to limit the fees on ATM transactions at another bank inside the network.

Member banks include:

• Bank of America (United States)
• Barclays (United Kingdom)
• BNP Paribas and affiliate banks (France, Ukraine, Turkey, Poland, Morocco, Italy, New Caledonia, Réunion, Guyane, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Luxembourg)
• Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (Italy)
• Deutsche Bank (Germany, Belgium, India, Spain, and Portugal)
• Scotiabank (Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Guyana, and the Caribbean)
• Westpac (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea)

3. Sign up for airline and hotels membership programs for extra perks

We all love freebies, and travel companies love members. So it is a win-win that may get you stuff like a complimentary bottle of water upon check-in at the hotel, later check-out at the hotel, priority boarding at the airport, or a discount on transfers from the airport. 

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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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!

• 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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).

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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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57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers

Taking your first cruise? The only thing that can match the excitement of an upcoming vacation is the overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to navigate and plan for your first trip.

From embarkation on cruise day to dining to shore excursions, everything you do on a cruise is just a little different than any other vacation you’ve ever been on. That’s why we’ve taken the time to round up a boatload of tips — 57 to be exact — that will help you know better about what to expect come cruise day.

From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port.

Note:  This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

1. Don’t Worry About Cash on Board; Everything Is Paid Through Your Room Key

When you go through check-in, you’ll receive the key to your room. (Check-in online ahead of time? It may be in a sealed envelope at your cabin door.) This “key” is actually like a credit card that you’ll slide into your cabin door to unlock it. But it does a lot more. It’s also linked to your shipboard account, and you’ll use your room key just like a credit card to charge items to your account.

No matter if you’re buying a drink or a souvenir on one of the ships, you’ll use this card to pay. The only time you’ll use cash is when you are off the ship in port. This is much more convenient than having to carry around dollars. Just be sure to keep a close hold on your card!

2. Interior Cabins Are Fine For First Time Cruisers

Wondering if you should get an interior cabin or a balcony room? Don’t sweat it. Balconies are great, but there are some big advantages for interior cabins . As a first-time cruiser, it’s doubtful you’ll be spending much time in your room anyway as you’ll want to be out and about exploring. Having an interior cabin is a cheaper way to get on your first sailing without breaking the bank.

3. Balcony Rooms Are Worth It

As we just said, interior cabins are great for first-time cruisers who are usually out around the ship the entire trip. But if you do decide to spring for a balcony room, it’s well worth it.

This is especially the case if you’re the sort of person who likes to take your time getting ready in the morning while sipping on a cup of coffee or just having your own private space to take in the view. Having the fresh air — and the million-dollar views — from your balcony is worth the extra cost if you want to pay a little more for your trip.

4. There Are No Body-Scanners Like at the Airport

Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine. The security process takes just a few seconds. There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place (at least yet).

5. Don’t Show Up to Board When It’s Not Your Time

When you prepare for your cruise, you’ll either be assigned a boarding time or you get to choose one. Cruise lines designate a boarding time to avoid having everyone arrive at the port all at once. When boarding is open, many people try to get there as early as possible, leading to long lines to get on the ship. Spreading out passengers helps to keep any person from having to wait too long.

What you don’t want to do is try to show up before your boarding time. Sure, you might be able to board early, but there’s also the likelihood that you’ll be asked to wait until your designated time. That means you’ll just be hanging outside the terminal until allowed inside.

6. Passports Are Better Than Birth Certificates

One nice thing about cruises is that many trips allow you to sail with only a birth certificate and photo ID (if they begin and end in the same port). If you don’t have a passport, you can still leave the country and don’t have to go through the hassle and expense of obtaining one.

Even so, it’s much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only does it come in handy should you need to leave the ship early due to an emergency, but it can also save you time. These days many ports use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. Snap a photo and you’re on your way home. Those with birth certificates sometimes still wait in line to be checked by an officer.

7. Don’t Worry About Changing Money in Port

Headed to the Caribbean? It’s likely you’ll visit several countries — with several different currencies — within just a few days. The good news is you don’t have to think about converting currencies at each port. The ports you visit thrive on tourism and make things easy for tourists. They will all gladly accept U.S. dollars, and often take credit cards. Just bring some smaller bills for your port days and you’ll be all set.

8. Take Advantage of Drink Policies to Bring Things On

When you get on a ship there is no shortage of places to spend money. That’s why we suggest passengers take advantage of any chance they have to save.

Case in point: Carnival and Royal Caribbean — two of the biggest players in cruising — allow you to bring on 12 cans of non-alcoholic drinks . 

Considering that soft drinks are about $2-3 each on a cruise, that can save you a nice chunk of change.

9. Order Multiples in the Main Dining Room

Most people don’t realize it, but the cruise lines will often bend over backwards to make you happy. Case in point: You can order multiple items from the dining room menu.

So say you want an appetizer, but can’t choose between two of them. Don’t choose. Instead, just order them both.

This makes it a great way to try dishes that are out of your comfort zone. If you don’t end up liking it, then there’s no big loss since the dining room food is included.

10. Yes, You Can Bring (Some) Alcohol on Board

Cruise lines know that people want to let loose and have a drink (or ten!) on the cruise. That’s why they charge high prices for their booze. Still, most cruise lines allow you to bring aboard some alcohol when you embark at the start of your trip. It’s very restrictive in that it’s typically only a bottle or two of champagne. Still, we recommend taking advantage as it’s much cheaper than buying drinks once on the ship.

11. Do the Math Before Booking the “All You Can Drink” Packages

If you’ve been tempted by the drink packages, do the math before you buy it. Drink packages seem like good deals, but the rules can make them quite pricey. For instance, many cruise lines force each person in a cabin to buy the package if any passenger buys it. As well, you have to buy the package for the entire cruise.

That means even on days when you are in port (and not on the ship for most of the day), you’re still paying for the package. Finally, with high daily prices, you usually have to drink 7-10 drinks each and every day you are on the cruise to come out ahead.

For many passengers, they are actually better off buying drinks individually . (Use our Drink Package Calculator to see if you’re better off with a package.)

12. Take Your Time, Reduce the Lines

Want to board first? Want to be first off the ship? Great, hope you like standing in line. Today’s ships carry more than 4,000 passengers at a time. That means there are usually lines for everything, especially right when they open like when it’s time to board the ship. We’d suggest simply taking your time and don’t worry about being anywhere right when it opens. It will mean you spend less of your vacation waiting around and more time enjoying your trip.

13. Parking at the Port is Convenient, But There Are Cheaper Options

If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it doesn’t get any more convenient than with the official port parking lots. They are typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Of course, they charge for that convenience.

If you search for parking lots near the port , you can usually find independent lots that are nearly as convenient, but at a sharp discount to parking at the port. These lots almost always offer a free shuttle to drop you off right at the ship as well.

14. Many Hotels Offer Free Cruise Parking

Plan to stay in town the night before your cruise? If you’re driving in, look for a hotel that offers a cruise parking special . As an incentive to attract guests, many hotels (especially in smaller port cities like Galveston) offer free parking if you stay a night with them. It’s an easy way to save a bundle, but only if you planned to stay the night anyway. It’s typically not worth it to stay just to get free parking.

15. There’s No Bill to Sign (or Tip to Leave) in the Dining Room

Tipping is a fact of life on a cruise. And cruise lines have included gratuities with your cruise fare or charged daily to your account, so they are taken care of automatically. That means when you eat in the free restaurants on the ship like the buffet and the main dining room, there’s no bill to pay or tip to leave.

It can feel a little “wrong” the first time, but when you are done with dinner you simply get up and walk out.

Now, this doesn’t go for specialty restaurants that are a fee. If you eat there you’re expected to sign the bill, and the gratuity is tacked onto the price.

16. Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship

There are horror stories after horror stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. No matter the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get dinged with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore.

You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app.

17. Yes, You Can Hear Through the Walls (So Keep it Down)

If you’re worried about sounds traveling through the walls, you should be. To be clear, the walls are not paper thin, so you won’t hear the cabin next to you watching a TV at a normal volume. But if you are the type that makes a lot of noise (ahem… enjoying your vacation with your partner, perhaps?), then you should try to keep it down. You’ll also be able to hear people in the halls through the door.

18. The Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch

Most passengers will eat their dinner in the main dining room, but they actually serve breakfast and lunch there too. The buffet is quick and easy for these meals, but the quality and freshness is usually lower than what you’ll get in the dining rooms. Head over if you want something a little better.

19. It’s a Ship… Not a Boat

It’s not a big deal, but just so you don’t sound like a rookie cruiser, it’s good to understand the terminology. It is a cruise ship that you are sailing on. Calling it a boat during the trip may get you funny looks. 

There’s no real cut-off on what is a considered a boat, versus a ship — other than ships are known as large ocean-going vessels. There’s no doubt that the size and scale of any cruise ship you sail will definitely put them firmly in the “ship” category.

20. Ports of Call Aren’t Always Disneyland

With everything seemingly so perfect on the ship, it can be easy to think that ports of call are perfect as well. To be fair, ports you visit will be pretty safe, especially in the tourist areas. Venture outside of these spots, however, and it’s just like any other place. There are good parts of town and places where you don’t want to venture.

Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry.

21. Cruise Insurance? Always a Good Idea to Have

The fact is that most people will never use the travel insurance that they buy. Still, if something goes wrong at sea, it’s a great thing to have. Travel insurance can help cover costs of getting sick or injured in a foreign country, as well as compensate you for travel delays, lost baggage and more. If you’re on the fence about buying insurance, we’d suggest doing so. You can read more about travel insurance and what it covers here .

22. Be Ready for Itinerary Changes

Have your heart set on Cozumel? Can’t wait for that private island? Just know that cruise itineraries can change for any number of reasons. Whether it be an issue with the ship, weather, or even riots in port (yes, this has happened). Often the cruise lines will try to sub one port for another, but it isn’t unheard of for them just to scrap a stop in port altogether. Keep in mind that this is a fairly rare occurrence, but it does happen.

23. Don’t Use Cruise Line Transfers to the Port; They’re a Lousy Deal

If you’re flying in for your cruise, then you’re going to need a ride to the cruise port. Cruise lines are happy to offer this service, for a price. All the cruise lines will offer a shuttle that runs from the airport to the cruise port, but the catch is they are expensive.

For example, Carnival offers a ride from Miami International to the port for about $23 per person, one way. The trip is only about 15 minutes and an Uber costs about $25 for the trip. In other words, a roundtrip on the cruise shuttle would cost $184 for a family of four, but only around $50 with Uber or Lyft.

24. Don’t Waste Time Searching For a Deal; Fares Are the Same on Every Website

If you think you’re going to find some hidden deal, stop stressing. Every cruise website offers the same fares these days . Here’s the results of a recent search we did for an upcoming cruise, pricing it out across several sites:

Our advice? Book directly with the cruise line to cut out the middleman in case there is an issue with your reservation. If you don’t know what cruise line you want to sail, then an aggregator like Expedia can search multiple lines at once.

25. Yes, There’s a Hair Dryer in Your Cabin

Save the space and leave the hair dryer at home. Each cabin comes with a hair dryer for your use. They usually aren’t fancy, but get the job done. Even better, let the breeze on the top deck dry your hair for you (that’s a joke… sea hair is a real thing!)

You’ll normally find it in the built-in console in the main part of the cabin, not in the bathroom.

26. Outlet Adapters Are a Must-Have

From portable fans to laptop and tablet chargers to nightlights to curling irons, the need for outlets in a cruise cabin is always increasing. That’s why we suggest bringing aboard an outlet adapter like this one to plug in and give you more free plugs.

One thing to know — adapters with surge protectors are forbidden. A simple multi-plug adapter is all you really need, and it’s worth its weight in gold.

27. Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light

There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight . It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination.

28. Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use it

When you leave your cabin, be sure to put any valuables in the cabin safe. No, it’s not perfect, but it acts as a good deterrent from crimes of convenience and provides you with a little peace of mind. The safes aren’t that big, but will hold cash, jewelry, phones and passports with plenty of room to spare.

29. Your Balcony Isn’t as Private as You Think

The cruise line might sell it as a private balcony, but there isn’t a whole lot of privacy. Your balcony on your cabin will have walls that shield you from the adjoining cabins, but the walls often don’t go from the floor to ceiling. They can easily be looked under or above, and someone could look around the side of them if they really wanted to. Keep this in mind if you’re out on the balcony when the mood for romance strikes .

30. Drink in Port to Save Cash Versus on the Ship

We all know drinking is part of cruise culture, but the cost can soar quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to head to port if you want to get your money’s worth. Most of the party bars near the cruise terminals will have drink specials designed to get you in the door. It’s often much cheaper than drinking at a ship’s bar.

31. Taking the Stairs Is Faster If Traveling Only a Few Decks

With upwards of 20 decks on some cruise ships, going up and down via stairs is time-consuming… and tiring. But with so many people using the elevators, it’s common to have to wait awhile before you get one. That’s why if you are only going up or down three decks or fewer, it’s usually faster to take the stairs. Plus, it will help you work off some of those buffet calories.

32. Don’t Stress: Formal Night Isn’t a Big Deal

No, you don’t have to buy a tux or an evening gown for your cruise. You won’t be out of place if you do, but formal night actually isn’t that big of a deal. On these nights, plenty of people dress up, while others just put on a pair of nice pants and a button-down shirt. Our advice? Just keep it a step above poolside casual  (so no shorts or t-shirts) and you’ll be just fine.

33. Don’t Tip Twice! Gratuity Is Usually Automatic

Grab a drink from the bar? Your bill will typically include a gratuity automatically. Keep this in mind and double-check the itemized receipt before you sign as there is often another line for write-in tips. Unless the service was simply above and beyond, there is no reason to give a second tip on your drink.

34. You Get Sunburned Much More Quickly in the Tropics

Everyone tells you to be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen on your cruise, but they don’t tell you why. At lower latitudes the sun’s rays are more direct. The result is that you can get burned being exposed to the sun for as little as 10 minutes if you aren’t used to it. So yes, wear the sunscreen, as well as a broad-brimmed hat to keep the UV rays off you as much as possible. The last thing you want is to look like a lobster on the second day of a week-long cruise.

35. Cruise on Older Ships to Save Money

News stories always hype up the biggest, newest cruise ships, and the cruise lines charge a pretty penny for sailings on these ships. If you’re looking to save money, look for trips that sail on older vessels. These ships are still in great shape (and are often refurbished), but offer fares that are hundreds of dollars less than a similar sailing on a new member of the fleet.

36. Pack as Much as You Want, But Be Smart

Most of us are used to air travel, where you are charged sky-high fees for checking in baggage. Cruise ships are completely different.

There are no fees for luggage and no hard rules for how much you can bring. It’s a nice change of pace from flying, but don’t go crazy. Remember that even though you can bring more on board, you still have to lug all that luggage around. If you’re bringing more than one large bag for a week-long cruise, then you’re packing too much.

37. Don’t Cruise If You Have a Warrant For Your Arrest

Traffic ticket that you never cleared up? Some other run-in with the law? If you have a warrant, don’t think about taking your first cruise. It’s a well-known tactic by law enforcement to check the passenger manifest against those with outstanding warrants. They often let the passengers sail on the cruise, and bust them when they come back . Get it cleared up before and you won’t have anything to worry about.

38. Certain Cabin Locations Are Better For Seasickness Relief

Most people don’t have an issue with seasickness on a cruise as the ships today ride smoothly in the water. But if you are worried about it, then look for a cabin that is as low and close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The action of the waves causes the ship to pitch up and down the most at the end of the ship, with the middle acting as the fulcrum on a see-saw. There’s no guarantee you won’t feel the motion, but it should be better than getting a room toward the front or back of the ship.

39. Avoid Lines By Visiting Guest Services Late at Night or Early in the Morning

Chances are high you’ll need to visit Guest Services as least once during your trip. If you do have to go to ask something about a reservation or your account, try to time your visit to off hours (the desk is open 24 hours a day). Times like just before dinner can see long lines, when you’d rather be out enjoying yourself. Early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and late at night (after 11 p.m.) are the best times to see the shortest lines.

40. Wait For People to Exit the Elevators Before Trying to Get In

Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. With 4,000 cruise passengers trying to go up and down on more than a dozen decks, elevators are constantly busy, no matter the time of day. That’s why you should always wait to enter only after people have gotten out. It’s polite, but it also makes getting on and off much easier. Just stand far enough back to give people plenty of space to exit — especially given the need for social distancing.

41. Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin

While every cabin has air conditioning, they don’t have fans of any kind. That’s not an issue if you have a balcony and open your door, but any interior room is going to get a little stuffy — especially if you’re the sort of person that’s used to airflow. Luckily, you can bring aboard a portable fan like this one . As a bonus, a fan makes a great white-noise machine to help drown out any sounds from neighboring cabins.

42. Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship

If you have a pair of cheap flip-flops that you like wearing around the pool, then it’s time to upgrade. Those sandals usually have slick bottoms that get worn down easy. When you hit a puddle, it’s easy to lose your grip and slip. On a ship, there are way too many places where you can slip and fall — especially around the pool. Upgrade to a pair that has a nice rubberized sole with plenty of tread.

43. Make a Copy of Your Passport Photo Page to Carry On You

Think the most valuable thing you’re carrying is the money in your wallet or your purse? Think again. Potential thieves would love to get their hands on your passport. And even if you just misplace it, losing a passport is a major ordeal. That’s why we like to put our passport in our cabin safe and carry a photocopy of the ID page with us in port or just use a driver’s license.

If you run into a situation where you need a passport (rare), this page can serve as ID until you get back to the ship. Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about your actual passport getting lost in a port.

44. Your Casino Payouts Can Be Worse Than on Land

If you want to gamble, head to Las Vegas. On the ship the games are the same, but the payouts are usually worse . For example, on most ships blackjack pays 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2. Craps games heavily limit the amount of odds bets you can make. Head to the casino, enjoy yourself, but don’t think you’re getting a great deal.

45. Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear

Even if you are headed to the sunny Caribbean, it’s still a good idea to bring some warm clothes. When the ship is sailing and the sun has gone down, the combination of cooler temps and a strong breeze make it downright chilly on the deck. In addition, many spots around the ship are well air-conditioned, meaning you can be cool indoors as well.

46. Sail During the Summer/Spring Break for Younger Crowds

If you want to hang out with a younger crowd, then the time of year you sail is the biggest factor as to who you will sail with. Ships see younger crowds when school is out — Spring Break, Christmas, and Summer Break.

And if you’re looking to avoid younger folks and have a quieter cruise, then try to sail when school is in session and people are heading back to work. Months of January and February, as well as September and October will see older crowds compared to summer.

47. Save Hundreds By Sailing Off-Season

The rule of thumb is that cruises are most expensive when school is out. That’s because more people are able to take trips, driving up demand. So if you’re flexible with your dates, you can sail during off-season months like January or October and save some considerable money . The same trip sailing in late January can be 50% the cost of the same sailing that departs at the peak of summer.

48. Shorter Cruises = More Party-Like Atmosphere

If you want to have a calmer, quieter cruise, then look for trips that are seven days or more. Shorter cruises, which are less-expensive overall, tend to attract younger and more energetic crowds. That’s not to say it’s going to be like Mardi Gras, but shorter cruises — especially those traveling during the summer months — will definitely be a bit rowdier than what you’ll see from a week-long trip.

49. Invest in a Good Dry-Bag For Shore Days 

If you’re sailing to the Caribbean, the first image that comes to mind is white, sandy beaches and clear water. But what do you do with your cash, wallet, phone, and anything else you don’t want to get wet?

You can either leave it on shore as you swim or risk it getting soaked in the water. That’s why a dry-bag like this one is a great investment. It’s cheap, compact, and keeps all your stuff safe and sound.

50. Go Ahead, Splurge on Shore Excursions (Worth It)

Your first thought when you see the prices of shore excursions is that they are expensive. It’s not unusual for a shore excursion that is just 3-4 hours run more than $100 per person. But we think this is one spot to splurge on your trip.

Excursions give you a chance to do things you won’t have the opportunity to do anywhere else in the world — from exploring ancient ruins to taking a submarine under the Caribbean . After your trip you won’t remember the money you spent, but you won’t forget the experience you had.

51. Be Prepared for Hundreds in Port Fees and Gratuities

Cruise lines advertise ridiculously low fares. Well, just know that they are just the start of what you’ll pay. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes and port fees, which can run into the hundreds depending on your specific trip. Add to that gratuities, which run about $15 per person, per day. Combined, these fees can add considerably to the cost of your cruise. Be prepared.

52. Keeping in Touch is Expensive (Internet Access)

Want to check email, surf the web, or call/text back home? Prepare to pay. Out at sea, the only communication is via satellite. Every cruise ship will have packages that allow you to call or get web access , but they charge a high price (often around $15-25 per day). There are several work-arounds (such as International plans that will give you cell phone service in port cities or using free wi-fi in ports), but for many people, it might be best just to turn off your device and enjoy being disconnected for a few days.

53. Don’t Even Think About Being Late For the Ship

Check out the video below. Don’t let this happen to you. The departure times for port days aren’t suggestions. You should be back on board by that time and not a moment later. The last thing you want to do is be a “pier runner” or worse, miss the ship altogether.

54. No Habla Espanol? No Problemo.

Many of the ports in the Caribbean and Mexico are Spanish-speaking countries, whereas others may speak Dutch or French. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be multi-lingual to get by. The cruise ports thrive on tourism and they make it as easy as possible for foreign tourists to get around. Practically everyone you encounter will speak English, so you can leave the Spanish dictionary at home.

55. Be Prepared to Have Your Picture Taken

Not the sort of person that likes having your picture taken by strangers? Get ready, because it will start before you even step foot on the ship. It’s big business on a cruise for roving photographers to take pictures of guests having fun. The pictures are then sold in the photo store on the ship.

To be fair, the photographers are great and it’s a nice way to get a professional photo done to remember your trip. If you don’t want a picture taken, you can just politely decline. And there’s no charge unless you decide to buy the picture.

56. Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port

If you think that bottle of tequila you just bought in Cozumel will make for a fun evening, think again. Just like on embarkation day, you can’t bring on bottles of booze from ports. Anything bought in port will be held on the ship and delivered back to your stateroom the night before you leave.

57. Be Careful, Cruises Are Addicting

You sure you want to take that first cruise? One thing they don’t tell you in all the brochures is how addicting it can be. A week of being catered to, eating great food, and visiting multiple exotic ports is hard to forget when you head back to work after your trip. In fact, many people book their next cruise while on the ship. But let’s be honest… there are worse habits to have than a cruising habit!

Related Articles:

• The Must-Read First-Time Cruise Guide for New Passengers
• 22 Basic Things Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
• The 8 Things First-Timers Forget to Pack for a Cruise

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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My first cruise next week will tender at Phuket with overnight stay. I’m wondering whether tender boat is usually available round-the-clock and will I be able to get back to the ship at midnight on Day 1? Or should I consider booking a hotel onshore? Thank you.

Not sure on that. Only stayed overnight in a port once and there was an “all-aboard” at midnight so they didn’t want you staying out past that time. It will be a cruise line policy, however, so yours may be different.

Where or who do I find out about Port Fees and taxes how much I should budget.

This will all be disclosed prior to buying. You can price the specific cruise online, but normally just factoring in $100-$200 per person is a quick way to figure it.

Ok I’m confused about the alcohol. Because most I have seen allow two bottles of wine per cabin (Either per port or per cruise). But this says you won’t get it until after the cruise?

No, you can bring on bottles of wine/champagne. Anything bought in port will be held until the last day of the cruise and then delivered to your room the last night.

Thank you for explaining that your room key acts more like a credit card on a cruise. My wife and I are planning on taking a cruise at the end of the year as a way to celebrate the coming of the new year. This will be our first time, so these tips you shared will help us make sure we have a great experience during the cruise.

I’m planning my trip first cruise. When choosing a balcony cabin on a large cruise, is it better on the upper decks, middle or lower? There seem to be price differences for different decks. Rom is there no difference? Thank you for infor.

To us it doesn’t really matter. It’s more about where you want to be in proximity to other parts of the ship. For example, most of the indoor amenities (casino, shopping, etc) are in the middle of the ship. Outdoor amenities are on the higher decks. So it’s really about if you mind taking the stairs or elevators to get back and forth.

My favorite part of this article is when you said that booking the balcony room is the best choice. As you mentioned, it is perfect for those who take their time in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee with a view. This is perfect for my husband and me because my husband is way too slow in the morning since he is a night owl. Actually, ever since we were dating, he would never choose to go out in the morning. Thanks!

Wow, it’s interesting that you said that there are no luggage fees in cruises, and we can bring as much as items as we want to. My family and I are going to look for a cruise trip for summer because it has been of our dreams ever since my husband and I got married. Our kids were also very excited when we told our plans with them. We will keep these tips in mind. Thanks a lot!

is there smoking cigarettes on a carnival cruise

Yes there is, but only in designated areas. It’s not allowed in your cabin or on your balcony.

Just returned from our first cruise and I am so glad I read your ‘tips and advice’! They really helped! And yes, they are ‘addicting’! Already booked for this summer out of NYC on a 4 night with new Carnival ship to Bermuda!!! YAY!!

Love to hear you had a great time!

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Feeling Brave? MSC Debuts “Cliffhanger” — A Swing That Takes You 160 Ft. OVER the Water

What i wish i knew before visiting nassau on a cruise, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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10 tips and tricks for booking a cruise, according to the pros.

Booking a cruise might sound, on its face, like a relatively simple task. But there are dozens of small considerations to be taken into account before you can make a truly informed decision. From destinations to cruise to , to the length of your voyage, to the cruise ship booking platform itself, booking a cruise can quickly turn into a daunting endeavor if you’re a first-timer, or if you’re not familiar with the cruise industry. To make the process as pain-free as possible, we’ve compiled a list of tips for booking a cruise. We can’t do it all for you, but we can certainly help relieve some of the stress that comes from starting at square one, we even provided tips on how to plan your next cruise trip . Here’s how to approach your next cruise booking.  

How to book a Cruise: where to even start?

When deciding to book a cruise, the actual booking platform might not even enter your calculations. But it should. Seasoned Sailors might choose to do it all themselves, picking the cruise line that best suits their personality, and the itinerary that suits their travel goals. Even veteran cruisers, however, can benefit from working with our Sailor Services team at Virgin Voyages with a free service that helps sailors book their next cruise. Sailor Services provides end-to-end support with every stage of the cruise booking process, from choosing dates, cruise cabins, flights, and an itinerary to your pre-departure preparations. 

There’s nothing wrong with enlisting outside help, either. Travel agents can be a hugely valuable resource for booking a cruise, scoring you great rates and giving you even more firsthand tips based on their own personal experience. Travel agents can be particularly useful for first-time cruisers who don’t want to tackle the booking process all alone.   

Pro tips for booking a cruise

If you polled everyone who’s ever booked and taken a cruise, you’d probably get thousands of helpful tips about things to know when booking. We can’t cover everything, but we can hit the highlights, and give you a solid foundation to work from. According to our team, these are the things you should absolutely keep in mind when booking your next cruise trip: 

• Choose the right voyage length for you - If you’re a first-time cruiser, you probably don’t want to sign up for a 16-night odyssey. We offer 4- and 5-night itineraries perfect for first-timers just dipping their toes into the cruising waters.
• Choose the perfect homeport - Convenience is key, of course, but you should also choose a homeport you actually want to explore, but preferably, one that is nearest to you. After all you’ll likely be spending a night here before your voyage departs, and maybe even a night once you return. Think of your homeport as a brief extension to your cruise vacation.
• How do you like to eat? - Are you a buffet person? A foodie? A restaurant connoisseur? Every cruise ship eats differently. If you LIVE for midnight buffets, Virgin Voyages might not be for you, although we do have after hours eateries. If you value elevated eateries with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, where the food is both all-included and endless, you’ll love our unique restaurants.
• Plan flights and hotels to maximize your experience - Get creative with your trip itinerary. Plan to spend some time in your departure port before setting sail, as a little added bonus to your cruise vacation. Our Sailor Services team can help you book flights, as well as hotels for extra nights, to maximize your experience.
• Don’t overpack - This tip technically applies to all travel, but especially cruises. People always show up with massive suitcases containing half of their entire wardrobe, only to discover that you really only need a swimsuit, shorts, a few light-fabric shirts, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Our restaurants have no dress code, so you can wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable  aboard our adults only cruise ships. Unless you’re joining us for a lengthy transatlantic voyage or repositioning cruise, chances are you don’t need that third suitcase. We also offer a laundry service onboard to help out even more.
• Consider your voyage goals - What kind of voyage are you looking for? A romantic couples getaway? A bachelorette party? A family trip with adults? Knowing what you’re looking for can not only help you choose the best cruise line, it can help you book the right shore excursions and onboard activities, too. 
• Choose the right cabin - What kind of traveler are you? A couple that needs nothing except an intimate stateroom and balcony hammock? Or a high roller looking to live the luxe life? From our standard Sea Terrace rooms (complete with mood lighting) to our VIP-level Rockstar Quarters with a range of special perks, we’ve got you covered.
• Pay attention to shore excursions - shore excursions aren’t just a peripheral part of the voyage, they’re integral to the cruising experience. The voyage you choose should be based on which destinations you’ll be visiting, and which excursions pique your interest while you’re there.
• How much sea time do you want? - If your ideal cruise is more about exploring far-flung destinations, you’ll want to book a voyage that maximizes your time on land. If you’d rather have plenty of time to discover all the ship’s luxurious nooks and crannies, a voyage with more time at sea might be more suitable. Our transatlantic voyages , for example, run for over two weeks, with tons of time at sea. 
• Check the reviews - It sounds obvious, but it’s important to take the experience of previous Sailors into account. After all, if they got food poisoning from the Mahi Mahi, or absolutely hated the onboard entertainment, you should know before booking. Luckily, both Sailors and travel publications seem to be in unanimous agreement: you won’t regret booking Virgin Voyages. Check out our cruise reviews to see what all the hype’s about. 

The right way to book a cruise is ultimately your way

All our cruise booking tips aside, there’s really no right or wrong way to book a cruise: it’s whatever works best for you. Maybe that’s enlisting the help of a travel agent to book a 10-night bachelorette party voyage. Maybe it’s going it alone, researching Shore Things yourself, and pulling the trigger on a more intimate getaway for you and your partner. To be honest, we don’t really care how you make your booking decisions, as long as you end up on a memorable voyage that’s the perfect fit for you.

Finding the right cruise is easier (and more fun) than ever with our wide range of epic itineraries. Check out our booking page.

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How to Find the Best Cruise Deals, According to Travel Experts

Snagging a great cruise deal is easier than you think — so as long as you follow these expert tips.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

It’s no secret that cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), nearly 36 million passengers  (35.7 million, to be exact) will set sail in 2024, up 4.2 million from 2023. And, despite the industry’s increasing popularity, finding the best cruise deals may not be as difficult as you think — that is, as long as you know when to book (and what to look for). 

What’s more, wave season, which takes place from January to March, is when dozens of cruise lines release their best, most value-packed offers, which means it’s arguably the best time to book your sailing. During these months, cruisers can choose from hundreds of different promotions, which, while exciting, can be overwhelming. However, according to Rob Clabbers, T+L A-list travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel , a Virtuoso agency in Chicago, “the lowest fare is only a deal if it is the right cruise for you.” In other words, he explains that if you “pick the wrong line or itinerary, that deal just turns into a waste of vacation time and money.” 

With all this in mind, we tapped Clabbers, along with a few other T+L A-list travel advisors, to share their expert insight on how to find the best cruise deals.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisor who specializes in cruises. He also founded Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a  T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Ashton Palmer is also a T+L A-list travel advisor who specializes in expedition sailings . 

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Take advantage of wave season. 

As previously mentioned, wave season runs from January through March. During this months-long stretch, sometimes referred to as the Black Friday of cruise deals, many cruise lines — from budget lines to small-ship luxury ones and beyond — offer some of the most competitive deals of the year. It’s well worth booking your cruise during these months.  

Use a travel advisor.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or veteran sailor, the slew of deals, promotions, and special offers can seem daunting: How do you know which ones are worth booking? Which offers the most value? Clabbers explains, “All these options and special offers can be confusing, and a qualified travel advisor who knows their way around cruises may help you find the best deal.” Oftentimes, these folks can “offer extra benefits that are not available when booking directly with a cruise line.” Ultimately, says Clabbers, the best travel advisors are those who can “help customize your trip with hotels, tours, and other services that may be a better value or fit for your style of travel.”

Consider shoulder or low season travel.

Per Clabbers, many cruise lines offer lower fares before or after the peak seasons. “While the weather may not be at its peak, neither are the crowds. If your main interest is visiting cultural attractions and museums or exploring cities, rather than baking on a beach, fewer fellow travelers make for a much more enjoyable experience. Bonus: airfares may be lower, too.” A few examples include an Alaska sailing in May or September (as opposed to peak season, July and August) and a European river cruise in March or October/November (instead of May or September, which, per Clabbers, is considered high season).  

Mary Curry, another T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist, echoes these sentiments. “I can't tell you how many travelers are hoping for a 'waived single supplement' or 'two for one' offer and then restrict themselves to only the peak dates for that region.” With that in mind, she says,  “It's so much more likely that these specials will be offered for dates where demand is not as high since small ships don't take long to fill for peak dates and rarely need to offer these” on sale or as part of a larger promotion. 

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Be flexible. 

Put simply, explains Clabbers, “The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a lower rate for your cruise.” For example, if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.” However, if you’re only open to traveling during a specific timeframe or itinerary (including ones that operate infrequently, such as a world cruise ) in “a category that contains only a few rooms or suites, etc.,” explains Clabbers, “the limited supply will likely result in higher pricing.” Additionally, in some cases, “you may come across a ‘guarantee’ special offer.” In other words, this means that “in return for a lower fare, the cruise line gets to assign your specific room anywhere on the ship, in the category you selected.” 

Ironically enough, being flexible sometimes may mean giving up some of your flexibility. For example, says Clabbers, “Some lines, like Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean, offer slightly lower fares if you’re willing to give up some of your flexibility by choosing to pay a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one.”  

Book early. 

When it comes to snagging the best cruise deals, booking early is ultimately your best bet — “especially if you’re looking to travel on a luxury cruise line , or for unique, popular itineraries,” says Clabbers. “Lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys, and others aim to offer their lowest fares and best promotions when reservations are first accepted for a new itinerary and will raise fares as the departure date comes closer.” 

Additionally, according to Curry, this is especially true on small-ship sailings . “Most small ships are counting on filling all their cabins, so they offer the best deals for travelers who plan early.” She goes on to explain that many small-ship lines have even “formalized this system by offering 'capacity-controlled pricing' that offers the best rates furthest in advance with the rate steadily increasing for the same category cabin as you get closer and the ship fills.” 

Finally, keep in mind that some cruises can be booked up to three years in advance, which means it’s never too early to start planning.

Or book a last-minute cruise.

Sometimes, it pays to book late — so as long as “you’re very flexible with dates, itinerary, type of room, or location on a ship,” explains Clabbers. 

Ashton Palmer, another T+L A-list travel advisor who specializes in expedition sailings , shares similar insight. “If you are flexible and can travel 90 days or less before departure, cruise lines will sometimes extend discounts.” 

Related:   The Best Time to Book a Cruise

Stick with one line.

Just as airlines and hotels offer travel rewards programs and perks to loyal customers, most cruise lines do the same, too. Put simply, says Clabbers, “loyalty can pay off.” In fact, “Many cruise lines offer some discounts or credits to spend onboard or other benefits for their returning passengers.” Plus, these programs are free to join, so you have nothing to lose by signing up.

Mark Katzman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Cruise with friends or family.

Cruise with your nearest and dearest — and get rewarded for it, too. According to Palmer, cruise lines are often willing to extend a discount “for groups of six or more.” For example, Royal Caribbean , Virgin Voyages , and Princess offer group discounts. 

Consider repositioning cruises. 

Budget-conscious travelers should certainly consider a repositioning cruise. These unique one-way sailings generally occur at the beginning or end of a cruising season (typically in the spring or fall) when ships need to return to their home ports. Two real-life examples of these itineraries include Celebrity’s Mediterranean Passage Transatlantic sailing (which cruises from Tampa to Barcelona) and Windstar’s Greenland: North Atlantic Odyssey itinerary (which sails from Reykjavik to Montreal).

Keep in mind that these value-packed cruises, which hover around two weeks, feature far more sea days than typical itineraries to account for the travel time between the embarkation and disembarkation ports. As such, you’ll be spending the bulk of your vacation on board.

Bundle up. 

Nowadays, many cruise lines offer additional perks and discounts that go far beyond the basics (think: free specialty dining, onboard credits, an open bar, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and, in some cases, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or airfare). Oceania’s Simply More offer, for example, includes shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and Champagne and wine. Norwegian Cruise Line’s beloved Free at Sea promotion offers similar savings, while select sailings on lines like Ponant and Celebrity include flights .

Guests sailing with luxury all-inclusive line Silversea also have the option to add flights by booking the Door-to-Door All-Inclusive package . You may also be able to find — and book — reduced-cost flights directly through the cruise lines. For example, per its website,  the Holland America Flight Ease program offers passengers the opportunity “to book air travel featuring flight inventory from most airlines, our specially negotiated low prices, the freedom to change your flights with no change fees, and late-arrival protection with 24-hour assistance. In addition, you can earn frequent flier miles with participating airlines,” according to the Holland America website. Similarly, some lines, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises , offer free two- or three-night land programs and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for some guests. 

Do your research to see if you’re eligible for additional discounts or benefits.  

According to Clabbers, select lines, including Cunard and Princess , offer “extra benefits for certain types of passengers,” including added perks and, in some cases, discounted or free fares. Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines offer special military perks and discounts. 

What are you looking for?

How to find & book the perfect cruise [in 10 simple steps].

Although people often consider cruises to be more of an option for older citizens, in fact, cruises are starting to become more and more popular with every generation.

They are a great way to see a variety of destinations in a short amount of time, and you won’t have to do any of the traveling yourself.

You can simply just sit back, catch some rays, hit the pool, or take advantage of the many onboard services available!

The process of booking this kind of trip can often be difficult to get your head around - especially for first-time cruisers.

That’s why we’ve written this guide on how to book a cruise!

Follow the 10 simple steps in this guide, and you’ll have no problems booking the trip of a lifetime.  

We’ve also included some cheeky money-saving tips in there.

Let’s get straight into it …

Travellerspoint

Step 1: Decide where you want to go

The first main step is to decide where in the world you’d like to go - an impossible task I know! 

You’ll typically find that you can eliminate half of the options by answering this very simple question - would you prefer somewhere warm or cold?

If your answer is the latter, then you’re typically in for a more active type of cruise, as many of the colder destinations include a variety of activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife-watching.

Of course, the most popular choice is somewhere warm and you’ll have endless options to choose from!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular options...

Cruising Northern Europe

There are plenty of options if you’re looking to explore Northern Europe. This includes Iceland and Norway , and of course the Arctic Circle.

A popular option in this part of the world is to go on a Northern Lights cruise, and Fred Oslen is your best bet for this! 

This ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ 9-day cruise will take you to a variety of destinations in Norway.

‍ Your first stop will be Ålesund, and after that you’ll make your way up to Tromso, stopping off at other places along the way.

From there, you’ll cruise around North Cape & The Horn and then head back to Southampton along the Tjeldsundet Strait.

Cruising the Mediterranean

Europe is one of the best continents for cruising as many of the countries are located relatively close together, so you can fit a lot in during your trip.

As an example, this 2-week Mediterranean cruise includes stop-offs in Spain, France, and Italy!

During this cruise you’ll get to visit a variety of awesome destinations in Spain including La Coruna, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Cadiz. However, you’ll also get to explore La Spezia in Italy and Marseilles in France.

This cruise also runs throughout the summer holidays making it the perfect option for families! In fact, there are kids clubs onboard and lots of entertainment options.

Cruising the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world and its not hard to see why! Boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and tropical climate, it’s no wonder so many people opt for a cruise here. 

This 13-night Southern Caribbean Cruise will take you to many of this area’s highlights. The great thing about this cruise, is that you won’t spend too many days at sea either.

On this cruise, you’ll get to explore Haiti, Puerto Rico, Martinique, and St. Kitts & Nevis. You’ll also visit some of the Caribbean’s big hitters including the U.S Virgin Islands, Barbados, and St. Lucia!

Cruising North America

North America is one of the best places to go on a cruise as you’ve got some many options. 

Whether you’re looking to explore Canada, catch some sun in Hawaii, or admire the beauty of the Pacific Northwest , there are plenty of choices.

However, one of the most popular options is the incredible state of Alaska - famous for its wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and indigenous culture.

This 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer by Holland America Line will take you to some of the best places in this awesome state. You’ll sail from Vancouver and then you’ll get to cruise along the Inside Passage. 

Once you’ve entered Alaska, you’ll get to visit Kodiak, Anchorage, and Valdez. Not only that, but you’ll get to explore some harder-to-reach areas including Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Cruising Oceania 

Oceania is a geographical area that’s made up of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea . Here, you’ll find a wide variety of cruises available that offer a bit of everything! 

This 12-night New Zealand cruise with Celebrity Cruises offers the trip of a lifetime. You’ll have 4 sea days, and 7 port days so there’s plenty of exploring to be had.

The cruise departs from Sydney, and will take you to both the North and South Island. During your time here, you’ll get to explore the bustling cities of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.

You’ll also get to visit some other popular spots including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Tauranga, and Dunedin.

Cruising Antarctica

Now, this is certainly a bucket list destination for us, and I can guarantee that it probably is for a lot of people! 

I mean, why wouldn’t you want to travel to one of the most remote places on Earth? Aside from the dramatic landscapes, you’ve also got a great chance of spotting wildlife! 

This Antarctic Explorer cruise lasts for 11 days and will offer you the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, and then cross the Drake Passage before exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

It’s important to note that if you’re thinking of cruising to Antarctica, you’re going to need a lot of cash.

Before making a decision, you’ll want to consider what type of trip you’re after so here are a couple of questions you may want to ask yourself…

How much money do you have to spend?

Are you after a relaxed getaway or an action-packed adventure?

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about so grab a notebook and note down the destinations that interest you! 

For some inspiration, here are some guides to the most popular cruising locations:

• 17 Bucket List Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Destinations

Step 2: Consider whether you’re flexible with dates or not

The next thing to consider - how long do you have for your trip and are you flexible?

Now that you’ve got a list of your preferred destinations it’s time to think about when you want to (or can travel). 

This can inevitably help you narrow down that list, for example - you wouldn’t really want to head out on a cruise of the Caribbean during Hurricane season.

If you’re taking time off work to go on a cruise (which you probably will be) then it will all depend on your type of career. Some professions like health workers have to take time off way in advance, whilst others can be a bit more flexible with when they put in their dates.

For those who aren’t restricted but have a rough idea, you can simply have a browse to see what may be the best option for you.

If you’ve got specific dates in mind, then you’ll want to find an option that departs around those dates.

There are plenty of ways to do this, so onto the next step…

Step 3: Narrow down your options and shop around for the best deal for that specific cruise

First of all narrow down your list to two or three options, and then you can choose based on the deals you find.

If you’re flexible with your dates, then you can simply shop around to find a great deal. However, if you’re limited to a specific time then you’ll probably need to be a bit more resourceful. 

So - what’s the best way to book a cruise you ask? Well, that’s what I’m going to dive into now! 

Searching direct

The biggest cruise companies out there include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line

I’d recommend checking out the cruise line websites first to see if they’ve got any special offers. Sometimes children will travel free, or you can get up to 75% off the second person's fee.

Some cruise companies even offer loyalty programs if you think cruising is going to be a regular thing for you! This is one of the best ways to book a cruise vacation, as you can save for future trips too.

If the actual websites have no deals that catch your eye, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. 

Local tour operators

Next, I’d have a chat with local tour operators and travel agents in your area. They can often get you a much better deal, and you can save a lot of money this way. 

In the UK, I know that TUI offers some incredible deals , not just on their own ships, but also on the other big cruise lines out there.

If you’re in the United States, then why not check out Liberty Travel or Exodus Travels .

You can either ring up your local travel agent or if you head there, you’ll sometimes get better in-store offers. 

Metasearch Databases

Your other option is to search through a metasearch website like Cruises.com .

This is honestly the best option if you’ve got no idea where to go. It offers the largest selection of cruise line deals on the web, and you’ll have an abundance of offers to choose from!

All you need to do is search your preferred country, or you can add specific filters to your search like your travel dates, departure port, and cruise line.

If you’re not sure of your preferred destination, then why not enter in a few different countries or places. Then, you’ll be given a list of the different options available to you! 

For example, if you type in Alaska (see the screenshot below), you’ll be given a variety of options. These will differ in regards to cruise company, length, and price.

If you’ve not inputted dates into your search, you’ll also be given sailing dates too! 

Some other fantastic websites like this include Crusiewatch , Cruisedirect , and Cruise Critic !

You can even check out TripAdvisor as they’ve got a dedicated cruise metasearch platform within their website.

Other ways to save money when booking a cruise

Here are some other ways to save money on your cruise booking:

• Book early or fashionably late - you’ll get plenty of cheap deals this way
• Sign up for email announcements - sometimes you’ll be offered a last-minute cancellation
• Use a VPN to change your I.P location - this can sometimes lead to cheaper prices

The latter is one of our top travel tips and it’s saved us plenty of money along the way! 

BONUS: Make use of Points Bonuses when booking

This tip isn’t for everyone, but it’s a great way to save on future purchases. We’ve recently got an Amex Gold card to allow us to build up points through purchases, which we’ll later be able to spend on travel.

A cruise booking will likely be at least a few thousand, so if you book on this type of card you’ll rack up a lot of points for future use…

The one thing to keep in mind is that there tends to be more credit deals for US citizens, but there are some options available in the UK too. 

Here are some guides you may find helpful:

• The best travel credit cards - for US citizens
• The best travel credit cards - for UK citizens

Step 4: Consider additional add-ons when purchasing

When you’re booking your cruise you’ll want to take a look at the additional add-ons. Often, there’s a lot to choose from so let's break them down for you! 

First of all, many cruises offer a drinks package that means you’ll save money. Some of these are unlimited, while some are limited to a specific amount of drinks but even so - it will work out much less in the long run.

Another package you’ll want to consider if you’re planning to spend a lot of time on your phone is the WiFi package. Otherwise, the cost can add up during your cruise! 

You’ll also find that many cruises include meals and a select amount of visits to onboard specialty restaurants. This is a big one that you’ll want to look out for. 

Lastly, some cruise companies offer ‘shore excursion’ packages where you’ll get discounts off your tours or a certain amount of credit that you can use against them. We’ll talk about the alternative to this next though…

However, in some cases, you won’t need add-ons to make the most of your money. Here are some examples of fantastic cruise offers:

• Norwegian Cruise Line - they sometimes offer a ‘Free at Sea’ promotion which includes free WiFi, unlimited drinks, dining at specialty restaurants, and even excursion credits in some cases.
• Celebrity Cruises - with this cruise company, you’ll often have your tips included as well as basic WiFi and a drinks package.
• MSC Cruises - they offer an ‘All In’ package on some cruises that includes a WiFi and drinks package.

Aside from these packages, there will often be extra deals available like ‘2 for 1’ flights or onboard credit. 

Deals like this are why you’ll want to shop around before booking! 

An example of the booking process

To give you a rough idea, here’s an example of the booking process with Norwegian Cruise Line. 

If the offer is available, you’ll first be shown the ‘Free at Sea’ promotion’ which I just mentioned, and any other offers that can be added to your cruise.

As you continue with the booking, you’ll be asked to give the number of guests. From there, you’ll be presented with several cabin options.

The first one is included with the cruise price, whereas you’ll have to pay extra for the others!

Once you’ve chosen your room, you’ll then be given a breakdown of your cabin, the offers/promotions that have been included, and the price.

If you’ve chosen a cruise that doesn’t already include a promotion, then as you’re getting ready to pay, you’ll be presented with their add-ons section. 

To give you an idea of price, we paid £200 (around $240) each for the FREE AT SEA upgrade, and our cruise was 10 days. 

When you split that up, it cost us £20/day each. With this upgrade, we could have unlimited drinks as long as each one was less than $15 each (this will depend on the cruises’s onboard currency). 

So, with just two average drinks we’d already made the most of our money! Of course, we didn’t always have just the two either…

Step 5: Research your cruise itinerary and destinations

Now, this is one of the most exciting parts of going on a cruise - aside from the cruise itself obviously! 

After you’ve booked your cruise, you’ll want to take a look at the itinerary or even print it out if that’s more helpful. You can then easily see the number of port days you’ll have, and where they are. 

This way, you’ll get to research each city or destination you’re visiting. You can then note down the top attractions you’d like to see so you’re not missing out.

To continue on with our Norwegian Cruise Line example, here’s an itinerary for a Quebec cruise that they offer. Here you can see which stops you’ll be making and when! 

If it's your first cruise, then you might be unaware that you can organize tours yourself. 

Yep, you heard that correctly.

Many cruise ships offer ‘shore excursion’ packages where you’ll think you’re getting a hefty discount, but the reality is you're not!

In my opinion, the prices of these shore excursions tend to be massively inflated.

Although a convenient way to see a destination, you’ll save a lot of money if you organize them yourself.

When we took a Norwegian Cruise we were given a $50 tour credit which seems great.

However, these tours are often $100-$200 more expensive anyway, so you’re definitely not getting a bargain.

An example of this is when we did a tour of the Curacao factory!

‍ Not only did we pre-book our own tour time, but we used local transport to get there which cost us 50% less than what the cruise had offered! 

If you’re looking for help booking a cruise, then avoiding these excursion packages is one of my top recommendations. For more remote destinations, this may not be possible but it certainly is for cities.

Our top recommendations for booking tours and excursions yourselves are by using Get Your Guide and Viator .

Not only are they much cheaper, but you can read the reviews and decide for yourself whether it’s to your liking.

Leading on from the Quebec cruise itinerary that I’ve just mentioned, you can check the likes of Quebec City for tours and excursions using these two websites.

Just make sure you check the amount of time you’re at port for, as you don’t want to be left behind. Trust me, if you’re not there to board in time - the cruise ship will leave without you! 

Step 6: Create a packing list

Now that you’re no longer asking ‘how do I book a cruise?’, it’s time for the next step - to create a packing list.

Naturally, what you pack is going to depend on where you’re going, the length of your cruise, and what kind of activities and excursions are available.

This is especially the case when it comes to clothing!

If you’re heading to the Caribbean then your luggage is primarily going to consist of swimsuits/trunks, shorts, t-shirts, and light jackets. The majority of your clothing will be lightweight too and you’ll want to avoid dark colors if you can.

For those planning to head to Alaska, Norway, or even Antarctica, your packing list is likely going to include thermals, thick jumpers, underlayers, and a warm coat. 

The good thing about cruise lines is that many of them don’t have a weight limit when it comes to luggage. This means you won’t have to stress about what you can and can’t take.

However, if you need to fly to your departure port rather than drive then you’ll need to keep that in mind. Although your cruise company may not have a weight limit, your airline certainly will.

Other items to pack for your cruise

Aside from clothes, there are plenty of other things you can pack but just don’t go overboard. Many people choose to take toiletries along, but some of these often come free in your cabin.

Some other items you could pack include:

• Playing cards
• Small gaming console
• Quick drying towel

When taking tech items, just make sure you’ve got gadget insurance for them first. 

If you’re unsure of what to pack, then you can check out our cruise packing list !

It breaks down everything you need to know including what to pack for both hot and cold destinations, miscellaneous things, and items that you might not have even thought of yet.

We’ve also included some tips on what not to pack for good measure…

Step 7: Arrange any transportation that may be needed

When booking a cruise, this isn’t often the first thing that comes to mind. However, as you get further into the booking you’ll be offered this option.

If you’ve not included transfers in your booking, and you need to travel to the port then this is something you’ll need to research.

For those relatively close, you can research taxis, shuttle services, or the parking situation if you’re within driving distance. Just keep in mind the length of your trip, and how much your parking is going to cost.

If you need to fly to your port then you can research cheap flights on Skyscanner or find a cruise ship that offers a great deal. For example, some cruises offer ‘2 for 1’ flights which are likely to save you a lot of money! 

Not only should you consider this when it comes to reaching the port, but keep this principle in mind whilst you’re on the cruise too.

Rather than pay the excursion prices as we mentioned before, take local transport and pay for the tours yourself. The transportation that’s offered may be convenient, but that’s part of the reason why the tours have such large price tags! 

The same goes for hotel rooms. 

If you’re having to travel down the day before and stay overnight, you’ll find it’s often cheaper to book an overnight stay rather than include it in your cruise.

You might get lucky and benefit from a special deal that the cruise company is offering, but otherwise, you’ll tend to get a better price for hotels if you book yourself. 

There are plenty of incredible vacation rental sites that you can use to find some fantastic deals. However, if you’re looking for even more savings, then check out our guide on how to get cheap hotel rooms …

These are all things that can save you a lot of cash and will give you more spending money for the trip itself. So, do a bit of research before simply including all of these in your package. 

Step 8: Make sure you’ve got travel insurance

You’ll find that many cruise line companies will offer insurance and it will be for an extra charge. 

Although this sounds like the best option, you’ll often find a better deal if you look around yourself.

For those in the UK, your best bet is to use comparison websites such as Compare the Market and Travel Supermarket . They’ll give you a run-down of the best insurance deals! 

If you’re in the United States, then the two popular providers tend to be SafetyWing and World Nomads .

You can check out our in-depth review of SafetyWing here if you’re looking to learn more! 

In fact, some bank accounts and credit cards often have extra benefits such as travel insurance. You might already be covered so why pay extra to book insurance with your cruise line?

I also know for a fact that some paid plans with Revolut offer free travel insurance. We’ve used Revolut since our first backpacking trip in 2016, so we can highly recommend them!

For more information, you can check out our in-depth guide to Revolut to see the other benefits of using them…

With the current climate, you’ll want to make sure your cruise covers COVID-19 as some cruises still require you to take a PCR or lateral flow test before boarding. The last thing you want is to cancel due to COVID, but not be able to get your money back! 

Like with any good travel insurance provider, you’ll also want to make sure your policy includes trip cancellation, medical expenses, pre-existing health conditions, and lost or stolen baggage.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need cruise insurance rather than standard insurance. Many providers offer this, but just double-check before you buy a policy! 

Step 9: Check you’ve got all the necessary documents

I’m going to start off by saying that the documents required will be different depending on where you’re traveling to.

If you’re cruising through another country then you’ll obviously need your passport. However, even if you’re traveling within your home country - most cruise liners will require your passport anyway.

Some will accept other forms of identification if you’re not cruising abroad, but the likelihood is that you will be! 

If you’re a US citizen then there’s such a thing as a ‘closed loop’ cruise. If your cruise begins and ends at a US port, then you won’t need a passport. 

However, you will need a boarding pass and some form of government photo ID like a driving license!

Not only that, but you’ll need to research whether you need a visa or not. This is one of the most important documents for any cruise and isn’t one that you want to forget about! 

Next on the list is either your COVID-19 vaccination record or a negative COVID test depending on what the cruise’s rules are. 

Again, this will be different with every company so you’ll need to check this when you book. Some companies don’t even require COVID testing anymore - oh, how the world is changing!

For those traveling to African countries or parts of South America, you may also need specific vaccinations and evidence of these. One of the main ones being Yellow Fever!

Some cruise companies will also require you to fill out a Health Status Questionnaire.

The best thing to do is check with your cruise company and this way you won’t be caught out when it comes to check-in and boarding. I’d recommend checking when you book so that you leave enough time to sort out a passport or vaccinations if needed.

To sum up, here are the documents you’ll need:

• Your passport
• Government photo I.D e.g. driving license (always good to have)
• Visa - this is dependant on the country 
• COVID 19-vaccination record OR negative pre-departure COVID test 
• Specific vaccination records e.g. yellow fever (if needed) 
• Health Status Questionnaire (not all cruises require this)

Step 10: Check in online and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

After you’ve got all your documents together in the one place, it’s time to check in for your cruise.

Like with airlines, you’ll need to check in for your cruise and this can be done online. When you can do this will differ with every cruise line so you’ll need to double-check this!

However, generally, check-in tends to open up to three months before your sailing date . Even if you’ve booked your trip with a travel agent, you’ll need to do this step yourself. 

The requirements will be different depending on who you’re cruising with, but typically you’ll first need to set up an account with a username and password. From there, you’ll need to input your passport information and payment information, like you would with any trip.

Not only can you check in yourself, but you’ll also be able to check in for other people who are linked to your reservation number. 

Below (and above) is an screenshot of Norwegian Cruise Line’s check-in process to give you a rough idea of what to expect!

Another thing you'll need to think about is the security photos. These photos are almost like ‘headshots’ and they’re generally taken when you board the ship.

Some cruise lines do allow you to take these in advance though to speed up the process. You’ll just need to take the photograph in front of a plain background.

I’d recommend checking if your cruise line allows you to take security photos in advance, as this can save you a lot of time when it comes to boarding.

If you’re a regular cruiser then don’t forget to include your loyalty number upon check-in , as you’re likely to get credit for both this cruise and future ones!

After check-in, you’ll also want to make sure that you’ve printed your cruise boarding passes and luggage tags. 

Now, you’re ready to board so be prepared for an epic trip! 

Bonus Tip: Save some money whilst on your cruise

Now that you know how to take a cruise - the next most popular question tends to be ‘how to save money on a cruise’.

Well, don’t worry as I’ve got you covered here too! 

For starters, you’ll want to take advantage of the free services available to you rather than purchasing extras. Typically all cruises offer a fitness center that you can use free of charge.

This a much better option for keeping fit if you’re looking to save cash rather than splurging on a personal trainer or fitness classes. 

Some cruise lines even offer a free sauna and this way you won’t need to use the spa. If you do want to use the spa, try to during one of the cruise’s port days as the prices are often much cheaper!

Other free services on cruise ships

Another way to save money whilst on your cruise is to find a liner that includes tips in your deal, so you won’t have to spend extra during your trip. 

I’d also recommend avoiding the onboard laundry services as they’re often very expensive! Instead, pack a laundry soap bar and wash the necessities yourself (underwear, swimwear, etc).

There are also a couple of other things that you’ll want to avoid during your cruise if you’re looking to save some cash. This includes cruise photos taken by official photographers, ‘pay to view’ movies and TV, and premium restaurants. 

The latter is an important one! Besides the main dining option, you’ll often find that there are other ‘premium restaurants’ on board. 

You’ll have to pay extra to dine at these, although sometimes you may have some free evenings included with your package! 

For more information on how to save money on a cruise, check out our full guide here…

It includes plenty of tips on how to book a cruise for cheap, and also ways to save money whilst you’re onboard!

So, are you ready for your epic cruise?

Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of how to book a cruise for the first time!

Honestly, there’s nothing more exciting than booking a cruise and you’re in for a fantastic experience.

Whether you’d prefer to explore the Mediterranean or you’re heading to Norway to see the Northern Lights , you won’t be short of options.

The main things to consider when booking a cruise are your budget, time frame, and type of cruise - whether you’d prefer a relaxing getaway or an adventure cruise. 

There’s also a lot to think about if you’re looking to save money, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut costs - some of which we've mentioned in this post.

If you’re still thinking about where to go on your cruise, here is some travel inspiration:

• The Best Places to Visit in the World
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• The Best Cheap Places to Travel

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How Far in Advance to Book a Cruise

by The Cruise Web Team January 26, 2024

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Embark on a sea adventure with The Cruise Web , answering your questions about when to book a cruise. Your dream vacation awaits! If the question of how far in advance to book a cruise lingers in your mind, The Cruise Web has the tailored insights you need. Delve into the intricacies of optimal booking times, weighing the advantages of early and last-minute reservations, and mastering the art of navigating peak seasons and special events. Our comprehensive guide unveils the secrets to securing the best deals and discounts on cruises, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience whether you are a meticulous planner or a spontaneous explorer. The Cruise Web is your trusted companion in crafting the perfect cruise getaway.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

What are the key factors that impact when to book a cruise.

Some of the key factors that impact when to book a cruise are:

Availability : If you have a specific itinerary, ship, cabin type, or departure date in mind, you may want to book as early as possible to secure your spot. Some cruises sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons or for popular destinations. Booking early can also give you more options and flexibility in terms of your travel plans.

Price : If you’re looking for the best price on a cruise, you may want to wait until closer to the departure date to book. Cruise lines often lower their prices or offer discounts and incentives to fill up their cabins. However, this strategy comes with some risks, as you may not find the cruise you want or end up paying more for airfare and other travel expenses.

Perks : If you’re looking for extra perks or benefits on your cruise, such as onboard credit, free upgrades, drink packages, or shore excursions, you may want to book early or look for special promotions. Cruise lines often reward early bookers with these perks or offer them during certain periods or events. Booking early can also help you earn loyalty points or status with your preferred cruise line.

How Do Destination, Cruise Line, and Time of Year Play a Role?

Alaska : Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, but it also has a short cruising season from May to September. If you want to cruise Alaska, you may want to book at least six months in advance to secure your preferred itinerary and cabin. You may also find some deals or discounts in the shoulder months of May and September.

View Alaska Cruises

Caribbean : The Caribbean is a year-round cruise destination, but it also has some variations in demand and weather throughout the year. The peak season for Caribbean cruises is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny and many travelers escape the winter cold. If you want to cruise the Caribbean during this time, you may want to book at least three months in advance to get the best selection and price. You may also find some bargains or last-minute deals in the off-season from May to November, when the weather is hotter and wetter and there is a risk of hurricanes.

View Caribbean Cruises

Europe : Europe is another popular cruise destination that has different seasons and regions. The peak season for European cruises is from May to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and many attractions are open. If you want to cruise Europe during this time, you may want to book at least six months in advance to get the best choice and value. You may also find some deals or discounts in the off-season from November to April, when the weather is colder and wetter and some attractions are closed.

View Europe Cruises

Canada and New England : Canada and New England are popular destinations for seasonal cruises because they offer stunning scenery, rich history, and diverse cultures. Whether you want to admire the fall foliage, explore charming villages, or enjoy fresh seafood, there is something for everyone in these regions. The best time to visit Canada and New England depends on your preferences and interests, but generally speaking, the peak season is from August to early November, when the weather is mild and the colors are vibrant. However, you can also find great deals and fewer crowds in the spring and summer months, when you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. No matter when you choose to go, you will have an unforgettable experience on a Canada and New England cruise.

View Canada and New England Cruises

The cruise line you choose can also affect when to book a cruise. Different cruise lines have different pricing strategies and policies that can influence the availability and cost of cruises. For example:

Luxury Cruise Lines : Luxury cruise lines tend to have higher prices but also offer more inclusive fares that cover gratuities, drinks, shore excursions, and other amenities. Luxury cruise lines also tend to have smaller ships and fewer cabins than popular cruise lines, which means they can sell out faster. If you want to cruise with a luxury cruise line, you may want to book at least nine months in advance to secure your spot and enjoy the best value.

View Luxury Cruises

Popular Cruise Lines : Popular cruise lines tend to have lower prices but also charge extra for gratuities, drinks, shore excursions, and other amenities. Popular cruise lines also tend to have larger ships and more cabins than luxury cruise lines, which means they can offer more availability and flexibility. If you want to cruise with a popular cruise line, you may want to book three to six months in advance to get the best selection and price. You may also find some deals or discounts closer to the departure date or during certain promotions.

View Popular Cruises

The time of year you want to cruise can also affect when to book a cruise. Some cruises are more popular or expensive than others, which can affect the demand and supply of cruises. For example:

Holidays : Holidays are peak times for cruising, as many travelers take advantage of their vacation time and celebrate with their families or friends on a cruise. Holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July can be very busy and pricey for cruising, as cruise lines often charge higher fares and offer fewer discounts or incentives. If you want to cruise during a holiday, you may want to book at least nine months in advance to secure your spot and avoid paying a premium.

School Break Bliss : Embracing school breaks unveils a peak period of joy for cruising, with numerous families opting for a delightful cruise vacation. Whether it’s the excitement of spring break, the warmth of summer break, or the festive winter break, cruising during these times brings an abundance of positive experiences. While demand is high, the enchantment is worth it, and by booking at least six months in advance, you ensure your place in this voyage of happiness, all without missing out on exclusive perks and discounts.

Prime Booking Season : The Prime Booking Season extends from January to March, drawing numerous travelers eager to plan their cruises for the upcoming year. During this period, cruise lines unveil an array of enticing deals and discounts, including complimentary upgrades, onboard credit, reduced deposits, or airfare credits. To make the most of this opportune season, consider booking your cruise within this timeframe to secure unparalleled value and exclusive perks.

Ready to set sail? Book your dream cruise with The Cruise Web for an unforgettable journey. Contact us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 to plan your perfect cruise getaway. Your seafaring adventure awaits!

Benefits of Early Booking

More Perks : Booking early can also help you get more perks or benefits on your cruise, such as onboard credit, free upgrades, drink packages, shore excursion credits, or loyalty points. Cruise lines often reward early bookers with these perks or offer them during certain periods or events. Booking early can also help you secure your preferred dining time, seat assignment, shore excursion reservation, or spa appointment.

More Availability : Booking early gives you more options and flexibility in terms of your itinerary, ship, cabin type, departure date, and travel plans. You can choose the cruise that best suits your preferences and budget and avoid settling for less or missing your desired cruise.

Better Prices : Booking early can also help you save money on your cruise fare, as cruise lines often offer lower prices or incentives to early bookers. You can lock in your price and avoid any price increases or surcharges that may occur later.

Now that you’ve uncovered the numerous benefits of booking your cruise early, it’s time to embark on a journey filled with perks, availability, and unbeatable prices. Don’t miss out on securing the cruise that aligns perfectly with your preferences and budget. Take the first step towards an unforgettable adventure by booking now with The Cruise Web. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 . Your dream cruise awaits – make it a reality today!

Last-Minute Booking Considerations

Ready to embark on your cruise adventure? Book now at The Cruise Web to secure the best options for your dream voyage. You can also reach out to us via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 . Don’t miss out on the cruise experience you desire – plan ahead and make the most of your journey with The Cruise Web.

Navigating Peak Seasons and Special Events

One of the first things to think about when booking a cruise is the timing of your travel. Depending on the destination, season, and demand, cruise prices and availability can vary significantly throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to navigate peak seasons and special events when booking a cruise.

How Does the Timing of Booking Relate to Peak Travel Season?

Generally speaking, the best time to book a cruise is when the demand is low and the supply is high. This means that you can find lower prices and more choices of cabins and itineraries. However, this also means that you might have to compromise on some aspects of your trip, such as the weather, the crowd, or the activities.

The peak travel season for cruises depends on the destination and the climate. For example, if you want to cruise to Alaska , the peak season is from May to September, when the weather is warmer and the wildlife is more active. If you want to cruise to the Caribbean , the peak season is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. If you want to cruise to Europe , the peak season is from June to August, when the weather is pleasant and the attractions are open.

Booking a cruise during the peak season has some advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you can enjoy the best weather and the most popular activities at your destination. On the other hand, you might have to pay higher prices and deal with more crowds and limited availability. Booking a cruise during the off-season also has some pros and cons. On one hand, you can save money and enjoy more flexibility and availability. On the other hand, you might have to face unfavorable weather conditions and fewer options for activities or attractions.

The timing of booking also affects the price and availability of cruises. Booking early or late can help you find better deals and discounts on cruises. However, there are some risks and trade-offs involved in both strategies.

What Considerations Should Be Made for Special Events or Themed Cruises?

Another factor that can influence the price and availability of cruises is the occurrence of special events or themed cruises. These are cruises that cater to specific interests or occasions, such as music festivals, sports tournaments, holidays, or celebrations. For example, you might find cruises that feature live performances by famous artists, cruises that offer exclusive access to sporting events or venues, or cruises that celebrate Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.

Booking a cruise for a special event or a themed cruise can be a great way to enhance your vacation experience and enjoy something unique and memorable. However, there are some things to consider before booking such a cruise.

First, you should be aware that these cruises tend to be more expensive and limited than regular cruises. This is because they have higher demand and lower supply than normal cruises. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay a premium price and book well in advance if you want to secure your spot on these cruises.

Secondly, it’s important to note that these cruises often bring together a vibrant and lively community of individuals who share a common interest or passion for the event or theme of the cruise. This lively atmosphere contributes to a spirited and dynamic cruise experience where passengers can engage with like-minded fellow travelers. While these cruises may have a higher level of activity, fostering a sense of camaraderie, it’s advisable to embrace the energetic ambiance and enjoy the shared enthusiasm. This ensures a more positive and interactive cruise, where the vibrant atmosphere becomes a key element of the overall journey.

Thirdly, you should be aware that these cruises tend to have less variety and flexibility than regular cruises. This is because they focus more on the event or theme of the cruise than on the destination or itinerary of the cruise. Therefore, you should be prepared to sacrifice some options for activities or attractions on these cruises.

Embark on the exciting journey of selecting your ideal cruise by heeding the valuable insights provided for navigating peak seasons and special events. Seize the opportunity to secure the finest cabins, itineraries, and prices by taking immediate action. Make your dream cruise a reality with The Cruise Web—book now and set sail for an extraordinary adventure. Contact us today via email at [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 . Your dream cruise awaits – do not miss out on this unforgettable experience with The Cruise Web!

Deals and Discounts

Embarking on a cruise adventure is an exciting prospect, and finding the best deals and discounts adds an extra layer of thrill to your journey. When contemplating how far in advance to book your cruise, it’s essential to consider the opportune moments to secure incredible savings. Understanding the dynamics of cruise pricing and the various factors influencing discounts can help you make informed decisions. In this section, we’ll delve into the strategies and times when you can capitalize on special promotions, prime seasons, and other enticing offers from cruise lines. Discover the keys to unlocking exceptional deals and discounts, making your dream cruise not only a reality but also a budget-friendly experience.

When is the best time to find deals and discounts on cruises?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as cruise prices vary depending on many factors, such as the destination, the season, the demand, the availability, the cruise line, and the itinerary. However, some general tips can help you find lower prices and save money on your cruise.

One of the best times to find deals and discounts on cruises is during the off-season or shoulder season, when the demand is lower and the supply is higher. For example, if you want to cruise to the Caribbean , you might find cheaper prices in the summer or fall, when the weather is hotter and more humid and there is a higher risk of hurricanes. On the other hand, if you want to cruise to Alaska , you might find better deals in the spring or fall, when the weather is colder and less predictable and there are fewer tourists.

Another good time to find deals and discounts on cruises is usually from January to March. This is when cruise lines offer their biggest promotions and incentives to attract customers and fill their ships. You might find discounts on fares, onboard credits, free upgrades, free gratuities, free drink packages, free shore excursion credits, and more. However, keep in mind that this season is also a popular time to book cruises, so you might face more competition and less availability.

Are there specific promotions for early or last-minute bookings?

Another way to find deals and discounts on cruises is to book either very early or very late. Both strategies have their pros and cons, so you need to weigh them carefully before making your decision.

Booking early means booking at least six months to a year in advance. This can give you access to early-bird discounts, lower deposits, more cabin choices, more itinerary options, and more flexibility to change your plans if needed. However, booking early also means that you might miss out on future price drops or promotions that might be offered later.

Booking late means booking within 90 days of departure or even closer. This can give you access to last-minute discounts, flash sales, or distressed inventory that cruise lines want to sell quickly. However, booking late also means that you might have fewer cabin choices, fewer itinerary options, less flexibility to change your plans if needed, and higher airfare costs if you need to fly to your port of embarkation.

Now that you are armed with insights on finding the best deals and discounts for your cruise, it’s time to turn your dreams into reality. The Cruise Web is here to help you embark on an unforgettable journey. Book your cruise today through our user-friendly website, The Cruise Web, or reach out to us via email at [email protected] . If you prefer a more personal touch, give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 , and our dedicated team will guide you through the booking process. Your next adventure awaits – don’t miss out on the cruise of a lifetime!

Your Dream Cruise Awaits – Book Now with The Cruise Web!

As we conclude this exploration of the best time to book a cruise, one thing is clear – your dream cruise adventure is within reach. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous traveler, The Cruise Web is your gateway to unforgettable journeys on the high seas.

With insights into the factors influencing cruise bookings, from destination nuances to the strategies of early and last-minute bookings, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision. The Cruise Web ensures that your voyage is not only seamless but also filled with perks and value.

Embark on a journey filled with unbeatable prices, exceptional perks, and the freedom to choose the cruise that aligns perfectly with your desires. Your dream cruise awaits – make it a reality today by booking with The Cruise Web. Visit our user-friendly website, The Cruise Web , contact us via email at [email protected] , or give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 . Set sail with The Cruise Web and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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11 Mistakes Travelers Often Make When Booking Cruises, According to Travel Advisors

B ooking a cruise may seem straightforward enough—pick a location, find a ship, pay your deposit and start packing. But, in reality, it can be one of the most confusing travel experiences to navigate on your own.

From selecting a cabin to getting a good deal, there’s a lot to consider when planning out your dream vacation on the water. These are some of the biggest mistakes travelers often make when booking cruises on their own—and how a travel advisor can help.

Thinking All Cruises Are the Same

Big ships versus small ships. River, ocean or expedition. Luxurious or laid-back. Educational or just for fun. These days, there’s a cruise for just about everyone under the sun—and then some.

But a big mistake travelers often make is assuming that all cruises are the same, says Michele Lindsay, the owner and lead travel advisor at Blue Pointe Travel . This often leads to a major mismatch: If you’re looking for a calm, relaxing vacation and you end up on a cruise with a party-like atmosphere, you’ll probably be pretty unhappy. 

A travel advisor can help you choose the perfect cruise, based on your likes and dislikes, as well as your goals for each specific trip. During her discovery calls with clients, for instance, Lindsay likes to ask about their food preferences, what kinds of activities and entertainment they enjoy, who they’ll be traveling with and how they’d like to spend their time on vacation.

“Cruise lines each have their own distinct personality,” she says. “Rushing to book a cabin on a cruise line based on an Instagram reel without doing your due diligence first could land you on a ship where it's not your ideal fit.”

Putting Too Much—or Too Little—Emphasis on the Ship

Travelers also often end up putting too much or too little emphasis on the ship. The vessel’s amenities are absolutely important to the overall cruise experience, but it all really boils down to the itinerary. During excursion-heavy trips, you may not have any free time to explore the ship, whereas on longer journeys with more sea days, the opposite is true. 

“Families often make this mistake, in particular, when they are searching for that bucket-list cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean,” says Lindsay. “They prioritize a kid-friendly ship over time in port, or they don’t realize that on a seven-day Mediterranean cruise, there might only be one day at sea, so the ship's amenities—like water slides —may not be as important as they would be on a winter getaway to the Bahamas or the Caribbean.”  

On the flip side, some travelers get so excited about where a ship is taking them that they forget how much there is to do onboard, says Lori Stephens, founder and chief executive officer of Sojourney Travel . The key is talking with your travel advisor to understand the ins and outs of your particular trip.

“While the destinations of a cruise are undoubtedly highlights, they are far from the entirety of the trip,” says Stephens. “It is essential to look at your cruise app to see what activities are offered on board so that you can plan accordingly.” 

Overpacking For The Trip

And speaking of planning, travelers also have a tendency to bring way too many clothes for the journey, Stephens says. She recommends taking advantage of onboard laundry rooms or laundering services to help keep packing to a minimum.

“Consider repurposing dress pants for multiple nights, reusing swimsuits and cover-ups and limiting shoes to a few pairs that can be used with various outfits,” she says. 

Also, remember: Your airline has a weight limit for suitcases, and the more space you leave empty, the more souvenirs you can bring home, adds Windy Dockum , an independent agent for Love of the Magic Vacations.

“Cruisers always feel the need to take all these clothes with them on this trip but, in reality, they’re only going to wear half of them,” says Dockum.

Showing Up the Day of the Cruise

Another big misstep? Arriving in the embarkation city the same day the ship departs. Even a small mishap—a flight delay, a traffic jam, car troubles or some other hiccup—can throw off your entire timeline, meaning the ship might just leave without you on it.

Stephens recommends arriving well ahead of boarding time, if possible. Coming a day or two early also gives travelers a chance to adjust to new time zones if necessary, and spend some time exploring the embarkation destination.

“It is always important to expect the unexpected when planning for a cruise,” she says. “Choosing to arrive early gives you a lazy start to your first cruise day, allowing for a slow and stress-free wake-up and an excellent local restaurant for breakfast—ask your travel advisor for recommendations.”

Not Taking Advantage of In-App Offerings

As soon as you put down your deposit, download the cruise line’s mobile app on your phone. Check it regularly for in-app discounts on excursions, drink packages and WiFi, says Stephens. This is an easy, money-saving step that many travelers simply overlook.

The app can also help you in other ways, such as making dinner reservations or checking out the onboard entertainment lineup. Some cruise lines will even allow you to pre-book shows and kids’ club reservations.

“Utilizing a cruise line’s app ensures that you can customize your sailing to your liking and get first pick at excursions and activities with limited availability—all while securing discounts for booking in advance,” says Stephens.

Assuming That Booking Last-Minute Will Get You The Best Deal

Many clients assume that waiting until the last minute to book a cruise will get them the best possible deal. Not so, says Jesse Morris, owner of We Book Travel LLC , an independent agency in the Avoya Travel Network.

“This may have been true at one point, but cruise lines have made inventory management into a science and it is extremely rare in the post-Covid world to see big price drops anymore,” he says. “The best time to book is as early as possible to ensure you get the cabin you want and the lowest possible price.”

Many cruise lines also offer price-drop protections, so if affordability is your top priority, consider booking with one of those lines, he adds.

Not Buying Travel Insurance

New and seasoned cruisers alike often opt-out of travel insurance , but Dockum says this is a big mistake. Hopefully, you won’t need it—but if you do, you’ll be glad to have it.

“Anything can happen while on vacation and it’s best to be prepared,” she says. “Travel insurance can cover things like lost luggage, missed connections and more serious problems like medical issues that could require medical evacuation.” 

Overplanning Your Vacation

Reviewing shore excursions and onboard entertainment options can make you feel like a kid in a candy store. But many travelers have a tendency to overplan, says Dockum, which leaves little room for spontaneity or time to actually relax.

“Many cruisers try to do all the things and it’s just not possible,” she says. “Don't overdo it, or you’ll end up needing a vacation from your vacation. Take some downtime—you can’t do everything. 

Waiting Too Long to Book Excursions

That said, if there are certain excursions you have your heart set on, don’t wait until the last minute to book them, says Dockum.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, ‘But it’s sold out?’” she says. “You booked a once-in -a-lifetime trip, don’t miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Book excursions as soon as you can—that way, you get what you want at the time you want.”

Misunderstanding ‘Guaranteed’ Rooms

If you’re cruising on a budget, you might be tempted to book what’s known as a “guaranteed” room to save a little extra cash. These staterooms are typically cheaper because the cruise line will assign you one randomly based on availability—you don’t get to pick your own.

But not all cabins are created equal—and you might end up in a part of the ship that ruins your vacation, says Dockum. 

“If you are a light sleeper, you could be placed above a nightclub or dining room and hear noise all night long,” she says. “If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you could be placed in the forward or aft of the ship where you will feel the most movement. It’s best to spend the extra money and pick your cabin location.”

In addition, the name of these staterooms is misleading, because you’re not really guaranteed anything. If the cruise line oversells a voyage, they might have to bump passengers—and guaranteed rooms are some of the first to get the boot, says Stephens.

“No one wants to have to cancel plans at the last minute,” she says. “Go ahead and get an assigned stateroom at the time of booking. It's not worth the savings, many times, and it's better to be safe than sorry.”

On top of all that, ultra-low fare categories often don’t include onboard credits, drink packages or other add-ons. If you want any of these perks, you may actually end up spending more than if you’d booked another rate category that, on the surface, seems more expensive. Your travel advisor can help you do the math and ensure you’re getting everything you want out of your cruise experience at the best price.

“Travel advisors are experts in navigating the promotion mazes and can help clients determine what will get them the most for their money,” says Morris. “We can help clients avoid taking a dream vacation to nightmare scenario easily.”

Waiting Too Long to Book Your Next Cruise

Cruising is wildly popular right now and, even with new ships coming online all the time, there’s still a finite number of berths available, says Lindsay. If you wait too long to book your next trip, you may have to make some compromises.

“Everybody wants that perfect mid-ship balcony, but if you wait too long to book, you may be left with an interior cabin without any views—or, speaking from experience, so far forward that your cabin shakes every time the anchors are dropped,” she says.

If there’s a specific ship you can’t wait to experience or a particular cabin category that’s ideal for your group, get a jump start on booking ASAP. Connecting cabins, in particular, tend to sell out quickly, says Lindsay, so if you’re traveling as a family and you know you’ll need multiple staterooms together, then don’t wait.

“I encourage my clients to look ahead a year or two for school breaks and holidays, as those are the most popular times to sail,” she adds. “Booking early also means that my clients benefit from group space pricing and incentives that are typically available six to 10 months out from sailing.”

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The Best Ways To Book a Disney Cruise in 2024 [With Expert Tips]

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Sailing on a Disney cruise is a dream vacation for many families. Beautiful ships, incredible destinations, and Disney-themed, family-friendly activities are a huge draw. But planning such an extraordinary — and expensive — vacation can be daunting, and every question seems to turn into a dozen more.

What are the best ways to book a Disney cruise to save money and get extra perks? When can you book shore excursions? What stateroom is the best for your family?

We get it, and we’ve been there. In this post, we’re going to detail the best ways to book a Disney cruise — some offer simplicity, while others include extra perks. Plus, we’ll show you how to earn points and miles on your cruise and how to use them to pay for your cruise. Finally, we’ll go over important predeparture details to remember once you’re booked.

Let’s set sail and explore Disney Cruise Line bookings!

The Best Ways To Book a Disney Cruise

Before booking your Disney Cruise Line cruise, gather the following important information to ensure a smooth booking process:

• The itinerary you want to book
• The number of people, including ages at the time of embarkation, in each stateroom
• The names, addresses, phone numbers, and birthdates of each guest on the reservation
• Payment information (a credit card, Disney gift card, or Disney Rewards Redemption Card)
• Castaway Club member ID, if you have one

The Disney Cruise Line website is often the simplest way to book your cruise. It’s a one-stop shop that lets you quickly and easily book the best cruise for you.

You can filter the options by travel dates, destinations, departure port, and cruise length. This booking method is especially easy if you already know where you want to go or what ship you’d like to sail on.

If you’re not sure what room to book, Disney Cruise Line offers detailed looks at each ship’s stateroom options in the Our Ships tab online.

If you’re still not sure, just ask. According to Disney Cruise expert and planDisney panelist Tracie M., you shouldn’t hesitate to call Disney Cruise Line if you need guidance. She knows from personal experience what a great resource that can be.

“During my first voyage on the Disney Fantasy, the agent told me about a few staterooms on board that had extra-large windows. I never would have discovered this cabin on my own,” she told us.

You can reach Disney Cruises at 800-951-3532 or 888-325-2500 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

When you book your cruise directly through Disney, you can hold your reservation for up to 3 days without a deposit. Then you can confirm your reservation with a payment of (usually) just 20% of your cruise cost. The length of the cruise determines the date that your final payment is due — sailings up to 5 nights long require a final payment 90 days before the sail date, while cruises 6 nights or longer need to be paid in full 120 days before sailing.

Cancellation policies vary based on the specific itinerary.

Many people prefer to book Disney cruises through traditional travel agents. Finding an agent who specializes in Disney cruises is a great way to get personalized guidance when planning your vacation.

Even seasoned travelers love using travel agents to book Disney vacations since there can be many moving parts to keep track of. While booking a Disney cruise is more straightforward than booking a trip to a Disney park, many people still love using a travel agent to make things easy.

There are so many websites for booking cruises that it can be confusing to know which offers the best deals. We have found that most online travel agencies offer the same basic prices on cruises. The difference comes in the extras, like shipboard credit or bonus miles , that come with a booking. Here’s a quick look at some of the best places to book Disney cruises.

Costco Travel

Booking a Disney cruise through Costco Travel is great for Costco members. That’s because cruise bookings through Costco often come with a digital Costco Shop card as a bonus. The cruise price dictates the amount of the Shop card. For example, we found a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Disney Treasure (set to debut in December 2024) for 3 people in an oceanview stateroom with a verandah that cost $7,411.94 and came with a $590 Shop card.

Bookings made through Costco Travel can be confirmed with a deposit or can be paid in full at the time of booking. Cancellation policies vary by cruise itinerary.

Cruise.com is one of the only online travel agents that allows you to book Disney cruises online. Most other websites require you to book over the phone. We did multiple searches for different itineraries and found Disney cruises booked through Cruise.com were about $200 cheaper than booking directly through Disney Cruise Line. While this won’t always be the case, Cruise.com could be good for those looking to save money on a Disney cruise.

Bookings made through Cruise.com must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Cancellation policies vary by itinerary.

CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect also allows online bookings for Disney cruises. We found the prices to be identical to those found directly through Disney. However, there were often small extras included, like a $100 Visa gift card and a Walt Disney World official autograph book . These bonuses vary by itinerary and sometimes require a bit of work to receive (for example, you need to fill out a request form after your cruise to get the Visa gift card).

Be sure to read the details of these bonuses carefully. You can see a bonus offering 10% off shore excursions in this example, but that discount only applies to shore excursions booked through CruiseDirect, not ones booked through Disney Cruise Line.

Bookings through CruiseDirect can be confirmed with a deposit, and cancellation policies vary by itinerary.

If you want to earn a big chunk of airline miles or hotel points with your cruise booking , you may want to look to an airline or hotel cruise booking site.

The good news is that you have the opportunity to earn lots of miles by booking a cruise this way. The bad news is that each of these websites charges a $24.99 booking fee on each reservation, and you need to call to make a reservation. While we usually don’t recommend sites that charge a booking fee, sometimes the miles you earn outweigh the booking fee.

• American Airlines Cruises : AAdvantage members earn 1x American Airlines miles (plus 1x Loyalty Points ), and AAdvantage credit cardholders earn an additional 1x miles on every cruise booked, with occasional additional bonuses offered. Call AA Cruises at 800-259-5642 to book.
• Delta Cruises : SkyMiles members earn 2x miles on cruises booked through Delta, plus bonus miles on select itineraries. Call Delta Cruises at 800-820-3244 to book.
• United Cruises: MileagePlus members can earn 3x miles on interior and oceanview staterooms or 4x miles on balcony staterooms and suites. United credit cardholders can earn up to 7x miles! Call United Cruises at 800-211-2039 to book.
• Marriott Cruise With Points : Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy points (including taxes, fees, and other charges) on a cruise.

If you’ve ever cruised before, you know that there’s always an incentive to put a deposit down on your next cruise before you disembark. It can’t hurt to do this, because if you end up taking the cruise you get a discount. If not, the deposit is refundable.

If you’ve never been on a Disney cruise but have friends who will be on one and are planning to put a deposit down on their next cruise, they can secure a second room using the onboard-only offer . Then they can transfer that second reservation to you, and you get the onboard booking benefit.

I took advantage of this trick for an upcoming Disney cruise, and it saved me 10% (which was about $700 for a 7-night cruise!) Our friends put a deposit down on a second room while they were on their last Disney cruise, and then they transferred that second reservation to us. We ended up with a Disney Cruise Line booking with a 10% discount .

Onboard-only offers generally just require a $250 deposit, which is fully refundable until you choose a date for your cruise (then the cancellation policy for your specific cruise applies), so there’s not much downside.

To insure or not to insure, that is the question. But seriously, is insurance really necessary, and which policy is best? We answer these questions in our guide to cruise travel insurance .

How To Book a Disney Cruise With Points and Miles

If you want to save money, you may be wondering if you can book a Disney Cruise with points. The answer is yes, but your options are limited. Plus, unlike using points to book hotels and flights, there’s no opportunity to get outsized value when using points for a cruise.

One of the easiest and best ways to book a Disney cruise with points is by using Capital One miles . Simply book your cruise (through any method) using a card such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , or Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card . Then use the miles in your account to redeem against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

Capital One miles are easy to earn (many cards earn 2x miles on all purchases), so they are great for a wide variety of travelers.

Since this method doesn’t require booking through Capital One Travel , you can take advantage of any available sale or promotion, whether it’s directly through Disney or a traditional or online travel agency.

Disney cruises can’t be booked through AmexTravel.com , Chase Travel , or Citi Travel .

There are additional ways to book Disney cruises with points and miles, although these don’t offer tremendous value. If you’re flush with points and really just want to go on a Disney cruise, then by all means, go for it. However, if your goal is to use your points and miles for the highest cents-per-point value, you may want to skip these.

You could book a Disney cruise with points through Marriott Cruises . This site allows you to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for a discount on your cruise. While that’s great news, the not-so-great part is that you’d only get 0.4 cents per point , significantly less than the 0.7 cents we value Marriott Bonvoy points at.

Another option is to use United MileagePlus Miles via United Cruises . You’d only get about 0.7 cents per mile in value instead of the 1.2 or so cents per mile you could get using them for flights. While the value isn’t great, if you’d rather go on a cruise than fly somewhere, it could be worth considering.

What About the Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card?

Is the Disney Premier card the best option for booking a Disney cruise? Let’s take a look at it:

Disney ®  Premier Visa ® Card

2% back Disney Rewards Dollars at Disney, gas stations, grocery stories, and restaurants means more rewards dollars for Disney fans.

Mickey and his friends are like part of the family. Your kids can recite the words to everything from Aladdin to Toy Story. And there’s no question where you’re going on Spring Break (Space Mountain, anyone?).

As a premier Disney fan, you always have the Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card on hand. It earns you cash back and discounts at Walt Disney World , Disneyland, and more.

• Save 10% on select purchases at shopDisney.com when you use your card
• Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or ESPNPlus.com
• Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney U.S. locations
• Earn 1% on all other card purchases
• Redeem Rewards Dollars for a statement credit towards airline travel
• Get a one-year complimentary DashPass if activated by 12/31/24
• Does not earn transferrable rewards
• Has a foreign transaction fee
• Earn a $400 Statement Credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com. Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney U.S. locations. Earn 1% on all your other card purchases. There are no limits to the number of Rewards Dollars you can earn.
• Redeem Rewards Dollars for a statement credit toward airline purchases.
• 0% promo APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24% - 28.24%
• 10% off select merchandise purchases at select locations and 10% off select dining locations most days at the Disneyland ® Resort and Walt Disney World ® Resort.
• Save 10% on select purchases at DisneyStore.com
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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• Cash Back Credit Cards

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Disney Rewards

This card comes with the following benefits :

• 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
• 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars from purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations
• 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all other purchases
• 10% off select merchandise purchases on Disney Cruise Line
• 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package
• Special vacation financing when purchasing through Disney Cruise Line

While those earning rates aren’t bad, there are plenty of other cards that can match or exceed them. Consider the Capital One Venture card , which earns 5x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases . Plus, Capital One miles aren’t limited to Disney trips — they can be redeemed for any type of travel or transferred to hotels and airline partners .

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
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Other good options would be cash-back credit cards . These cards earn cash-back rewards on all purchases, which can be used toward a Disney cruise, a trip to a Disney park, Disney gifts, or anything else. Multiple cards earn 2% cash-back or even 5% cash-back on everyday purchases, which could end up being more lucrative than using the Disney Premier card.

The Disney Premier card could be good for those who would rather save money for Disney trips than other types of travel, or it could make sense for those who want special financing arrangements. However, there are lots of alternatives that earn flexible points or cash-back that may offer a better return on everyday purchases.

How To Earn Points on a Disney Cruise

If you’d like to earn lots of points by booking a Disney cruise (and who wouldn’t want that?), there are plenty of options.

Of course, you could pay with the Disney Premier card to earn 2% back in Disney Dollars. Alternatively, you could use a card that rewards travel purchases. These cards all earn 3x points on all travel, including cruises:

• American Express ® Green Card : 3x Membership Rewards points on travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve ® : 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel
• Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card : 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel

A fantastic option that earns a lot of points is paying for your Disney cruise with Disney gift cards . These can be purchased at office supply stores or grocery stores — categories where you can easily earn 5x points or 5% cash-back.

Here are a few great options for purchasing Disney gift cards:

• Ink Business Cash ® Credit Card : Earns 5% cash-back at office supply stores (up to $25,000 in purchases per year)
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Earns 5% cash-back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 in spend per quarter); we frequently see supermarkets and office supply stores count as 5% categories with this card
• Citi Custom Cash ® Card : Earns 5% cash-back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent)

You can easily apply Disney gift cards to your online account as payment for a Disney cruise.

What To Do Once You’re Booked

If you’re a first-time Disney cruiser, you’re probably wondering what to do before your cruise begins. Here are a few important things to remember before embarkation day.

Complete your paperwork and check in for your cruise to get your boarding time. Check-in for first-time cruisers opens 30 days before setting sail. If you’ve sailed with Disney Cruise Line previously, you’re automatically a Castaway Club member and can check in earlier than first-time cruisers (you climb tiers based on how many Disney cruises you’ve been on, from 1 to 25 or more):

• Castaway Club Silver : Check-in 33 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Gold : Check-in 35 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Platinum : Check-in 38 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Pearl : Check-in 40 days before sailing.

Double-check your specific itinerary’s document requirements. Some cruises require a passport, while others may not.

Be sure to book dining reservations, shore excursions, and any extras like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservations early. The activity booking window for first-time Disney cruisers opens 75 days before sailing, while Castaway Club members get early access:

• Castaway Club Silver : Book activities 90 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Gold : Book activities 105 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Platinum : Book activities 120 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Pearl : Book activities 123 days before sailing

We asked Disney Cruise Line for advice for first-time Disney cruisers, and their experts pointed us to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app ( iOS or Android ).

“You will want to make sure you have the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app downloaded to your phone. From the comfort of your home, you can explore your ship, reserve cruise activities, and countdown to your vacation. Once on board, you can quickly access the daily activities, rotational dining details, and entertainment schedules. Consider it your ultimate guide to the magic!” Tracie M, planDisney panelist for Disney Cruises

Be sure to look out for your Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, which will be mailed to you about 60 days before your sailing. If you don’t receive them or forget them, the porters at the dock will have plenty of extras.

When packing for your cruise, don’t forget to include fun extras like costumes for onboard celebrations (like Pirate Night). Leave your rubber ducks at home, however. Disney Cruise Line recently banned the tradition of hiding them around the ships.

Check out planDisney for answers to any additional questions about booking a Disney Cruise.

Booking a Disney cruise can be intimidating if you’re not sure where to get the best deal. As we’ve detailed, there are lots of options that provide simplicity, while others offer extra perks — you can even use points to pay for your Disney cruise. On top of that, you can earn lots of points or cash-back by using a great travel rewards credit card.

Whether you’re booking your first Disney cruise or your fifth, we hope you enjoy the magic at sea!

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you book a disney cruise through costco.

Yes, Disney cruises are bookable through Costco Travel. The prices tend to be about the same as those offered through Disney Cruise Line, but bookings through Costco often come with a Costco Shop card as a bonus.

When is the cheapest time to book a Disney cruise?

The lowest prices on Disney cruises (not to mention the best availability) are usually found when booking as soon as an itinerary opens for sale.

Can you book a Disney cruise with points?

Yes! The easiest way to book a Disney cruise with points is through Capital One. You need to use a card like the Capital One Venture card to pay for your cruise. Then you can redeem your Capital One miles against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also book Disney cruises with Marriott Bonvoy points or United miles at a rate that’s less than desirable.

When can you book excursions on Disney cruise?

First-time Disney cruisers can book excursions starting 75 days before sailing. Castaway Club members (anyone who has sailed on Disney Cruise Line previously) can book excursions 90 to 123 days before sailing.

How far in advance can you book Disney cruise?

New Disney Cruise Line itineraries are usually released about 15 to 18 months in advance.

Do Disney Cruises get cheaper closer to sail date?

Generally, no, Disney cruises don’t get cheaper closer to the sail date. In fact, prices tend to increase as the sailing date gets closer. While you may occasionally find a last-minute deal, it’s better to book as far ahead of time as possible.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Flight deviation that's 3 days or more Norwegian Cruise? - Cruises Forum

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The sequence of events went like this:

1. I called NC 2 weeks ago. The agent initially said it's possible to have a 3-day deviation, as long as we book our hotel through Norwegian. After doing a system search, the agent said Norwegian couldn't find any partner hotels available in Venice for all of the 3 nights before our sailing date. However, She said we could book the hotel for 2 nights. I told her to hold, so I could quickly talk to my partner.

2. After chatting with my partner, I told the agent yes, that we'll take the 2-night deal. But at this point, she said "No, we can't give you the 3-night deviation, even if you book your Venice hotel stays with us." I was like "What? You just offered that option to me 2 minutes ago!"

3. I ended the call without changing our existing 2-day deviation or booking any hotel stays.

1. Has anyone tried or managed to get a 3-day or longer deviation? If so, how did you do it?

2. Has anyone been offered or accepted the 3-day deviation plus hotel booking from NC? If you accepted, which hotels and how would you rate the quality and the cost from 1-5?

3. For those who had only 2-day deviations, did any of you manage to change our flight directly with the airline to move your flight ?

After reading the reviews about Norwegian Cruise's flight booking, I'm wary of the lack of flexibility.

u/norwegiancruise #cruiseflightdeviation

4 replies to this topic

I am sure you could get the 3 day + deviation for a fee their sister line operates like that

Hotel packages are usually PP so be careful when looking at those deals

Usually the routings are not that great & you only get economy seats

Whenever I've looked at what any line offers, I can usually get a much better deal myself as well, although this may at least partly be due to where I am.

And, cruise line booked hotels are generally charged per person, not per room, and usually work out the half again - at least- as if you booked it yourself....

If at all possible - ditch the cruise line air and hotel, and DIY. Usually, less expensive, less hassle, and all in your control..

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