Your Ultimate Guide to Booking a Cruise: Geared for First Timers

Imagine a vacation where everything is taken care of—where you can indulge in gourmet dining, exciting activities, and breathtaking destinations without lifting a finger. Welcome to the world of cruising! Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, a cruise offers an unforgettable experience tailored to your preferences. Here’s your ultimate guide to booking a cruise, specially designed for first-time cruisers.

Why Consider a Cruise for Your Next Vacation?

Cruising is not just a vacation but an adventure offering exceptional value for money. With all-inclusive packages, you get your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation to multiple destinations covered under one price. 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, a cruise has something for everyone.

Why listen to me? I have cruised dozens of times, so you could say I am a bit of a cruise fanatic. Cruising is not about “the more money you spend, the better it is,” but merely a vacation that offers the things that make YOU happy.

What is a Cruise Vacation?

A cruise vacation involves traveling by ship to various destinations while enjoying onboard amenities like pools, theaters, restaurants, and more. It’s an all-in-one package where your “hotel” moves with you, making it convenient and hassle-free to explore multiple locations.

Benefits of Cruising

Cruising offers numerous benefits that make it a popular choice among travelers:

• Convenience: Unpack once and wake up in a new destination each day.
• Cost-Effective: All-inclusive packages often make cruising more affordable than other types of vacations.
• Variety: From relaxing spa days to adventurous shore excursions, there’s something for everyone on a cruise.

Let us help you pack for your cruise, too, with suggestions from this post.

Choosing Your Dream Destination

Have you considered booking a cruise and are unsure of the first step? Deciding where to go is your first hurdle. What is your dream destination? Do you desire to splash in the blue Caribbean waters or transit through the wondrous Panama Canal? Do you appreciate history and wish to see Egypt’s great Pyramids or the ancient ruins in Rome? 

Have you fantasized about being face-to-face with the fantastic glaciers in Alaska’s frigid waters or witnessing New England when the leaves start changing colors? Whatever place you desire, a cruise can probably get you there.

Here are some popular destinations to consider:

• Caribbean: Known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
• Alaska: Perfect for nature lovers who want to see glaciers and wildlife.
• Mediterranean: Ideal for history buffs interested in exploring ancient ruins.
• Panama Canal: A fascinating engineering marvel offering breathtaking views.
• New England: Experience the beauty of fall foliage along the Eastern coast.

How to Book Your Cruise

Booking a cruise is easier than you think. You can do it yourself online or through a reputable travel agent. Travel agents don’t charge extra fees; they provide valuable advice and can often find you the best deals.

Understanding Costs and Fees

When you see the listed price of a cruise, it typically covers your room and the trip itself. Additional costs may include taxes, port fees, and optional expenses like excursions and specialty dining.

• Caribbean Cruises: Expect to pay $200-$330 in port fees for a week-long cruise.
• European Cruises: Port fees are generally lower, around $199 weekly.

Making Your Reservation

To book a cruise, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after your sailing date, and a credit card for the deposit. Room selection is crucial, so consider your budget and preferences when choosing a stateroom.

Choosing Your Stateroom

Select a stateroom based on your needs and budget:

• Suites: For those who want maximum space and luxury.
• Balcony Rooms: Ideal for enjoying the view and fresh air.
• Inside Rooms: Cost-effective and perfect for a good night’s sleep in complete darkness.

What stateroom type you pick is a matter of personal opinion. If you want to be pampered, you desire maximum space, and your budget is immense, then a suite is the right choice for you. 

For those who yearn for a room with a view, a balcony room is the ideal choice. Offering a private outdoor space with a table and chairs, it’s perfect for admiring the breathtaking scenery of destinations like Alaska, Italy, and Germany.

How to Save Money on Staterooms

If you’re looking to be savvy with your budget, consider the cost-effective option of lower-deck staterooms. While higher decks are often more desirable, lower decks offer stability and easier access to disembarkation points, making them a smart choice for the budget-conscious traveler.

Also, consider how much time you plan on spending in your room. I like exploring the ship, using the common areas, and participating in the cruise activities, so I am not in my room much.

I prefer the lower decks because they are easier to disembark, and I do not feel the waves much. The higher up and the further on the ends, the more rocking you feel with rough waters. This may not bother you at all, as it never has my family, but if you are prone to or get motion sickness, you can purchase sea-sickness bracelets in the gift shop or from the ship’s doctor.

Keep in mind that rooms close to elevators and rooms near the front and back of the ship on lower levels make more noise; I’ve heard the ship’s anchor more times than I care to remember. 

A Personal Account of the Ship’s Medical Department

Many worry about being at sea should an illness occur. A doctor is available should you need one during your cruise. Once, my family had to utilize one during a Caribbean cruise. Our daughter had a relapse of mono and a fever of 105 on New Year’s Eve.

The doctor provided IV fluids, antibiotics, and other medicines to have her in good enough shape to disembark the next day in Puerto Rico. We had a private nurse for several hours and a recheck before disembarking.

Our price, start to finish, was $800, 1/4th less than just an ER visit charge in the US. We were more than happy with the excellent care she received.

Preparing for Your Cruise

Once your room is confirmed, familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and amenities. Plan your dining experiences, including optional specialty restaurants offering gourmet meals for an extra fee.

Other things that require money outside your original cruise fee are alcoholic beverages, soda, spa services, professional photos, shopping, souvenir video, arcade, specialty coffees, port-of-call excursions, Wifi, and casino. These services are designed to enhance your cruise experience and are conveniently available onboard.

We can also help you prepare for your European river cruise in this post.

Onboard Activities

Cruise ships offer a plethora of activities to keep you entertained:

• Gambling: Try your luck at the casino.
• Spa Treatments: Relax and rejuvenate with a massage or facial. Elemis Spas are phenomenal!
• Live Shows: Enjoy Broadway-style productions and concerts.
• Dancing
• Movies Under the Stars
• Sports and Fitness: Stay active with gym facilities, exercise classes, and sports courts.
• Karaoke

• Bingo and Trivia: Fun games with prizes.
• Art Auctions
• Shopping Arcade
• Classes: Computer and photography lessons, cooking demos, towel animal folding, port talks, lectures
• Alcoholic Beverage Tastings: Wine, beer, liquor, and adult libations

If you’re a fan of unique dining experiences, consider patronizing the optional “pay or specialty restaurants.” These restaurants, which you can book in advance, offer a high-quality dining experience that’s a step above the mainstream cruise food.

The additional fee, usually $15-$40, is a small price to pay for the unique culinary journey they offer. I never miss a chance to dine at them. 

The food is delicious, the menus are trendy & appealing, and the service is impeccable. It is a great way to celebrate a special occasion.

Planning Shore Excursions

Depending on your destination, you can book excursions to explore local attractions. Compare prices with outside tour companies for the best deals. Websites like Viator offer affordable options with smaller tour groups, though I prefer Alla Tours when traveling in Europe.

Sign up for & read Cruise Critic reviews to see what other cruisers say about your ship and the port excursions. This effort can save you time & money, steering you away from things not well received by others. 

Keep in mind that everybody will not always be happy, so there could be underlying issues that bring people to write bad things. Use your best judgment.

Making Travel Arrangements

Plan your transfers to and from the ship in advance. You have the flexibility to book these through the cruise line or arrange your own transportation via taxi or ride-sharing services, giving you control over your travel plans.

Ensure your return flight is booked for the afternoon or later on disembarkation day to avoid any rush, as you could be delayed when clearing customs in the US. 

Tip: The cruise line has contracts with local hotels that offer deep discounts for passengers, an excellent opportunity to add pre or post-days to your vacation.

Final Preparations

Double-check your travel documents before setting off, including your passport and credit card. Remember, your cruise fare includes your cabin, meals, and most onboard activities, but tips and optional expenses are additional and can also be prepaid. 

Conclusion

Cruising offers an unparalleled travel experience, combining convenience, value, and adventure. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover. Ready to set sail? Book your cruise today and start your unforgettable journey.