Cruising 101: Avoid feeling Underwhelmed by your Cruise Vacation

Many people will look first at whats available and then select from that list, only to come off the cruise feeling short changed. This can be avoided by first deciding what kind of a vacation experience you want, how long you’re prepared to travel, and your budget. Sounds simple enough but is it really?

Consider this: Are you interested in checking out the beaches of the world? Perhaps your thing is living the history or unique culture of a destination. Maybe you want to get up close and personal with wildlife or explore the back country. Is a quiet getaway the appeal, or the adrenaline designed facilities on board the ship tickling your fancy? Are you a senior looking for the charm and tradition of an older ship or an adult seeking a party vibe. Maybe you prefer a kid friendly experience. Are you seeking a winter escape, or looking for a specific destination? What’s your pleasure?

Once you’ve settled on the experience then there’s the specific itinerary to look at. Both the time of year and the region present unique itineraries, and each port of call offers a unique set of excursions and experience. Are you interested in the beach scene? Maybe its whale watching or ATV driving for you. Do you want to swim with stingrays, turtles or dolphins? Is a narrated bus or walking tour your style? Some places offer architectural marvels and ancient ruins, while others feature local food and rum/wine/ale experiences. The list is endless so take the time and explore for the right itinerary.

Now that you know where, when and why you want to cruise its time to match it with the Cruise Line that’s just right for you. You can explore this in our blog: CRUISING 101 – Choosing a Cruise Line.

Finally you need to decide upon the cabin type. Although there are a variety of reasons to book one cabin type over another, there’s one piece of advice you owe it to yourself to heed; booking the cheaper guaranteed cabin means the Cruise Line is free to put you in any difficult to sell cabin like under the noisy pool deck, over a late night theater or dance club, or an ocean view / balcony cabin, obstructed by ship infrastructure or a lifeboat. See our detailed breakdown: CRUISING 101 – Finding the Right Cabin.

You’re now ready to book that unforgettable vacation experience.