How to Choose the Right Cruise

If you have never cruised before, you might be wondering how to choose the right cruise for you and your family. Deciding to take a cruise is easy, choosing the right cruise takes a bit of thought. You see, not all cruises are the same. Just like writing a story, you need to hone in on the who, what, why, where, and when.

Who is Cruising?

The first thing to consider is who is traveling. Is it to be a romantic getaway for two or a vacation for the immediate or extended family? You need to focus on the number of people traveling as well as their ages.

If you have children traveling with you, you might want a cruise line with age appropriate activities. This will help to keep the little ones entertained while allowing parents a break, so they can have a little time to themselves.

There are several cruise lines that come to mind when traveling with children. Of course, there is Disney Cruise Line, which has exceptional activities for children, but it is a bit more pricey than some of the others. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line also have excellent programs for children.

Just because these cruise lines have children’s programing does not mean they are kid centric. There are still plenty of activities designed for adults. Even though you will find a high percentage of children on a Disney Cruise, their ships have areas dedicated to adults. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian also have plenty of adult activities and are particularly suited to adults who are looking for a lively atmosphere.

If you have adults with more subdued tastes you might want to think about traveling on Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, or even Princess Cruises. Although you will find that these lines, have children’s programing, there are usually fewer children on board.

Adults Only

Seeking an (almost) adults only crowd? You’ll find that Regent Seven Seas,  Seabourn, Silver Seas, Windstar Cruises and Viking Cruises might be a better fit. They do not cater to children, although they are allowed on board, and (with very few exceptions) there are no children’s programs.

What is Your Budget?

I know; if you have never been on a cruise before, you don’t have a clue where to start with the budget. The good news is, no matter what your budget, you will most likely be able to find a cruise that works for you. There are cruises in just about every price range.

Sample Prices

I priced out a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise out of Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Getaway and a three-night Bahamas cruise out of Port Canaveral on Carnival Cruise Line’s Liberty. The prices are based on travel around the fourth of July holiday.

I did not hunt for special pricing or offers. These prices are to give you a starting point. There will be better prices out there on these same exact cruises, but I wanted to provide you with a realistic idea of pricing during a time a family might take a vacation. I priced the cruises based on four passengers, in an interior stateroom. If you can find a better price…BONUS!!! The idea is to give you a starting point.

Norwegian Getaway: $4519.96 total for four, or $1129.99 per person for seven nights. That comes out to $161.43 per person per night.

Carnival Liberty: $1490.00 total for four, or $372.50 per person for three nights. That comes out to $124.17 per person per night.

Remember the cost of the cruises listed above includes your stateroom and all your meals, with beverages such as coffee, tea, water, milk and juice (with breakfast). Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are an additional cost. Many activities on board the ship are included.  However, it doesn’t include everything. The prices include all taxes but not tips. This is simply the pricing for the cruise. Transportation to or from the cruise is not included, nor are shore excursions or any other optional expenses.

Why are You Cruising?

Are you eager to see a particular part of the world; seeking a romantic getaway; ready for a girls’ weekend? Do you plan to party hardy or just get some rest and relaxation? Or, is this vacation a time for the family to travel together and reconnect?

If you are looking for a fun, quick getaway, options abound. There are three, four and five-night cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico just about year ‘round and they are usually pretty economical. These cruises are usually popular with the party crowd. Bachelor/Bachelorette parties and girls/guys weekends at sea rival those in Las Vegas. You will also find families who are looking for an inexpensive vacation as well. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line all have numerous three and four-night cruises year-round. (Disney Cruise Line is the exception to the party atmosphere, you will find many more families and fewer adult groups on their ships.)

If you are looking for romance and have at least a week, I highly recommend Windstar Cruises’ wind assisted sailing vessels (Windstar, Windsurf, or Windspirit). They are small and intimate; and when those sails go up, you just can’t help but get swept up in the romance of the sea. This is definitely a cruise for couples.

Where Would You Like to Go?

Europe, Caribbean, Alaska, Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Asia or even India; just about anywhere in the world is possible.

River cruises are a wonderful way to see much of Europe and are typically available in the spring, summer and fall.

There are many options in the Caribbean, depending on the length of time you have available. On a regular basis you will be able to find cruises anywhere in length from three to ten nights.

Of course, you can sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico which cuts off a lot of ‘at sea’ time and allows you to see more of the islands than you would on a cruise of the same length from Miami or Ft Lauderdale. So, if you have a specific island you would like to visit, departing from San Juan might be a better idea.

Many Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle. You will find some of the longer cruises depart from San Francisco or other California ports.

If you want to take a cruise to Alaska, I highly recommend that you include a land tour with your trip. You will certainly get to see a lot of the state on the cruise, but the interior has so much to offer and you just can’t see it by sea.

You will find that many of the cruises traveling to the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Africa will be ten days at a minimum. That’s not to say you will never find a seven-day cruise in these locations, it is just not the norm.

When Do You Want to Travel?

The time of year at which you can travel may limit some of the cruise destinations available to you. There are an abundance of Caribbean cruises of various lengths from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale in the winter months. You will also find numerous options available from Los Angeles to Mexico. Come warmer temperatures you will find some of those ships move from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale to either Europe or Alaska. Although there will be few options in the summer, cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico are available year-round.

Cruises to South America, Australia, New Zealand are available in the winter months. Cruises to the Far East are available at various times though out the year.

You might find some Mediterranean cruises during the winter months, but there will be many more options available in the summer. Winter weather in the Med can be on the chilly side, but the price might make it more appealing. Not to mention the cost of airfare will be lower and the sites will be less crowded.

If you have your heart set on a Northern European cruise, summer will be the time to go. Warmer temperatures and long days make for a great cruise.

Choose the Right Cruise

Once you have determined the who, what, why, where and when you can do one of two things; contact your favorite travel agent, or head on line to start looking for your cruise.

If you are looking for reviews of cruise lines or specific itineraries, I suggest that you check out Cruise Critic. You will find reviews for just about every different cruise line and destination.

Although I have provided links to all the cruise lines to which I referred, this is by no means a definitive list. There are other options out there that might be an even better fit to your needs or desires than those I have listed. If you have the time and (as my mother used to say) ‘stick-to-it-iveness’; you can probably find what you are looking for on line.

I highly recommend booking your cruise with a travel agent; she will quickly determine which cruise line will best meet your needs and desires and know if there are any special deals or offers available to you. The bottom line, she will help you to choose the right cruise.

If you haven’t cruised before and have questions, let me know, I’ll be glad to address them in future posts.

If you experienced cruisers have any other thoughts or ideas on how to choose the right cruise, please feel free to share your thoughts!

Every great adventure begins as a dream.

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