Looking to Book a Cruise? 6 Things to Think About Before You Start Planning
Cruises can be one of the easiest ways to see multiple destinations in a single trip.
They can also be surprisingly overwhelming to plan.
Before you start comparing ships, itineraries, and cabin categories, it's worth taking a step back and thinking about a few big-picture questions.
The answers will help narrow your options and increase the chances that you'll end up on the right cruise for your travel style.
1. Do You Want the Ship to Be the Destination?
Not all cruises are designed the same way.
Some ships are essentially floating resorts packed with water parks, Broadway-style shows, zip lines, surf simulators, and dozens of restaurants.
Others focus more heavily on the destinations themselves.
Neither approach is wrong.
The question is whether you're excited by the idea of spending an entire day enjoying the ship or whether you'd rather spend as much time as possible exploring ports.
Your answer will quickly narrow down your options.
2. How Much Time Do You Actually Want in Port?
Many first-time cruisers focus exclusively on destinations.
The reality is that two cruises visiting the same ports can feel completely different.
Some itineraries offer long days in port, while others may only stop for a few hours before moving on.
If exploring destinations is important to you, pay close attention to arrival and departure times.
More port time often means a more relaxed experience on shore.
3. Who Are You Traveling With?
A cruise that's perfect for a honeymoon may be a terrible fit for a family vacation.
Likewise, a cruise full of children's activities may not be ideal for travelers looking for a quiet getaway.
Consider whether you're traveling:
As a couple
With young children
With teenagers
With multiple generations
Solo
With a group of friends
The best cruise line for one traveler may be completely wrong for another.
4. What's Actually Included?
Cruises are often marketed as all-inclusive vacations.
Sometimes they are. Sometimes they're not.
Before comparing prices, look closely at what's included and what isn't.
Common extras may include:
Gratuities
Specialty dining
Alcohol
Wi-Fi
Shore excursions
Spa treatments
A cruise that appears less expensive at first glance may end up costing more once everything is added up.
5. How Much Sea Time Do You Want?
Some people love sea days.
Others discover after day two that they become restless.
Before booking, think honestly about how you like to travel.
Would you enjoy:
Reading by the pool
Watching the ocean go by
Attending onboard activities
Relaxing with no agenda
Or do you prefer constant exploration and sightseeing?
Understanding your relationship with downtime can help determine whether a cruise is the right fit and which itinerary you'll enjoy most.
6. How Much Travel Do You Want Before Your Vacation Starts?
It's easy to get excited about an itinerary and forget about what it takes to get there.
A seven-day cruise might actually require:
A cross-country flight
A hotel the night before embarkation
Airport transfers
Additional vacation days
For some travelers, that's absolutely worth it.
For others, a cruise departing from a closer port may result in a more enjoyable overall experience.
When comparing cruise options, think about the entire journey, not just the time you'll spend onboard.
After all, your vacation starts the moment you leave home.
Final Thoughts
The best cruise isn't necessarily the newest ship, the biggest ship, or the most expensive ship.
It's the one that matches the way you like to travel.
Answering these six questions before you start planning can save you hours of research and help ensure your first cruise is one you'll want to repeat.