Hey Traveller,

Today I wanted to cover 5 Questions you need to ask to avoid these common cruise-planning mistakes. One of the things that first-time cruisers don’t realise is that cruise lines usually plan itineraries years in advance, and they often allow people to book two or more years ahead. Though the COVID restrictions reset this paradigm and allowed for unique opportunities to book onto cruise itineraries that had only been on the market for less than 12 months, cruise lines are already releasing itineraries for 2025.

If you’re someone who is new to cruises, and even if you’re a cruising veteran, it can feel like an overwhelming process. There are many things that are unique to the cruising world that don’t show up in “regular” travel. Here are five essential questions you need to answer before booking your cruise so you don’t wind up accidentally making a rookie mistake. (I’ll show you how to avoid these mistakes, as well!):

1. Which cruise line is the best fit for my/our needs?

Cruise lines differ greatly. Some are perfect for romantic couples’ getaways. Others cater to seniors, or to children. Some focus on providing luxury in a formal setting; others provide it with a more casual and comfortable ambiance. Some may offer amenities that are exactly what you’re looking for; others might not. Many cater to thousands of guests and offer a huge range of onboard activities and entertainment, while others cater to just a few hundred guests and offer amazing destination experiences in unique or difficult to reach locations.

It’s okay to take your time comparing cruise lines and seeing which ones will offer the most of what you want, at a great value. Don’t be afraid to shop around!

2. Have I read ALL the fine print?

I know, I know. It’s not the most fun part about planning a trip of any kind. But cruises are a big investment of both time and money. It’s really important to understand what you are signing up for – especially when booking 2 years ahead. Are there additional fees? What is expected of you in terms of a payment schedule? How early do you need to arrive? What is the refund or rescheduling policy? Which amenities are included and which cost extra? Make sure you’ve got it dialed so there are no surprises and your trip can go smoothly.

3. How picky do I want to be about our cabin?

Again, consider your needs. And beyond that — think about what would be the most fun! If you’re uneasy in enclosed spaces, consider that an inside cabin might not be a good choice. Notice where the cabins are located on the ship — high traffic areas? Engine noise? Easy access to lifts? Reduced motion sensation? You don’t have to spring for a luxury suite unless you want to, but cabin choice is one area where a little extra can make a huge difference in the overall enjoyment and restfulness of your trip. For any itinerary of a week or more, I would recommend NOT compromising on cabin type or location.

4. Have I solidified our meal plans and shore excursions within plenty of time before our departure?

This is a big one. Most cruise lines offer a wide variety of dining options — fixed time in a dining area, non-fixed seating, buffets, casual and upscale options. But the rules and expectations are different for each. Some require reservations; some don’t; some have dress codes; some don’t. Make sure you nail this down early, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for a meal at the last minute.

Same goes with shore excursions: research well and book early. Find out what is required in terms of transport and physical exertion for each option. Read up so you know which activities are age/fitness appropriate for the members of your group. You don’t have to limit your options to only those offered by the cruise line. Independent shore excursions may be more affordable, and also might involve smaller groups with more comfortable modes of transportation. Just make sure to check that the standards match those of the cruise options, and that there is no danger of missing the boat (excursions that are located beyond walking distance or a short taxi ride from the ship should be booked through the cruise line to ensure you don’t get left behind in the event of an unexpected delay.

I once almost got caught out with this when I hired a car to ‘do my own thing’ only to be held up due to an accident blocking the only road back – I made it with less than 10 minutes to spare, others did not.

5. What will I need to pack?

This one might seem obvious, but there are a few considerations that are unique to cruising. Most cruise lines don’t allow the use of multiplugs or higher voltage/current items like irons. Not all ships offer multi-national sockets, and the outlets on the ship may not those of the destination (a European ship in the USA may require European plugs) – make sure your international adaptors cover a variety. Many cabins only have a couple of power outlets so if you have several electronic devices to charge, be sure to use power adaptors with multiple USB ports (and that can accept both 110V and 220V) – and bring a power bank for good measure.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast, or at least the typical climate that time of year, for the destinations you'll be visiting. Pack clothes appropriate for onboard AND for the weather conditions ashore, including rain gear, sunscreen, and insect repellent where appropriate. Pack comfortable shoes as cruises often involve a lot of walking, so pack both for exploring ports of call and for walking around the ship. Bring ‘appropriate’ clothing to suit any dress codes for certain areas of the ship and for dining (be sure to check the dress code ahead of time and pack appropriate clothing for formal nights and other events), and don’t forget your swimsuit - most cruise ships have pools, hot tubs, spas, etc. so be sure to pack a swimsuit and consider bringing flip-flops and a beach bag if there are any beach destinations.

Bring a day bag, a small bag or backpack to carry essentials such as your passport, ID, sunscreen, and water bottle when exploring ports of call. Don't forget to bring any prescription medication that you need (along with a doctor’s note), as well as over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness medication; these may not always be available onboard or at your destination.

Here’s the best news of all, with me as your travel agent, you don’t have to answer these questions alone! With so many cruise lines, ships and itineraries to choose from, I can make recommendations that will help you pick the most suitable cruise for you – be that a huge modern ship with more activities, dining and entertainment options than you can poke a stick at; a formal, classic, black-tie affair; an ultra-modern and adventurous luxury expedition; a culturally immersive river cruise excursion; a quirky, new-age themed occasion; or whatever it is you’re wanting to experience.

I can give you all the inside info and recommendations so you can choose the best cabin, help you figure out when and where you want to eat, what you want to see and do, and I can help you create a packing list that will keep you safe and well-supplied.

When you are ready for your next cruise or adventure I can help you design your trip down to the last meticulously managed detail; recommend the best tours with the most experienced and knowledgeable guides; access great deals on the most amazing cruise destinations with fantastic lectures and authentic encounters; and offer itineraries that will provide the most meaningful journeys, enriching experiences, and memorable stories to share. Give me a call and let’s get started! Or click here to contact me now!

And remember:

It is said that a picture paints a thousand words. So, we could say that a video shows a thousand pictures. But, neither words nor pictures, nor even a thousand videos, can ever come close to the first-hand experience of being there "in person" to Witness the Wonders of Our World - while we still can, and because we still can... You still can!

Have a wonderful day,
Best regards

Nic

Your Personal Travel Manager

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P.P.S. If you are ready to start planning your next WOW trip, please reach out to me or click here to schedule an appointment.