How To Choose a Cruise
Though this site is specific to European cruises, this particular article is generic when you are deciding how to choose a cruise. Whether you are planning a Caribbean voyage, or Baltic Sea cruise you can apply the advice you find here.
The first thing you need to decide is where do you want to go? Cruise lines operate all over the world, from sunny Australia to the frozen Antarctic. Before you start to make any other plans you first need to determine your ideal itinerary. Love history, culture, cuisine and fine wine? A Mediterranean cruise would fit nicely. However, if seeing glaciers and icebergs, viewing wildlife up close and exploring rugged untamed wilderness is more your bag then an Alaska or Norwegian fjords cruise would likely be up your alley. By making this determination first you can quickly narrow the other choices you need to make.
Okay, so now you’ve determined where you want to go, time to figure out when you want to go. Multiple factors go into making this decision. First of all, when can you get away from work, or any other responsibilities that limit when you can go? If you have no such limitations then congratulations! You are one of the lucky few. You also need to learn when the is best time to visit the destination(s) you’ve chosen. You probably want to avoid sailing the Caribbean during hurricane season, and obviously taking an Arctic cruise in the dead of winter is not a vacation anyone would consider. If cost is an issue then planning your vacation late in the season could allow you to find some great last minute cruise deals. Once you’ve answered these questions then you are one step closer to choosing your cruise.
How long do you want your cruise to be? Cruises can range from 3 days to as long as a month. Figuring out how much time you have at your disposal, your budget, and how much you want to cram into your vacation will again further narrow your available choices.
What cruise line should you take? With more than 2 dozen major cruise lines operating around the globe it can be hard to decide which company to book with. Though many people make this choice first in my opinion by first determining where, when and how long you want to sail you’ve made this crucial decision far easier. Many companies only operate in certain regions at certain times of year. Once you’ve figured out which companies fit your criteria you can go about the process of choosing a cruise line. Obviously money is again a factor in making this decision. Ultra luxury cruise lines like Cunard, Silversea, and Crystal offer exclusivity and privacy on small ships that are closer to private yachts than ocean liners. However, that exclusivity comes at a higher price tag, and you may have to make some concessions in your expectations. Major cruise ships like those operated Carnival, Princess and Disney might not be so exclusive, but though you might be shoulder to shoulder with your fellow passengers at times the inconvenience is compensated for by the incredible amount of amenities and activities offered on these massive vessels. The smaller luxury cruise lines tend to cater more to couples, where the larger companies have more facilities and activities for both families and singles looking to meet someone.
By following these steps in the order outlined above you should significantly reduce the guesswork in choosing a cruise vacation. Once you’ve narrowed your options to just a few it is time to start your research. Visit a travel agent and get the skinny on the cruise lines you’ve got on your short list. Ask in internet travel forums for anecdotal evidence from other passengers who’ve traveled with them. And read cruise line reviews posted at some of the net’s biggest travel websites. By drawing on the experiences of others you can avoid potential pitfalls as well as get ideas for what to see and do on your voyage. Last, but not least, don’t forget to visit the websites of the companies themselves. Often you can find fantastic discount prices on cruises right on the front page of these websites. Have fun making your choice and enjoy your cruise vacation!
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Filed under: Cruise Deals, Luxury Cruises, Mediterranean Cruises, Planning a Cruise
[...] process as much as possible for you. Throughout the site we have dozens of articles to aid you in choosing the best cruise line, How to pack for a cruise and deciding on whether an all inclusive cruise is worth the money. These [...]