Deciding on a cruise can be scary, especially if it’s your first cruise! You may not know where to start, or how to choose a cruise. Fortunately, you have me to help you every step of the way. This is not an exhaustive list but should give you a good place to start when you choose a cruise line. Here’s some of the things I consider when I recommend a cruise line for my clients. Fill out my customer request form when you are ready to learn more, and I will find the perfect cruise for you.
Budget
Your budget may be the biggest factor of all when you decide to book a cruise. Fortunately, there are cruise lines for nearly every budget. Carnival, Holland America, and Norwegian are typically budget-friendly options. Of course, those prices typically do not include the perks you would get on a more expensive cruise. Make sure to compare all the add-ons you need before you book a cruise. You may find the price difference isn’t nearly as drastic when you add on things like Wifi, soft drinks, and premium dining. Also factor in the additional cost of traveling to a departure port. While I love to visit Miami before my cruises, it does add additional cost that you need to consider.
Duration
How long do you want to sail? Do you need to travel to get to a port? These are key things to know before you choose a cruise. If you’re on the US west coast, you may not want to travel to Florida to cruise. In that case, Carnival and Norwegian may be great options as they sail out of Washington and California. Some cruise lines offer itineraries as short as two days. Others sail around the world for weeks and months at a time.
Luxury
There’s no wrong way to cruise. Some of us are Rockstars (me) and want the very best accommodations, meals, and amenities money can buy. Others are happy with a basic cabin to sleep and shower. Choose a cruise line like Virgin Voyages, Viking, or Disney Cruise Line if you are looking for something a little fancier. Of course, with the extra cost comes extra perks. Some include non-alcoholic beverages or Wifi, for instance. Every cruise line offers luxury suites, so be sure to compare the perks before you book. Luckily, that’s what you have me for!
Destinations / Ports of call
Where do you want to go on your cruise? If you are looking for a European adventure with lots of stops along the way and guided tours, Viking River Cruises or Adventures by Disney might be right for you. If you want to see as many Caribbean Islands as possible, you can’t go wrong with Royal Caribbean (it’s right there in the name!) It can be daunting figuring out all the different ports and places to see. Fortunately, you have me to do the heavy lifting for you.
What is your definition of FUN?
Ultimately, this is what it all comes down to for me when I choose a cruise. It’s no secret that my favorite cruise line is Virgin Voyages (check out my Virgin Voyages blog posts!) Why? NO KIDS! I love the 18+ requirement on Virgin cruises. I like great food and drinks, dance parties, and karaoke. Also, I love the fact that there are no kids on board. Did I mention that one?
If you are traveling with kids or don’t require an 18+ experience, you have several options to choose from. Do you want a cruise ship with a theme-park like atmosphere? Are you looking for a quieter, more refined experience with formal dinners? Are you an adventurer who wants to swim with sharks or step foot in Antarctica? Fortunately, there is a cruise line for you, no matter how you answered those questions. Fill out my customer request form and tell me your idea of FUN (all caps), and I will find the perfect cruise for you.
Let me help you choose a cruise
There are a ton of things you need to consider when you choose a cruise. The big four for me are budget, duration, destination, and your idea of FUN! There really is no wrong way to cruise. With so many different cruise lines, itineraries, and destinations, there truly is a cruise for everyone.
Of course, you can go through all the cruise line websites and pick the perfect cruise, or you can save yourself the time and effort and let me do it for you. Fill out my customer information request form when you’re ready to get started. I’ve already done the research for you, and I never charge extra to book a cruise. Just reach out, and I will find the perfect cruise for you.