How to Plan a Cruise Vacation
If you are wondering how to plan a cruise for the first time, you can be confused by the endless options and choices before you. Moreover, you don’t even have a clue as to which cruise ship to book, how to choose the best cruise ship packages, or whether you can have attractive cruise ship deals. It goes beyond doubt that you should consider certain factors before you plan a cruise ship. It is like noting down every possible detail about your cruise holiday on a piece of paper. But planning a cruise for the first time can be such an exciting thing in itself. It can throw up things that you may have overlooked. Planning a cruise vacation is the first step of your cruise tour. You can decide on the things given below so that you can enjoy them to the fullest.
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What is the budget for your cruise?
Deciding on a cruise budget depends on many factors like how many days cruise are you planning, which cruise ship you are booking etc. You must also compare what facilities and amenities are you getting in that budget. For example, a cruise ship package may cover many things such as cruise ship amenities, onboard activities, offshore activities, excursions, dining options, and so on. You must check on these things before you book a cruise ship for your vacation. Taxes, spa, may not be included.
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What is the best season for your cruise?
Chances are that you will prefer the summer holidays for your cruise vacation. But remember that cruise ships visit some destinations only at certain times of the year. Families with kids prefer summer vacation and school breaks to go on a cruise holiday, while couples and newlyweds prefer other seasons like autumn or winter season.
Which destination are you heading to?
There are so many regions in the world where you can plan a cruise vacation. Some of the best are the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South East Asia, Australia, and Canada. Even if you do have a vague idea of which region would you like to travel to during your cruise vacation, you must check the climatic conditions in that part of the world. You can encounter rough seas and stormy weather during a cruise through Alaska or Norway during winters. On the other hand, a cruise vacation through Southeast Asia during winters is a great idea.
What about your cruise ship?
Different cruise lines offer their own cruise experience. In that way, you will not get a perfect answer to which is the best cruise ship for you. However, some cruise ships have made a formidable reputation for themselves by offering an all-inclusive range of amenities and activities. Some of the best are Viking Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line. Some ships offer their very own entertainment options and onboard amenities. You should check out what are the amenities and luxuries that the cruise ship offers you on your budget.
Which cabin are you opting in the cruise ship?
In a cruise ship, a cabin is also called a stateroom. The type of stateroom differs and comes in quite a diverse variety. Some staterooms offer good ocean views, while others do not. Some are very expansive suites and others are small size rooms. However, you should also note the location of the cabin. Those who want to have a suntan may prefer a cabin in the upper deck while those who want to have a quiet space for themselves may prefer a cabin in the lower decks. Still, those traveling with families may want a large suite.
Always go for advance reservations
A cruise ship offers a lot of activities, amenities, dining options, onboard entertainment, spa, Jacuzzi, etc. and you may have to do the booking for some of these. Again, it all depends on the type of cruise ship you are sailing in. Go through the different amenities and activities through the online website of the cruise ship. Some activities have to be booked once you are aboard the cruise liner and these may include kid-friendly activities like go-karting, escape rooms, etc. You may also have to book a spa or book a table for specialty dining. Plus, there are Broadway shows, speakeasy competitions, live orchestra, dance nights, deck parties, and a host of onboard entertainment.
Always book shore excursions
One of the best things about planning a cruise vacation is exploring ports and going on shore excursions. You can have a lot of options like beach games, city tours, aquatic adventures like scuba diving, etc. This can be personalized to your taste. You should have a definite idea of the port of call where your cruise ship will anchor. You can even go for specific tour operators to have more personalized tour experiences.
What about the transportation to and from the port?
You should make a precise tour plan as to what you are going to do once the ship anchors at a port. How will you travel from the port to interiors, and how much time is required to travel is a thing that should be calculated and noted down in clear and definite terms. Whether you are taking your vehicle or opting for local transport must be planned. The modes of transport available within a city, the transport rates, and other such things should be researched well in advance.
What about your packing list?
You should make a packing list that suits the destination and the time of the year. Pack light cotton clothing for places with warm weather conditions and woollens for winters. Also pack some raincoats, waterproof jackets and windcheaters in case the weather turns bad. If you have booked shore excursions, pack appropriately. Beachwear is one thing you must pack. Carry all documents with you such as ID cards, passports, tickets, etc. In case you are prone to travel sickness, carry medicines. Don’t forget about essentials like zip-lock pouches, first aid kits, hand sanitizers, etc.
Things to consider for your Embarkation Day
In cruise ships, embarkation day is the first day of your cruise vacation. It can be the very exciting first day of your cruise. You can spend the day exploring the different sections of the ship and getting acquainted with the crew, captain, and other members who are in charge of the cruise liner. While your cabin gets cleaned thoroughly, you can go through the safety precautions that are to be followed. You can pay special attention to the safety rules and regulations like how to wear a lifejacket, where are the lifeboats, what to do in case of an emergency, and so on.
