Cruising is a truly unique and wondrous experience, with the journey as unforgettable as the destination.Before you embark on the voyage of your dreams, however, there are several considerations to weigh prior to booking.
Securing the perfect cruise can be a daunting task, which is why it’s always worth working with a travel advisor to schedule and arrange the details of your itinerary.
Before selecting your cruise line or building out your travel plans, determine the type of trip you’ll be taking.
Figuring out what sort of vacation experience you want will help ensure everyone in your party is happy. Will this be a family vacation? A romantic getaway? Wild adult-only group trip? Relaxing solo journey?
No matter what vacation you’re after, there’s undoubtedly a cruise with your name on it.
One of the biggest determinations of your cruise choice, accommodations, activities, and duration is your budget. Figuring out how much you’re willing to spend can help you better flesh out your itinerary.
Are you after a complete luxury experience with all the bells and whistles, or looking for a more price-conscious vacation? Rest assured, you can have a great time at sea whether you’re looking to save or splurge, but deciding your budget ahead of time will certainly help you when it’s time to book your cruise.
There are dozens of cruise lines to choose from, each with its own distinct personality, offerings, amenities and accommodations, so booking with the right cruise line means figuring out what you want from your cruise vacation and identifying those meeting your expectations.
You could go with one of the major ocean cruise lines—generally large-scale ocean liners with capacity for thousands of passengers. If you’d prefer something a little less crowded, consider one of the smaller river cruises, which are great ways to explore your destination. There are even specialty cruise lines that appeal to a specific audience, event, or niche interest.
When you actually book your cruise can also impact your overall experience. Determining the best time to book your trip will affect things such as ticket price, availability, cabin preferences and more, so it’s best to begin your cruise planning and booking early for the best options.
Typically, the optimal window is a year to 18 months prior to travel between January and March—known as the wave season. During this period, you can find industry-wide cruising deals with significant price reductions, as well as promotions such as free upgrades or onboard spending credits.
Perhaps just as important as your ship is your destination. There are cruises spanning the globe—Europe, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, and many more—and the perfect itineraries for every port of call.
Need help deciding where to go? Check out our destination guide!
Ultimately, whether you plan to book your cruise in person, over the phone, or online, it’s always best to work with an experienced travel advisor.
Whether you’re a veteran cruiser who knows exactly where they want to go, or you’re completely new to the seafaring experience, enlisting the aid of a dedicated travel advisor will help make the most of your cruise, no matter where in the world you plan on sailing to.
When you enlist an InteleTravel Advisor, you don’t just gain a knowledgeable travel professional, but a partner working behind the scenes to ensure every part of your trip goes off without a hitch.
Our highly skilled team of advisors specialize in all types of travel, and their knowledge, experience and industry connections helps ensure the perfect customized itinerary for your dream cruise vacation.
Additionally, our advisors don’t charge a fee for their services, so you secure a committed travel companion throughout your journey, completely free of charge.