how do you plan a cruise

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How to Plan a Cruise in 6 Steps

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

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

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

1. Establish a budget

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

Cruise line.

Destination.

Cruise length.

Number of guests. 

Onboard spending. 

Offshore excursions.

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

2. Decide on cruise length

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: Are cruises worth it?

3. Choose a destination

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

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

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

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

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

4. Compare cruise lines

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

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

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

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

5. Book your cruise

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

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

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

6. Complete your documentation

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

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

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

Planning a cruise recapped

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

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

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

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Build Your Own Vacation

Plan a cruise.

Ready to book an unforgettable adventure? Here’s everything you need to plan a memory-maxing vacation.

There’s a whole world waiting to be explored, and you’re just a click away from an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re planning your vacation from scratch, ready to book or want financing options, we’ve made it easier than ever to plan and book your cruise vacation. Traveling with a group of friends or family, celebrating a special occasion, or looking to extend your stay in one of your favorite departure or arrival ports? All the information you need on how to plan your cruise is right here.

YOUR ULTIMATE CRUISE CHECKLIST

✔ your travel crew.

Are you sailing with your significant other, your family, a group of friends or traveling solo? Browse our sailing options to find the perfect adventure for you.

✔ Explore Our Ships

From the tallest slide at sea to spellbinding ice-skating performances, our adventure-packed fleet offers thrilling activities, world-class dining and incredible entertainment. Choose the ship that’s right for you.

✔ Find a Departure Port

It’s easier than ever to visit your dream destinations. Kickstart your vacation right from your backyard, or choose an exciting port in another state.

✔ Decide Your Itinerary & Book

You can’t go wrong with any itinerary you choose. Check out our weekend getaways and weeklong explorations. There are countless thrilling options.

✔ Choose Your Destinations

The world’s boldest ships sail to nearly 300 destinations worldwide, with itineraries that put multiple checkmarks on your bucket list.

✔ Prepare Your Travel Essentials

Already booked? Make the most out of your adventure by adding exciting shore excursions and deluxe drink packages. Be sure to also review packing tips and essential documents for seamless onboarding.

✔  Decide Your Itinerary & Book

Gather your travel crew.

Are you looking for a romantic escape, a family getaway, or the perfect way to celebrate a milestone occasion? When you plan a cruise trip with us, you’re choosing a vacation that will max out memories like never before. From gourmet globetrotting and awe-inspiring entertainment to one-of-a-kind thrills and sun-soaked itineraries — you can count on larger-than-life experiences for adventurers of all types.

A ROMANTIC COUPLES GETAWAY

Wander Rome ’s ancient piazzas. Marvel at the sparkling azure light inside Capri’s Blue Grotto. Or savor mezes in a hillside taverna while magical colors fill the Santorini sky at sunset. And when you’re not exploring dreamy coastlines, fill your days at sea with endless romance — like intimate dining at specialty restaurants, pampering couples massages and date nights with show-stopping entertainment.

THRILLS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Discover the ultimate thrill-topping family vacation. From unforgettable onboard experiences like catching a wave on the FlowRider® surf simulator to earning bragging rights on the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean at our private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay — this is the epic family getaway you’ve been waiting for.

THE MORE THE MERRIER

Nothing fuels bolder bonding like an epic adventure with your squad. Whether you want to go on a romantic Euro-hopping honeymoon , plan an epic milestone birthday bash at our private island in The Bahamas , or spot whales in wild Alaska with your work buddies — make memories that last a lifetime.

FIND A DEPARTURE PORT NEAR YOU

CRUISES FROM

CAPE LIBERTY

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ALL CRUISE PORTS

Choose your destination.

No matter where you choose to sail from, you’re bound for a bold adventure. From snorkeling in the Caribbean to dog sledding in Alaska, castle chasing in Europe and kayaking in the Mexican Riviera — wow-worthy adventures are yours for the taking.

ALASKA GLACIER

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

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COZUMEL & CANCUN

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BRITISH ISLES 

of the Seas

explore the best cruise ships

For years we’ve led the vacation industry with first-at-sea innovations, continually pushing the limits of the imagination with  award-winning  ships packed with revolutionary thrills. Like our Oasis Class  Wonder of the Seas℠  and Icon Class  Icon of the Seas℠  — the biggest, boldest ships to ever set sail. Our fleet has 28 thrilling ships, each delivering bold onboard thrills, world-class dining , jaw-dropping entertainment , and incredible accommodations .

EXPLORE OUR SHIPS

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

FROM ESCAPES TO EXPEDITIONS

No matter how many vacation days you have to play with, there’s an epic getaway with your name on it. Choose from 3- and 4-night thrill-filled cruises to nearby shores, or opt for more vacation destinations and time to make memories on a week-long wander.

it's time to win the weekend

Not all weekends are created equal. Max out every minute without maxing out your vacay days. Tropic trek to sun-kissed shores. Take your tastebuds on a delicious globetrotting tour. And do it all before Monday — on our game changing ships.

EXPLORE WEEKEND CRUISES

WANDER FOR A WEEK

Go off the grid entirely or stay on the beaten path and soak up everything each destination has to offer — on a week-long cruise, you set the schedule. No matter what’s on your itinerary, planning an unforgettable 7-night week long cruise is as stress-free as an afternoon at the beach.

EXPLORE 7 NIGHT WEEK LONG CRUISES

what to KNOW before going on a cruise Planning your dream cruise vacation is easier than ever. With our online booking engine, you’re just a click away from scoring the adventure of a lifetime. If this is your first time booking a cruise or if you prefer to speak to someone, we recommend reaching out to our friendly representatives or your favorite travel advisor — who will happily answer all your questions.

After you’ve booked your cruise, follow the checklist below to ensure a smooth sailing.

✔ Download our  app  on your phone to start planning your vacation, complete online check-in, browse shore excursions, and more.

✔ Then visit our Cruise Planner , your go-to place to score bold savings on onboard dining and beverage packages, as well as thrilling excursions.

✔ Check out our Travel Documents page , for a run down on everything you may need to bring on your trip.

✔ Have other general questions? Explore our  frequently asked questions .

And if you don’t know what to pack or need inspiration for short trips, weeklong Caribbean getaways, or last-minute family vacation ideas, take a look at our useful  vacation travel guides .  Finally, be sure to read our Set Sail Guide , that details everything you need to know, from checking in, what to pack and more before your cruise.

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10 Best Family Spring Break Vacation Destinations

Looking for spring break ideas for the family. Explore the 10 best family spring break destinations in the United States and the Caribbean and find the perfect mix of relaxing and adventurous vacation destinations.

7 Perfect Puerto Vallarta Day Trips

Set sail on a cruise vacation and discover the best things to do while traveling on your Puerto Vallarta day trip. Plan your Mexico getaway your way!

6 Caribbean Vacation Wardrobe Packing Tips

Build the perfect Caribbean vacation wardrobe for your next getaway cruise with these travel packing tips. Craft a stylish cruise outfit for everyday!

Plan the Best London Day Trips Ever

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Best Botanical Gardens in Jamaica

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Planning a Memorable Dubai Vacation

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Tips for Your Panama Canal Cruise

Take a moment to make the most of your Panama Canal cruise vacation. Uncover what you might not know about this tiny and fascinating country as you travel.

Family Vacation Ideas for Cruises

Take a moment to make the most of your family vacation, uncover the best places to visit when taking a cruise for everyone. Enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Swimming with Dolphins in Jamaica

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Fun Mother Daughter Vacation on a Cruise

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Fun European Cities to Visit With Kids

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Planning a Rome Vacation From the Sea and Beyond

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Where to Find the Best Skiing in the Alps

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What's the Best Travel Credit Card for Rewards and Benefits?

This guide to the best travel credit card focuses on the benefits of traveling with a credit card and the best cruise credit card for rewards and benefits.

Relaxing Vacation Spots in the Caribbean

Visit tranquil places in the Caribbean, like the cenotes of Mexico, to find the most relaxing vacation spots.

How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time

Read up on how to plan a cruise for the first time, including tips on what to pack, where to go and how to select the perfect itinerary for your vacation.

How To Plan a Trip for Relaxing Vacations

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Vacation Ideas for Families on Icon of the Seas

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Bahamas Travel Hacks for Families

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How to Budget for a Vacation

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Family Vacation Ideas on Symphony of the Seas

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Family Vacations on Liberty of the Seas

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CONVENIENCE WE'RE HERE TO HELP

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Your vacation doesn’t have to end when you step off the ship. Royal Caribbean has partnered with hotels in select departure ports so you can save on stays before and after your cruise. Just contact the reservations department and choose from different packages designed to help you add more thrills to your getaway.

FROM CAR TO CRUISE

Ease in and out of your next cruise with transportation to and from your ship. You can pre-purchase airport shuttles, private transfers and even motor-coach travel on bus routes between major cities. When it comes to planning cruise vacations, we’ve done all the groundwork for a stress-free escape.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Sometimes plans change. Make sure nothing gets in the way of your adventure with the Royal Caribbean® Travel Protection Program , which offers round-the-clock expert guest support, luggage and medical protection and coverage for travel delays and cancellations.

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Everything to Know Before Booking Your First Cruise

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. 

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.

Planning A Cruise: How To Easily Navigate The Process

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

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

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

Our Ultimate Cruise Planner

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

Ultimate Cruise Planner

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

Planning Your Cruise Posts

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

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

Before You Book Your Cruise

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

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

After You Book Your Cruise

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

• Important Things to Do After Booking Your Cruise

Packing For Your Cruise

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

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

While You’re On Your Cruise

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

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

Final Thoughts On Planning A Cruise

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

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

Happy cruising!

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CRUISING , FLASHPACKING

How to plan a cruise for the first time: 10 tips for beginners.

Cruises can offer a stress-free vacation, even if you are a first-time solo traveller .

However, there are lots of things to consider when booking a cruise for the first time. To ensure that you have the best time possible and create travel memories that will linger for many years to come, you will need to do your homework.

So how do you go about planning a cruise for the first time? Faced with a sea of choices (ahem!), it can seem like an overwhelming task.

To help you make the right decision, here are ten factors to consider, all based on my own experiences.

How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time

I’m going to walk you through the decisions you need to make when planning a cruise for the first time to make sure that the experience is everything that you dream it will be.

But before starting to plan your cruise, consider this: Will you be able to handle living on a cruise ship? And if you are a solo traveller, will it feel weird cruising alone ?

Cruising is a little like  Marmite . Some people are evangelical about it; others hate it.

Depending on the itinerary, there can be days at sea at a stretch. How will you cope with that?

Are you able to navigate the waters of onboard etiquette, which varies between cruise operators? And how will you manage your days in port?

Cruising isn’t for everyone but it is often a case of if you don’t try it you will never know.

Ready to book your first cruise? Let’s set sail.

1. Plan how long you want to cruise for

Cruises come in all sizes, from a few days to a whopping 245 days, courtesy of a round-the-world jaunt with Viking.

When taking that first voyage into the unknown, a two-week cruise can be a bit of a gamble. For most rookie cruisers, a  six or seven-day cruise  is just about right, which should offer two or three ports at least to give you a sense of what it’s all about.

The alternative is to dip your toe in the water, so to speak, and take a  two or three-day cruise as a taster .

For example, from Southampton on England’s south coast, you can hop across the channel to Zeebrugge (for Bruges) or Le Havre (for Paris). Or from Piraeus, near Athens,  Celestyal  has a menu of short itineraries.

2. Define your cruising style: ship or destination. 

There is a style of cruising to fit most travel tribes and you need to choose the right one for you.

Also, ask yourself this question: Is a well-appointed ship important to you or is it all about the destinations?

3. Research your cruise line

Choosing your cruise line is a little like choosing your perfect partner.

In a sea of choice (!), you have to pick your perfect match, deciding if your personalities match and if he/she will meet your expectations. Each cruise line has its own character and you will need to do a little research to decide which will be the right fit for you.

For example, for a very European feel, try  MSC ( did an Adriatic Sea cruise with them). If a West-End / Broadway show is what you are looking for on board, then you won’t go far wrong with  Royal Caribbean  or  NCL . For a good time with a touch of class, look towards  Celebrity .

Think also about the  age group  that you want to travel with.

There are no hard and fast rules, but a longer cruise in term-time is likely to attract  older passengers , as are lines such as Fred Olsen and Saga. Conversely, sailings during school holidays are likely to be packed with holidaying  families .

If you want to avoid kids, travel during term time or choose an adult-only ship.

The  younger party crowd  gravitate towards Carnival and Costa.

4. Decide on your cruising budget

Except for a lucky few, budget is important when you book your first cruise.

A recent analysis has put  the  daily cost of cruising  at $277, of which $199 is the ticket price and $78 is onboard spend.  However, as many factors affect the cost of cruising, I would take this estimate with a liberal pinch of salt.

Let’s take a look at some of these variables.

Cruise line

Like hotels, you pay for the level of luxury and service you want.

Roughly speaking, at the  budget  end of the spectrum you have MSC, Carnival & Costa;  mid-range  cruise lines include P&O, Princess, and Cunard; Seabourne, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas are  luxury  cruise lines.

Unsurprisingly suites are more expensive than interior cabins.

You will also pay a premium for an unobstructed view, a larger cabin and that cabin’s location (deck and position).

Cabin occupancy

This is an important consideration for solo travellers as most operators charge per cabin not per person.

Some cruise lines offer  single cabins  (e.g. NCL, P&O, Cunard, Fred Olsen, Saga, Cruise & Maritime) or discounts for single occupancy (e.g. NCL). However, it is still not a level playing field with solo cabin fares 125 – 160% greater than the per-passenger rate when sharing a cabin.

If the seasonal demand is higher you will pay more. For example, Mediterranean cruises in the summer are more expensive than the same itinerary in spring or autumn when the weather is less predictable.

Repositioning cruises , when ships move from one area to another (e.g. the Caribbean to the Mediterranean), can be good value although they do involve more days at sea.

Ports charge cruise lines to park up. Therefore, the longer or more  port-intensive  a cruise, the more expensive your fare is likely to be.

Government fees will also vary according to the itinerary.

5. Look carefully at the cruise itinerary

When you are planning your first cruise, think about  how many ports  are included in the itinerary and how many days at sea there are.

Restless by nature, I find days at sea difficult. However, my veteran cruiser friend relishes them and adores repositioning cruises for that reason.

It’s horses for courses.

Ultimately, for me, it’s all about the balance between exploring new destinations and having a spot of R&R. My ideal one-week itinerary would be four ports and three days at sea.

What might yours be?

6. Research your cruise destinations

When you start to book your first cruise, being clued up on your destinations is important. Ask yourself the following questions:

Where does the ship berth?

In an ideal world, you will be able to jump off the ship and be right in the thick of things. And this is the case for many ports.

On my  cruise of the Norwegian fjords , all four ports were in the centre of town. This meant I could walk off the ship and explore at my own pace. Perfect!

However, this is not the case with all ports of call. For instance, if you take a cruise on the Western Mediterranean , the port for Rome is Civitavecchia, which is around 80km northwest of the city.

The issue with attractions being relatively inaccessible from cruise ports is that it can hamper your ability to  visit them independently.

Let’s take Rome again as an example; you can travel into the city by train from Civitavecchia but this journey takes up to 80 minutes. Also, you are at the mercy of disruptions to the public transport system.

As an independent explorer, if you miss the departure time of the ship, you have to make your own way to the next port. Harsh but true.

This brings me to the subject of  shore excursions  offered by the cruise line.

These are expensive, but if your return is delayed you are guaranteed that the ship will wait for you. For some people, that peace of mind outweighs the cost.

Bear in mind that  independent operators  also offer excursions from cruise ships, which can be a cheaper option. When I  visited St. Petersburg on a Baltic Sea cruise , I was delighted with the two-day excursion provided by Alla Tours.

One company that gets good reviews is  ShoreTrips .

Also, cruise lines or the port authority often provide shuttle buses (sometimes free) to the centre of town or nearby beaches.

Unsurprisingly, many cruise lines don’t advertise this service and it pays to do a bit of research yourself. A good resource is  WhatsInPort , which will also tell you where the port is located.

How many tenders are included?

If a ship is too big to dock or the water isn’t deep enough to allow it to do so, it has to anchor in the harbour and passengers are ferried to shore in smaller boats.

This is what is meant by a tender port. Looking at a cruise’s itinerary should tell you how many tender ports there are.

Apart from delays incurred waiting to board a tender boat, a tender port should not be an issue for most people. However, they may be less suitable if you have restricted mobility.

Are any of the ports of call a must-see for you?

If this is the case, manage your expectations.

Cruise lines cannot guarantee that they will dock at the advertised ports and may have to change their itinerary due to operational reasons or weather conditions.

This has happened to me twice.

On my first cruise to the Western Caribbean , Belize was omitted from the cruise itinerary as the tender was too dangerous in the stormy conditions.

Then in 2018, the harbour in Santander was not deep enough to accommodate P&O’s Ventura, and this port was dumped in favour of Bilbao. I was delighted because I wanted to visit the Guggenheim Museum; many of my fellow passengers were not so thrilled.

7. Choose your cabin carefully

When  choosing a cruise ship cabin , you pay for what you get.

The most  cost-effective  option is an  inside cabin , which will be smaller and will have no natural light. If you will only be using your cabin to sleep and get changed then this may suit you.

The next step up is an  outside cabin , which may be bigger than an inside cabin and will have a porthole or window to allow natural light in.

I usually opt for a  balcony cabin  which is generally larger and has a private balcony with views out over the sea.

For me, the big plusses here are fresh air and the sound of the sea. And let’s not forget being able to sip a cheeky G&T, or have your breakfast coffee & croissants, in the comfort of your balcony.

Top of the tree are  suites , which will usually have a separate living area from the bedroom.

Suites are much larger than the standard cabins but not all will have a balcony, favouring a floor-to-ceiling window. Levels of service are also higher, with some cruise operators providing a butler.

For solo travellers, increasingly cruise lines are offering single cabins . However, you need to do your homework to determine if these will work out much cheaper than booking single occupancy of a regular cabin.

When planning your first cruise, it pays to look at your itinerary and consider  how long you are likely to be in your cabin . If your itinerary is close to a port each day, you won’t get much of an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of your private balcony or suite.

The type of cabin is not the sole consideration. Think also about  where you would like to be on the ship  – fore, aft or midship –and on which deck. Examine  cruise ship maps  before booking to detect duff cabins.

You don’t want to be opposite the ship’s launderettes, near service areas, right next to the lifts, near the ship’s bars or underneath the public decks (unless you like to hear the constant scraping of furniture above you).

Also worth considering are any perks that you might get from a  stateroom category upgrade .

For example, Concierge Class on Celebrity gives you extra benefits including priority embarkation and disembarkation, upgraded toiletries and a personalised concierge service.

8. Consider a specialist cruise booking agent

Choosing a cabin can be exhausting and it is one area where a specialist cruise agent can be worth their weight in gold.

They can often offer exclusive  perks  such as upgrades, drinks packages or extra onboard credit. If you are cruising for the first time, their knowledge of ships, itineraries and cabins often surpasses anything you will glean from trawling the internet.

An independent traveller by nature, I initially resisted doing this and finally caved in and used an agent when booking a  Baltic Sea cruise . I never looked back.

9. Consider a package deal

Consider what would happen if you  missed your cruise departure  because your flight was cancelled or delayed. This can happen and I will share a couple of true stories.

Several Canadian families embarking on a cruise from Hong Kong missed their departure as their flight from Toronto was delayed. They had to fly from Hong Kong to Hanoi and then hire a mini-bus to take them to Halong Bay, the ship’s next port of call.

Then there was the British guy whose transatlantic flight to Rio was grounded because of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. Arriving later than planned in Brazil, he had to make his own way to catch up with the ship in Santos.

When booking a cruise, I would consider a package deal with the cruise and flight bundled together.

If you book your flight separately and these arrangements fall through, it is your responsibility to make your way to the ship’s next port of call or forfeit your cruise. With a package deal, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, most cruise lines will offer assistance.

Also, if the ship has scheduling changes or delays, the cruise line is more likely to offer assistance.

The alternative is to check if your  travel insurance  will cover you if your travel arrangements fall through. Or give yourself some wiggle room and plan to fly in at least a day early.

10. Book your cruise early

Finally, when booking a cruise it is the case that the early bird catches the worm. If you play your cards right, cruising can represent  luxury travel for less .

You usually get the best deals by booking early and popular sailings sell out quickly. To get the cabin of your choice on the sailing of your choice it is not uncommon to book 18 – 24 months in advance.

Also, some operators, especially those at the high end, will entice early bookers with additional perks such as extra onboard credit, free flights or onboard packages.

Ready to plan your first cruise?

Planning a cruise can seem daunting. But if you take it one step at a time and follow these tips, you’ll be sailing into the horizon sooner than you think.

For further tips and inspiration, take a look at my favourite cruises:

• Western Mediterranean Cruise: Essential Tips, Ports & NCL Epic Review
• Baltic Capitals Cruise on Celebrity Silhouette: Review, Port Guides & Essential Tips
• Norwegian Fjords Cruise: Essential Tips, Review & Port Guides
• Highlights of a Western Caribbean Cruise
• The Ultimate Greek Islands & Adriatic Cruise Guide (on MSC Sinfonia)

Finally, to get you into the mood to book your first cruise, take a look at these fabulous movies set on cruise ships.

Happy sailing!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

2 thoughts on “ How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time: 10 Tips for Beginners ”

I need help l to book a ceuise to Mauritius from Durban . I would also need quatation, we are 10 adult pensioners my email [email protected] phone 0827151530. And the quatation to Portuguese island and Port Elizabeth I want to comapare prizes thanks

Good morning. I think that there has been a misunderstanding. The Flashpacker is not a cruise booking agent. Suggest that you try a local agent or online, cruisedirect.com for example. Good luck!

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How to Plan a Cruise Vacation With These 9 Essential Steps

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Step One: Decide on a Budget

Set a realistic budget to begin planning your cruise vacation. This initial step will help narrow your options and simplify the planning process. You can begin your research by visiting a travel site like CruiseDirect to understand the cost of different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. You can also visit the cruise line’s site to see their promotions. 

For example, cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, offer a Free-at-Sea Promo that includes an unlimited drink package. Sometimes, the third and fourth guests sail free, which is a huge savings for families.

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

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

Step Two: Choose Your Ideal Cruise Experience

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

Start thinking about what kind of cruise itinerary you’d like—the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean, or Alaska. As you narrow down these options, proceeding to the next steps will be easier.

Step Three: Choose a Cruise Line

The cruise line can make or break a vacation. Each cruise line has its unique style and vibe, so it’s important to find one that matches your interests and needs.

Most of the most popular mainstream cruise lines:

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

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

Step Four: Determine the Dates and Time of the Year

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

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

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

Step Five: Select a Cruise Ship

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

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

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

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

Step Six: Select a Cruise Itinerary

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

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

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

Step Seven: Selecting Your Stateroom Cabin

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

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

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

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

Step Eight: Booking Your Cruise

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

Booking Directly with the Cruise Line

• Pros : You have direct access to special offers and can communicate with the cruise line for any issues.
• Cons : You may miss out on exclusive deals like onboard credits or cabin upgrades, which are often available through travel agents.

Booking Through a Travel Agent

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

Booking Through an Online Travel Agency

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

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

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

Step Nine: Preparing for Your Cruise

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

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

How do I start planning a cruise?

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

How much does an average cruise trip cost?

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

What is the best way to plan a cruise?

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

How do I plan a cruise for the first time?

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

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

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

What mistakes should you avoid when planning a cruise?

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

Steps on How to Prepare for Cruise

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

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

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

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Plan Your Family Vacation

How To Plan A Cruise (Cruise Planning Made Easy)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time of Year to Plan a Cruise

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

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

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

I can email you a free copy! 

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

How Far In Advance Should I Plan a Cruise?

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

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

Last Minute Cruise Planning

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

How to Plan a Cruise Step by Step

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

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

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

1. Determine Your Budget

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

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

How to Plan a Cruise and Save Money

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

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

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

Cruise Planning Tips

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

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

2. Plan a Cruise Destination

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

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

Top Departure Cruise Ports in US/Canada

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

Top Departure Cruise Ports in Europe

• Ravenna 
• South Hampton (London)
• Netherlands

Top Departure Cruise Ports in Asia/Australia/New Zealand

• Toyoko 

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

3. Plan Your Cruise Dates

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

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

Planning a Family Cruise

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

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

4. Decide on a Cabin Type

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

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

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

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

Cruise Planning Tip 

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

Our Experience

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

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

5. Pick a Cruise Line

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

Disney Cruise 

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

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

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

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

Carnival Cruise Line

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

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

Norwegian Cruise Line

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

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

Princess Cruise Line

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

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

Celebrity Cruise Line

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

Pro’s 

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

MSC Cruise Line

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

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

6. Select at Ship

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

Things to Look at When Picking a Ship

• New Vs. Old
• Small Vs. Big

New Vs. Old Ships

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

Amenities on the Ship

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

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

Bigger Ships vs. Smaller Ships

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

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

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

7. Choose an Itinerary

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

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

Does the Cruise Ship have a Private Island?

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

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

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

My Experience Cruise Planning

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

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

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

8. Check for Cruise Deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Book your Cruise

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

Dining Time

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

Cruise Deposit

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

9. Specialty Restaurants on Cruise Ships

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

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

When to Book Specialty Restaurants

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

10. Booking Excursions

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

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

Booking Excursions Through the Cruise Line 

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

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

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

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

11. Booking Entertainment

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

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

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

12. Get Excited About the Cruise!

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

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

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

Are you Ready to Plan a Cruise?

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

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

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

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14 Comments

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

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

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

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

That will be so cool!

Great tips on planning for a cruise.

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

That would be awesome!

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

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

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

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

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How to Cruise for the First Time: A Beginners Guide to Planning a Cruise Vacation

Learning how to cruise for the first time can be a little daunting, as there are a lot of questions that need answering. How do you stay within a budget? What things will you need to bring? Which cruise package should you select? These can be tough questions if you have never had to plan a cruise for yourself. But if you break it down into a few simple steps, you will find that it is not as hard as you may have thought. In this article, we will go over what you need to do and what you should consider any time you are booking a cruise vacation. These steps are easy enough for anyone, but remember that a Cruises.com travel agent can help guide you through to make cruise planning even easier!

1. Plan a Cruise Budget and Date

Ask any veteran cruiser; setting a realistic budget is the most important step for those who know how to cruise without overspending. You’ve got to know ahead of time what you are going to want to do and what you are going to need, so there aren’t any surprise costs that will cause you to go over budget. This means shore excursion, onboard activities, gratuities, travel expenses, feeding yourselves, and souvenirs. One of the easiest ways to stay under budget is to plan between 6 and 12 months in advance so that you can take advantage of those juicy early-bird specials and lock in a good price before demand makes ticket prices go up. If you aren’t able to afford your ticket that early, fear not. Cruises.com offers monthly payment options when booking to help you manage your budget!

2. Plan a Cruise Destination and Itinerary

There are tons of destinations that cruises sail to all over the world. Choose a destination for your cruise that aligns with your interests and vacation expectations. If you want to hang out by the beach and relax, a tropical destination like the Caribbean or Mexico is the obvious choice. If you want to experience different cultures, then a river cruise through Europe or Asia might be the ticket. Want to see the Northern lights? Book a summer cruise up to Alaska or Eastern Canada for an expiration of the natural world. Consider what kind of climate you enjoy and how your prospective destinations will be affected by the seasons. If you are looking for a place to start, take this cruise port personality test to get an idea of what kind of cruise is right for you.

3. Choose a Cruise Line and Ship

Any time you plan a cruise, it is crucial to know which cruise line will fit your desired vacation plans. Some lines specialize in smaller ships that can travel to more out-of-reach destinations, while others have enormous ships that feel like floating theme parks or mega-hotels. The level of luxury and amount of amenities can vary drastically and if you don’t want all the bells and whistles, then it is better to pick a ship that offers a smaller, more intimate experience. If you need help deciding, Cruises.com travel agents can help guide you when determining what cruise line and which ship is best for your dream vacation. Also, try taking this quiz to give you an idea of which cruise line is right for you .

4. Choose a Cruise Package

Next, you are going to want to pick from one of the cruise packages that are offered by your selected cruise line. Picking the right package is especially important when figuring out how to cruise without going over budget. Bundling things together will save you more money than purchasing everything a la carte. On the other hand, if you simply are not sure what you are going to want during your cruise, then it might be better to plan a cruise trip that is a little more freestyle. Again, Cruises.com is here to help you figure out what you need and how to get it within your budget. You can also get exclusive deals that will stack with any discounts that you get from the cruise lines to maximize your savings and make the most out of your vacation!

5. Book Airfare if Needed

It isn’t enough to just figure out how to cruise to your dream destination, you’ve also got to plan how you are getting to the port for embarkation. If you pick a port that is close to home, this may be as simple as taking a car ride, a bus, or a train. But for many of us, the only viable option is to take a flight. Whichever way you go with, you will want to plan on arriving in the port city at least a day before your voyage sets sail, so that you don’t miss your cruise if there are any hiccups. If you made the fortuitous decision to work with a Cruises.com travel agent to guide you through how to cruise for the first time, then they can even help you find and book the best airfare for your trip!

6. Pack Your Bags and Set Sail

The last step that is often missed by passengers who are learning how to cruise for the first time is packing! You will want to make sure that you have a good variety of clothing to fit any potential unexpected weather. You may also need fancier clothes for formal nights, swimwear for beaches and pools, hiking gear if you are venturing into nature, or culturally appropriate clothing if you are visiting foreign countries. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents and copies of all your digital tickets and reservations (even if you don’t think you need them!), plus necessities like sunscreen or sunglasses. Go through your entire itinerary and try to predict what you will need for the trip to go as smoothly as possible. To get you started, use one of these packing lists to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Now you can get excited for your dream vacation without having to worry about anything!

Need help figuring out how to cruise for the first time? Visit Cruises.com for the largest selection of cruise line deals — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers , plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits . Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

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How to Prepare for Your First Cruise

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

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If you’re a first-time cruiser or haven’t cruised in a while, you’re probably wondering how to prepare for a cruise.

Cruise vacations are unique in that they require much less preparation than a land-based vacation. You don’t have to hunt for the best restaurants to eat at, look for reputable tour providers, or come up with ways to entertain the group–it’s all on the ship for you.

Discover how to prepare for your first cruise with these tips.

Make Sure Your Travel Documents Are In Order

If you’re traveling to an international destination, it’s always a good idea to cruise with a passport , even if it’s not required for the ports you’ll visit. Should you need to book an unexpected flight home during your cruise, it will be much easier to do so if you have a passport.

Make sure that your passport isn’t expired and is valid for at least six months after your cruise ends.

Review the visa requirements for each country you’ll stop in to make sure you can enter when you arrive.

Read: Cruise Travel Documents & Requirements

Contact Banks & Get Local Currency

Let your bank know you’ll be traveling to a different state or country before your cruise to avoid debit or credit card freezes. Many banks have an online system where you can input your travel dates, or you can call the customer service line for each card/account you’ll access while you’re on vacation.

Another item you should check off your pre-cruise to-do list is to get local currency for each of the countries you visit (if they don’t accept your home country’s currency). That way, you won’t have to spend time in port looking for ATMs or money exchange services.

Create Your Packing List

One of the great things about a cruise is that your transportation and accommodation are one, so you only have to unpack once. Thanks to onboard laundry service, there’s no need to overpack.

Read: Cruise Tips for First Timers

Regardless of your destination, be sure to pack a swimsuit, so you can take advantage of the swimming and soaking opportunities in the pools and hot tubs onboard.

Bear in mind that T-shirts, swimsuits, and other pool wear are not allowed in the main or specialty restaurants at any time, and shorts and flip-flops aren’t permitted in the evening. Jeans are okay any night as long as they don’t have any rips or tears.

Most nights on Celebrity Cruises, the dress code is smart casual, which means khakis or jeans and a sport shirt for men, and casual dresses or pants (including jeans) or skirts and blouses for women.

On Evening Chic night, you can dress up your way. Women can choose from a cocktail dress or a skirt, pants, or designer jeans with an elegant top, while men may wear pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or a sweater; a sport coat or a blazer is optional.

If you prefer dressier attire, that’s okay too, but it’s not a requirement. So feel free to leave those tuxes and evening gowns at home—or not!

Don’t worry about trying to remember which night is which. Celebrity Today, the daily newsletter delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening.

Other things you might not know are prohibited on board are items like hair dryers, curling irons, candles or open flames of any kind, and clothing irons. If you’re worried about wrinkled clothing, you can look into bringing a wrinkle spray or leaving your outfit in the bathroom of your stateroom during a shower; the steam will help alleviate wrinkles. Otherwise, avoid packing fabrics that wrinkle easily.

While Celebrity allows two bottles of wine per stateroom (a corkage fee will be assessed if you drink it in one of the restaurants), bringing any other alcohol onboard is prohibited.

Start Planning Your Excursions & Adventures

There’s nothing like the anticipation of a vacation. Why not prolong the excitement with a little pre-cruise research about your destinations?

Explore our port guides , which contain critical information about each port like top sites and attractions, best things to do, restaurant/cuisine recommendations, ways to get around, local culture and history, shopping, and currency and tipping customs.

While you’re at it, peruse shore excursions and add a few to your itinerary. From private, premium experiences to fitness- or family-focused adventures, shore excursions offer great opportunities to experience the very best of each port of call.

Excursions range from tours of historic landmarks to adventures on catamarans, boats, or kayaks. You have the option to cherry-pick your vacation activities based on what interests you most, from farmers’ market tours for foodies who want to live like a local, or hop-on, hop-off buses for travelers who want to see it all.

Read: Answers to All of Your First-Time Cruise Questions

Get To Know Your Ship

If it’s your first time on a cruise , you can explore the ship from your laptop or computer on our website, where you’ll find detailed deck plans for each ship in our fleet. You’ll find there’s no shortage of entertainment, bars, lounges, or fine dining restaurants for you to explore.

Spaces on board were designed specifically for gathering together, whether you’re seeing a live show, marveling at a performer as they twist and flip at Eden on Celebrity Edge, or dining al fresco at the Lawn Club Grill.

On sea days, depending on the ship you’ll be cruising on, you can brush up on your basketball, pickleball, ping-pong, or golf-putting skills, join a friendly game of croquet or bocce at the Lawn Club, or play pool volleyball with ship officers.

Make Specialty Restaurant Reservations

Onboard, you’ll be able to choose from an abundance of onboard dining options, both complimentary and specialty. If you are trying to get a seat at the hottest specialty restaurants however, you’ll want to make a reservation before you sail.

Venues inspired by France, Italy, and Greece bring you tastes of the Mediterranean, while creativity is king at immersive food experiences like Le Petit Chef, which is the perfect interactive activity for families and groups. For seafood lovers, restaurants like Sushi on Five and The Porch Restaurant bring you the freshest catches and raw bars at sea.

Pencil In Your Spa Appointment

Massages, beauty treatments, and wellness consultations at The Spa fill up quickly, so you’ll want to consider making an appointment early or as soon as you book your cruise.

Full body wraps, manicures and pedicures, salon services, and more are all available, but you’ll have limited options if you wait to pencil in your pampering until the last minute.

Stock Up On Medication

Be sure to pack enough of your prescription and over-the-counter medications to last your entire trip. There is a medical center on every ship, but there’s no guarantee that the medication you require will be available. Better safe than sorry!

And if you’re sailing to a warm destination, don’t forget to pack sunscreen. SPF lip balm is also handy for sunny vacations.

Pack A Day Bag For Embarkation Day

You’ll be separated from your main luggage during embarkation day —it’ll conveniently be sent straight to your room—so packing a bag with a few essentials is a smart move.

You’ll have access to your stateroom upon boarding with Celebrity Cruises Open Access, so you don’t have to worry about packing too much and lugging your carry-on around before your room is ready. Your carry-on may include a few toiletries like deodorant or fragrance for a refresh, an outfit change if you want to head to the pool after getting settled, or a backpack with items to keep the kids entertained. Whatever you normally pack in a personal item on an airplane is probably appropriate for your day bag.

Gather Electronic Devices & Chargers

Whether it’s your phone, a tablet, your camera, or an eReader (or all of the above!), you’re going to need to keep your devices charged, so make sure to pack your chargers.

Depending on your destinations and power needs, you may want to bring along an adapter that will allow you to charge your phone when you go ashore.

While you’re packing, throw in a day pack or small bag for toting items like your camera, a water bottle, and sunscreen around the ship or in port.

Check In Online

You can check in online or through the Celebrity app up to 24 hours before your cruise. Checking in online expedites the boarding process so you can get your vacation started sooner. Explore the ship, unpack your luggage, or lounge at the pool—there’s no one way to start your first day on a cruise ship.

Now that you know how to prepare for a cruise, browse cruise itineraries on our website and plan your next vacation today.

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When is the best time to book a cruise?

The best time to book a cruise is when you've done your planning, picked a ship and found a cruise fare that fits your budget and offers good value. But that doesn't stop vacationers from wondering if they'd find a cheaper price if they wait to book tomorrow, next week or next month.

I'd love to give you a magic date to circle in red on your calendar, so you'd know for sure that was the best time to book a cruise. The truth is there's no one best day, but knowing a few things about how cruise lines price cabins and when they tend to run promotions will help you identify high-value deals. When you see one, you'll know it's as good a time as any to book your next cruise vacation.

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

What is the best day to book a cruise?

Everyone wants to know the cheapest day to book travel — as if fares drop like clockwork on Wednesday morning and rise with the sun on Thursday. It doesn't work that way.

It used to be that lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line would offer midweek sales on select cruises every Tuesday or Wednesday. These lines still offer the occasional flash sale, but they don't always fall on the same day of the week.

Within a given cruise sale's promotional period, I've seen cabin prices fluctuate daily and I've seen them stay the same for a week. It all depends on how many cabins a cruise line has allocated for a specific fare class and whether those rooms happen to sell out or not.

I could tell you that it's cheaper to book a cruise at the beginning of a sale because availability is greatest. However, if the line sees a certain cabin category on a specific ship failing to sell as expected, it could drop rates halfway into the sale period.

The exception is world cruises (and other highly anticipated and publicized short-season sailings, like Great Lakes cruises ). World cruises have sold out within hours, even with price tags of $150,000 per couple.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

What is the best month to book a cruise?

If there's no best day to book a cruise for the best deal, you might think there's a best month. While you can find cheap cruises any month you look, I can give you some pointers about which months are most likely to feature cruise sales with value-added promotions.

The best months to book a cruise are January through March, when nearly every cruise line launches some kind of "wave season" promotion , and November through December, when Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales often start well before Thanksgiving and end days or weeks after. You might find a cheap cruise deal or a fare packed with extras (like complimentary beverage packages, free kids fares or reduced deposits).

Are you guaranteed to find the cheapest, most freebie-laden pricing during these months? Of course not! Cruise lines sometimes inflate prices before a sale, so deals for 30% or 50% off may not be as good as you think. Or, the cruise line may offer its best fares in a one-off sale at another time of year.

Whether the winter months are the best time to book a cruise depends on which itinerary you're hoping to book and how popular that sailing is that year. In a year when Alaska cruises are popular, the wave season promotions in January and February might not be especially good because the lines don't need to discount to fill cabins. But if Alaska cruise bookings are soft, the wave season specials could be the best of the year as cruise lines pull out all the tricks to fill ships.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

What is the best time of year to book a cruise?

I could say that winter is the best time of year to book a cruise because that would cover the late-fall Thanksgiving week sales and wave season promotions. I can guarantee that your cruise line will offer some promotions during the winter, but that doesn't mean it's the best time to book.

If you want to book a solo or family cabin on a Mediterranean cruise in July, you likely want to book much earlier than January for the most availability and the best prices. As I said earlier, great sales and deals can pop up year-round, including on other holidays such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

How far in advance should I book a cruise?

All this talk of the best time to book a cruise raises the question of how far in advance you should book. The key to the answer is recognizing that cruise lines adjust pricing as cabins sell out (or fail to do so) on any given ship and itinerary.

Cruise lines want you to book as early as possible. Not only do they get cash in hand sooner, in the form of your deposit, but they can rest easy when a ship sells out early, knowing they don't have to work to get people to come on board and spend more money.

Therefore, cruise lines often offer their best fares when bookings open to incentivize travelers to book early. Cruises open for bookings a year or more in advance. For example, as of March 2023, I can book a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line through spring or fall of 2025, depending on the ship.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on ships

Now, it might be the itinerary I'm looking at won't be popular, and the cruise line will lower the fare closer to sailing. Or, the itinerary will sell well, and prices will only go up from the original price. I can't know for sure, though I can guess that peak-season trips to popular destinations on a newer cruise ship are more likely to sell quickly. Christmas and New Year's cruises , top suites and limited specialty cabins (such as solo and family cabins ) also tend to sell out early.

If you ask me, the answer to "How far in advance should I book a cruise?" is as early as possible for the most popular cruises and cabin categories and at least nine months before most sailings.

Can I book a cruise at the last minute?

Yes, you can book a cruise at the last minute, but that doesn't mean you should.

In the cruise industry, a last-minute booking is considered any cruise purchased after final payment is due, generally 60 to 90 days before sailing. That means you have to pay the entire cruise fare at the time of booking rather than paying a deposit and the rest at a later date.

The final payment date is a day of reckoning for cruise salespeople. It's the last date that undecided travelers can cancel without penalty. Once final payment is due, the cruise line has a more accurate picture of who is likely to sail (since once you pay, you're likely to go, barring an emergency). At that point, the line can see if the ship is comfortably full (meaning it can hold prices steady or raise them because it's not worried about filling the ship) or is too empty (meaning it better run some promotions to get more folks in cabins).

If it's the latter, that's when you get last-minute deals on cruise ships with unsold cabins. However, even if that last-minute cruise is cheap, the 11th-hour airfare or pre-cruise hotel booking could eat into your savings.

For the real procrastinators out there, the absolute last day you can book a cruise before its departure has changed over the years. Currently, a cruise line could accept a booking mere hours before sailing, as long as boarding is still open and the ship's manifest (the list of passengers and crew members on board) has not been submitted to the authorities.

In actuality, most cruise lines will sell available cabins through the day before sailing, but limit or deny same-day bookings. Depending on the line, you may only be able to book cruises within a day or two of departure directly with the cruise line's reservations department.

Booking a cruise just days before sailing should only be attempted by travelers within an easy drive of the cruise port. You should also make sure that you have time to get any necessary documentation, as well as make related travel plans.

How do I know if I'm getting a good deal when I book?

Regardless of when you're booking a cruise, you'll want to know if the fare you're paying for your vacation at sea is a cheap deal, average or overpriced. Sadly, the best way to know that is to do your research.

Tracking prices allows you to watch the rise and fall of cruise fares over time, so when the fare drops, you'll recognize the price as a deal and be able to pounce on it. This strategy is best if you plan to book early and aren't as concerned about the ship selling out immediately.

Don't forget to watch for value-added promotions, as well. For example, Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion currently includes six booking perks (free beverage package, shore excursion credit, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, extra guests and buy-one-get-one-free airfare).

If that sounds like too much math homework, I recommend that you call a travel agent . A cruise-knowledgeable travel adviser can help you plan your trip and determine if the current pricing is good or if you should hold out for a deal.

Bottom line

I'll say it again: The best time to book a cruise is when you see a price and promotion that seems like a good value to you. If you feel like you're getting your money's worth on a cruise purchase, go ahead and book that dream vacation. There's no way to be absolutely sure you're buying when the cruise fare is the lowest possible price with the maximum number of fare inclusions.

Sometimes you may be forced to choose between the cheapest possible fare and one that offers a greater total value, given the included perks. Knowing when cruise lines will likely run promotions will help you strategize, but sales can pop up anytime — and not every promotion offers the cheapest fares.

Stop trying to game the system and focus instead on planning the perfect cruise vacation you and your loved ones will reminisce about long after you've forgotten how much you paid for the trip.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

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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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!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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How To Prepare For a Cruise: A Pre-Cruise Checklist

The weeks before your cruise are often filled with nervous energy. Not only are you excited for your upcoming vacation, but you may be experiencing some uncertainty about how to prepare for a cruise.

Because cruise planning doesn’t end after you’ve picked out your stateroom and purchased your plane tickets. There are so many other questions that need to be answered.

Like: What are you going to do in your ports of call? Who’s going to watch your house while you’re gone? Is your passport valid? Do you even need a passport?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’ve got you covered with this pre-cruise checklist. It’s a pretty comprehensive list of what to do before a cruise, from the three-month countdown to the night before you set sail.

Ensure your passport is up-to-date.

Reserve your excursions., buy travel insurance., check in for your cruise., pre-purchase onboard amenities., secure a pet sitter., start packing., do last-minute shopping., arrange a covid test, if necessary., stock up on medications., arrange transportation., triple-check your documentation., load up your kindle., get a good night’s sleep., what do you do to prepare for a cruise, three months before your cruise.

Now’s the time to take out your trusty passport and check the expiration date. If it’s more than six months past the departure date of your cruise, you’re all set! If not, you’ll want to start the renewal process pronto. The U.S. State Department says processing times for passports is around 5-7 weeks for expedited service and 8-11 weeks for standard service. And that doesn’t include mailing times.

(Note: If you’re doing a closed-loop cruise (meaning, your cruise departs and arrives in the same port of call in the United States) you may not technically need a passport, but I always recommend people travel with one, anyway. You know never what may happen on the high seas!)

The most popular excursions tend to sell out quickly. So if you’re eager to go flightseeing in Alaska or hug a sloth in Honduras, you’ll want to pop into your cruise planner and reserve those now. If they’re already sold out, or the prices are a little too steep for your budget, you can always book through a third-party site like Viator .

I’ll admit: before I started cruising, I never once bought travel insurance. But now I’ll never go on a cruise without it. Why? Because if you fall ill onboard and need a medical evacuation, it can cost upwards of $50,000.

And medical evacuations are not that rare. I actually saw one on my first cruise! The evacuation then caused us to miss one of our ports of call. Guess what? Our travel insurance then gave us $100 per passenger because of our missed port coverage. So the policy paid for itself.

One Month Before Your Cruise

Check-in usually opens well before one month, but there’s no particular rush unless you’re eager for a super early arrival time at the departure port. But now’s a good time to get that over with. You’ll need to supply your passport number, take a photo, and select an arrival time to board the ship.

If you think you’re going to spring for an unlimited beverage package or a Wi-Fi connection while you’re on your cruise, you can order them through your cruise planner now. Pre-purchasing these items will save you a bundle. If you wait until you’re onboard, you’ll often pay quite a markup.

Now, if you’re type-A like me, you’ll have already booked your pet sitter the second you plunked down a deposit on your cruise. But if it’s slipped your mind, you’d better get that booking in now before all the best pet sitters are taken. If you don’t have a regular sitter, you can find one through services like Rover or TrustedHousesitters .

One Week Before Your Cruise

The final countdown has begun! This is when I start finalizing my capsule wardrobe and writing out my packing list . As the week goes on, I’ll start filling up my compression cubes and putting my suitcase together.

Once you’ve written out your packing list, you’ll be able to identify anything you’re missing. Need a travel-size shave gel? A layering tank top? A white noise machine ? Now’s the time to order it. Don’t worry, Amazon Prime will get it there quickly.

This is quickly becoming a thing of the past, but some cruise itineraries still require you to get a COVID test before you board. Check the documentation for your specific sailing. If you need a test, make an appointment right away to make sure you’re not left out in the cold.

If you have take prescription medication, ensure you have enough of it to last you throughout the duration of the cruise… and maybe a few days extra, just in case. (Travel is unpredictable! Better safe than sorry.) And if you’re concerned about seasickness, now’s a great time to ask your doctor for a prescription for a scopolamine patch. I wear these on every sailing and they work like a charm.

The Night Before Your Cruise

This cruise is so close you can smell it! Make sure your ground transportation and transfers are all set up for tomorrow so that you can get to the port without a problem. Same goes for getting to the airport, if you’re flying to your cruise. (Don’t forget to check in for your flight, too!)

Make sure you’ve got your passports, boarding passes, and COVID test results and vaccination cards (if necessary). Also make sure you’ve got another form of identification, a credit card, and some cash. I like to put everything into this document wallet so my important stuff is organized in one place.

There is truly nothing worse than sitting by the pool as the ship sets sail only to discover that you forgot to download your new books to your e-reader. Even if you buy an internet package, connecting your Kindle to the ship Wi-Fi is a pain, and downloading those books will be slow. Do yourself a favor and take care of that now.

It’s gonna be a busy day tomorrow! Rest up so you can party down!

Is there anything I missed? If so, let me know in the comments. What are some things to do before a cruise to make sure it’s your best, most stress-free vacation ever?

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Meet the Panelist: Tracie, Florida

Ahoy! Just like Moana, I feel the irresistible call of the sea. I think the best vacation is aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship – thankfully, my family agrees. Whether savoring gelato in Italy, snorkeling in Mexico, or basking in the sea breeze on deck, each destination fills us with memories to last a lifetime. I look forward to helping your family plan a Disney Cruise Line adventure brimming with cherished moments!

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• Destination Weddings

You Can Get Married on a Cruise Ship — Here's How to Plan Your Nautical Wedding

Here's what you need to know about tying the knot at sea.

• What to Know

Wedding Packages and Services

Planning the ceremony and reception, guest accommodations and activities, tips for planning a cruise wedding.

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If you and your future spouse love to set sail and explore new locales, getting married at sea may be the perfect option for your wedding — and it comes with plenty of built-in benefits and amenities. What’s more, explains T+L A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel president Rob Clabbers, “The advantage of a wedding on a ship is that a lot of amenities and facilities are available — albeit it an extra charge in some cases: beautiful spaces, photographers, musicians, DJs, flowers, wedding assistants, bars and restaurants, the option to arrange a separate meal/buffet for your guests, a salon and spa to get ready for a ceremony, and, of course, a ‘built-in’ honeymoon.” Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a larger celebration, we tapped several experts to provide insight on everything you need to know about cruise weddings, including the costs, the logistics, accommodations and amenities, and more.

What to Know 

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Once you’ve officially decided to say “I do” at sea, there are several factors to keep in mind. “At a minimum,” says Farah Barhorst, a director at Holland America Line , “couples should know where, when, and how they want to get married, in addition to the number of guests they would like in attendance.” She notes that many cruise lines put limits on how many visitors can board the ship who aren't sailing its full itinerary, so knowing how many guests plan to join you for your wedding only is crucial. Of course, couples should also consider their desired wedding location as, per the pro, “guest capacity is also limited based on the destination or port.”

As Clabbers explains, you also need to consider the laws of both the country where you'll be located when you get married and the country that runs your ship. “Many cruise ships are registered in the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Malta,” Clabbers notes, meaning “the laws of [that] specific country would apply to any ceremonies performed on board once the ship is in international waters.” There may then be limits on where same-sex ceremonies can take place. “Since the Bahamas and Bermuda, for example, don’t recognize same-sex marriage, same-sex couples can’t get legally married at sea on ships registered in those countries. They could potentially get married while in port in the U.S.A. or certain places in Europe,” he says.

For these and other reasons, Keith Willard , a wedding planner specializing in destination weddings, stresses the importance of planning ahead. "The first thing that many overlook is the marriage certificate itself," he says. "The easiest thing to do is to get a marriage license within 60 days of your wedding and bring it with you.” Stacey Johnston , a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, echoes these sentiments, explaining that “you will need to arrange for the marriage license ahead of your cruise from the port or the departure location depending on where you are getting married.”

To avoid mishaps with locations and licenses, some couples choose to have a wedding celebration on a cruise but get legally married elsewhere. On a Holland America Line ship, for instance, “The captain can perform a ‘symbolic’ ceremony that is not legally binding,” says Barhorst. If you want the wedding-at-sea experience with fewer logistical headaches, a compromise like this may be for you.

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According to Clabbers, “Many cruise lines that offer weddings will provide a range of packages to choose from, with ceremonies from two to over 100 attendees that may include the services from the officiant, a celebration venue, recorded or live music, a cake, Champagne or other beverages for guests, a dinner for the wedding couple, and other extras.” To provide to-be-weds with a better idea of what to expect, we’ve compiled a few packages from several cruise lines.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line currently offers a handful of wedding packages , including the Symbolic at Sea Package, which, per Barhorst, includes a non-legal ceremony performed by the captain or an officer; coordination by both onboard and pre-cruise wedding coordinators; recorded ceremony music; a keepsake wedding certificate; basic photography service, including one 8” x 10” photo of choice and a commemorative wedding album; sparkling wine; a nine-inch wedding cake; and a bridal bouquet with a dozen roses and a matching groom’s boutonniere. The Anchors Away Package includes all of the above but with a legal ceremony (led by a non-denominational officiant), as well as priority check-in for the couple during embarkation. Lastly, couples craving a true destination wedding can book the Ashore Package, which “lets couples officially tie the knot on a beach, garden, or glacier location,” says Barhorst. “A seasonal bridal bouquet and boutonniere will be provided in addition to a pre-cruise and ashore wedding coordinator to ensure all runs smoothly.”

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers three distinct packages to choose from via its Princess Perfect Weddings department. The Perfect Pair Package includes the couple and up to two guests, while the ceremony-only package, aptly named Timeless Ceremony at Sea, includes the couple and up to eight guests. Lastly, the Timeless Wedding at Sea package is the line's most elaborate. It comes with a ceremony and a reception for the couple and up to 18 guests, plus extras like salon services and specialty dining reservations for the bride and groom. All three Princess packages include fresh florals, photography, and an indoor or outdoor ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea launched in April 2022 and offers warm-weather sailings from Palm Beach and Tampa. It has three aptly named wedding packages : Paradise, Elation, and Bliss. Paradise is the most extravagant, offering live music, full photography services, and an upgraded venue complete with panoramic views. Elation is the mid-range option, with a reception dinner, DJ services, and ceremony photography, and Bliss serves as the line’s basic package for intimate soirees. At all three levels, couples enjoy perks like a personal wedding coordinator, an officiant, a keepsake wedding certificate, a bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere, priority check-in, dinner at the onboard steakhouse, and a wedding cake.

Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship ocean line has four wedding packages , including the Vows at Sea Package, which allows couples to choose from an array of onboard venues and includes dinner for two at a specialty restaurant, a bottle of bubbly, special stateroom decor, and more. With the Embark on Romance Package, you can invite sailing and non-sailing guests to watch you tie the knot with a ceremony on embarkation day, which includes many of the aforementioned amenities plus priority check-in for the couple. The smallest at-sea package, Intimately Yours, includes a ceremony for the couple and up to 10 guests, while the Destinations I Do package is ideal for those who want a great on-land backdrop for their wedding. With Destinations I Do, couples get married either on board or on land while the ship is in port; transportation to and from the venue is included if you choose the on-land option.

Carnival Cruise Line

Another mega-ship ocean line, Carnival offers three wedding packages . The Signature Ceremony is the line's smallest but still offers plenty of perks: a ceremony for up to 10 guests (including the couple), pre-recorded ceremony music, a pre-cruise wedding planner, priority embarkation assistance, a local officiant, a keepsake wedding certificate, a cake, a sparkling wine toast, photography (plus a canvas print), shipboard decor, and a honeymoon dinner for the newlyweds. Service charges, which include gratuities, are also covered. Those looking to host an onboard reception following the ceremony can book the It’s a Celebration! package for a minimum of 20 guests, including the couple. Alternatively, say “I do” off the ship by booking the Love Ashore package, where couples can tie the knot in a dreamy beach or garden ceremony. For extra amenities, add on the Diamond Enhancement Package, which comes with perks like a mimosa-fueled breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to the couple’s stateroom, a bottle of bubbly, a 30-minute couples massage, and more.

Disney Cruise Line

For a fairy-tale-worthy wedding at sea, Disney Cruise Line has you covered. Their standard cruise ceremony package includes up to 16 guests (excluding the couple), while food and drink services, florals, and entertainment can all be added on for an extra cost. Couples can also choose to get married off the ship at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. For more information, including specific venue options, visit the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons website .

As noted above, many cruise lines offer wedding coordinators to ensure everything runs smoothly so that you and your soon-to-be spouse can sit back, relax, and soak up the blissful, celebratory vibes. In terms of what to expect from the ceremony and what kind of venues are available, “There can be quite a variety,” says Clabbers. For example, “Some ships have a chapel or space dedicated to weddings and ceremonies; others use a lounge, restaurant, or private room.” Again, since this will all vary by the cruise line and/or the specific package you pick, your best bet is to do your research by combing through the wedding package offerings online or calling the company directly.

The same thing goes for receptions, explains Allison DePesa , a travel advisor with Marvelous Mouse Travels. For example, “You could opt for a dinner in a specialty restaurant or something more opulent in a main dining room, which would offer more space for guests and a DJ.” Willard also urges to-be-weds to remember that the time of their onboard reception will likely be “based on what the cruise line has available, which means the times may be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., or even 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.” He explains, “A traditional five-hour event with an hour ceremony on the cruise between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight is almost never done for groups larger than 20 people.”

ParfonovaIuliia/Getty Images

Good news: Couples getting married on a cruise are privy to discounts and other perks. According to DePesa, “With as few as eight cabins, you qualify as a group with most cruise lines. You'll receive discounted rates, onboard credits, cocktail parties, etc., depending on the number of staterooms booked.” Barhorst notes that similar perks apply on Holland America, explaining that, if a couple books a group of eight staterooms for their wedding crew, they're “eligible to receive a stateroom category upgrade up to Suite level, completely complimentary.”

According to Johnston, when setting up your room block, it’s a good idea to offer several category options — she recommends reserving balcony, oceanview, and interior staterooms — “since your wedding guests may have a variety of budgetary ranges.” Also, says Willard, “Unlike a hotel room block, your cruise rate can fluctuate for your guests, so it is important to book early” since “the earlier you book, typically the better the price point.” Be sure to keep an eye on cut-off dates, though. Some cruise lines will deactivate contracted room-block rates and links a set time before the sailing (90 days, for instance), meaning guests booking after that point would be on their own to find a stateroom.

When it comes to onboard activities and programming, Willard says that “there are opportunities at every turn for shared group experiences.” For example, “Dining in the main dining hall can be for groups [of] up to 20 people per table," while groups of 30 or more may even be able to book whole private sections of the dining room. On the flip side, cruising is also great because everyone in the group — or, in this case, the wedding party — can do their own thing without being tied to a specific schedule. So, while some guests might prefer to lounge by the pool or relax in the spa, others may take advantage of other onboard amenities, like an escape room, laser tag, waterslides, and more, depending on the specific line and ship.

While standard wedding packages will vary depending on the cruise line and number of guests, Clabbers says they can “range from anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 and up,” and most of the advisors we spoke to concurred.

That said, budget-conscious couples can find a few under-$2,000 options, including the aforementioned Signature Ceremony package on Carnival and the Symbolic at Sea package on Holland America Line, both of which clock in at $1,800. Also — at least on Holland America Line — “seasonal price surcharges of $100 to $200 should also be taken into account during peak nuptial times and holidays, including Christmas Day, Valentine's Day, and the beginning of summer,” says Barhorst. Similarly, while some purposely intimate packages include only a small number of guests, extra guests can sometimes be added at a per-person price. Be sure to inquire about fees, too, particularly for on-shore events.

When budgeting for your cruise wedding, remember that “the cost of legal documentations and permits is extra and needs to be planned far in advance — at least 90 days but ideally more,” explains Clabbers. Sue Allen, a travel consultant at Destination Weddings Travel Group & Celebration Travel , expressed similar sentiments and noted that “legal weddings have an additional fee” compared to symbolic (or non-legal) ones.

Per the pro, “Marriage license fees for in-destination weddings can range from $200 to $700,” while a shipboard maritime license fee is around $900. Allen also cautions couples to be wary of non-refundable deposits. While the initial cruise price may be lower, “if something comes up and you are not able to travel, you lose your deposit or pay a fee to change your travel dates.” With that being said, it’s always a good idea to purchase cruise insurance .

Lastly, DePesa urges couples to keep in mind that “the wedding does not include the fare for the actual cruise.” In fact, the cruise fare(s) can vary drastically depending on the time of year, length of itinerary, and line. If you’re not sailing on a truly all-inclusive line, you and your guests can expect to pay extra for features such as Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and alcoholic beverages. You’ll also, of course, need to factor in airfare if you’re flying to the embarkation/disembarkation port(s).

Book early and plan ahead.

To secure the best prices for your stateroom block, Johnston recommends planning as early as possible. Willard agrees, telling T+L that cost-conscious couples should create their block at least a year out at minimum. Plus, he says, "Most of the cruise lines will provide incentives, as well.”

Also, as part of the planning process, DePesa advises couples to “get an idea of your guest list, get a sense of who can travel with you, what budgets are like, and what time of year that works best” to ensure you’re selecting a sailing that suits both your and your loved ones’ needs, preferences, and desires.

Keep an open mind and trust your coordinator.

“When planning a wedding at sea, a good practice would be to keep an open mind,” explains Barhorst. This, of course, goes hand-in-hand with putting your trust in the cruise wedding planner. That way, she says, “the less stressful (and easier) it will be for [the couple] to enjoy their time together during the sailing.”

Familiarize yourself with the legalities.

As previously mentioned, the legalities and specifics of a cruise wedding vary greatly depending on where the ship is registered, the port(s) of call, and more. With that in mind, DePesa recommends couples take the time to do some digging and understand the legal requirements to determine “if a symbolic ceremony might just make things easier.”

Decide if a cruise wedding is really for you.

Before going full speed ahead and booking a cruise wedding, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons to determine if these types of nuptials are truly what you want. What’s more, says Willard, “A cruise wedding isn't about you specifically outside of the ceremony itself.” Rather, “It's about the shared experience, and your guests may decide that there is something more interesting [to do] on one of the other days.” He also cautions that cruise weddings can mean fewer guests RSVPing yes due to factors like time commitment, budget restraints, and so on.

If you do decide to move forward with a cruise wedding, Barhorst says that “managing the wedding parties’ expectations is also advised, as the structure of cruise weddings differs from the traditional ceremony,”

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