Plan Your Cruise Vacation Travels

Table Of Content

• Cruise during the shoulder season
• Add on Optional Beverage or Dining Packages
• Can I transfer my cruise booking back and forth between a travel agent and the cruise line?
• Best Affordable Summer Vacations for Families Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Best Restaurants on Spectrum of the Seas
• Most Frequently Searched Cruise Lines

Nothing beats cruise advice from other cruisers themselves, especially those with a few (or even 100) sailings under their belts. Cruise Critic's cruise Message Boards encompass a passionate community of cruise lovers that has been around for more than 25 years. Changes made after the final payment date are almost always subject to a cruise line's standard cancellation policies because changes are technically considered cancellations. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up nine cruise types that you’ll definitely want to book at least a year in advance. Cruise lines are implementing capacity limits to control crowds in light of COVID-19, meaning that cabins sell out even faster. Add-ons like drink packages and land excursions could be limited or more expensive when you book last-minute.

Cruise during the shoulder season

As one of the largest cruise ships, the Oasis of the Seas offers an abundance of free onboard cruise experiences and attractions for everyone on vacation. There’s a whole world waiting to be explored, and you’re just a click away from an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re planning your vacation from scratch, ready to book or want financing options, we’ve made it easier than ever to plan and book your cruise vacation. Traveling with a group of friends or family, celebrating a special occasion, or looking to extend your stay in one of your favorite departure or arrival ports? All the information you need on how to plan your cruise is right here.

Add on Optional Beverage or Dining Packages

Benefits of Older Ships (built before 2010)As a general rule of thumb, we prefer newer ships. But that’s not to say that older ships don’t have their perks. Today’s modern ships are luxurious hotels mixed with amusement parks. They offer shopping, bars, restaurants, entertainment, and more. And there is now a big difference between older ships and the new modern mega ships. It’s ideal to get a spot that’s between the middle decks where the indoor activities are located and the higher decks with the pool and outdoor areas so that you’re closer to everything.

Can I transfer my cruise booking back and forth between a travel agent and the cruise line?

When you see one, you'll know it's as good a time as any to book your next cruise vacation. Know the Ins and Outs of Drink Packages Before BuyingAlcohol is big business on a cruise, and it’s not unusual to spend hundreds on it during the course of a sailing. To help you budget, cruise lines offer “all you can drink” packages. With these deals, you pay one set amount each day and then get to have (almost) whatever you want from the bar. No matter what you choose, when you book your cruise you will have an arrival time.

Ocean view cabins often have a nice large picture window, although sometimes you’ll have only a port hole. Ocean view cabins are similar in size to inside cabins, however these are preferred by those who want more natural light. These are good cabins for anyone cruising on a budget and those that love dark spaces for a really good night’s sleep.

To get the best shot at having lots of cabin options and a better pick as to which cabin you’ll be getting for both cruises, book back-to-back cruises as far in advance as possible. Some cruise lines are more accommodating of solo travelers than others with no single supplement fee, solo cabins, and exclusive events and lounges. In a case like this, it can also pay to build a relationship with a travel agent. Inform them that you’re interested in cheaper cruises and they can keep an eye out for deals that they come across. And as mentioned before, they also may have access to deals that aren’t available to the public. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea.

Best Restaurants on Spectrum of the Seas

Even though Disney is more expensive, many people rave about the Disney cruise experience – from entertainment, dining and service, the kid’s camp and more. Booking with travel advisors (or travel agents as they have traditionally been called) has multiple benefits. First and foremost is the invaluable knowledge, personalized service, and support they provide. This is especially important for first-time cruisers who are unsure which cruise line or style is best for them. In most cases deposits are refundable if you cancel your booked cruise before the final payment date. Carnival offers several special fare deals with nonrefundable deposits, however, so be sure to read the fine print before you put down any deposit.

Most Frequently Searched Cruise Lines

However, over the last few years Alaska has gained popularity with younger couples and even families with young kids or teens, and larger family cruises. Alaska attracts many first timers who are destination focused travelers. An Alaskan cruise is seen as a once in a lifetime experience for many, filled with adventure and the wonder of nature. These cruises tend to be more expensive than Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, but are “bucket list” travel experiences. Bermuda cruises are a great romantic cruise for couples, but also amazing for a family friendly family cruise vacation. Outside of the Holidays and summer months, you won’t see too many families.

Outlet AdapterOn your first cruise, it won’t be on your mind about plugging in electronics. While the problem isn’t as big on newer ships where more outlets are included, many older ships have only one or two spots to plug anything in. So if you want to charge your phone and use a hair straightener, then it’s one or the other.

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Cruise lines offer excursions that you can book on the ship (fees apply). Excursions can range from everything from beach days to snorkeling to cultural activities. Other ports of call are your chance to experience another country.

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This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise. If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. Before you book, though, have a look at these credit cards that come with cruise benefits to sweeten the pot even more. Assuming there are no issues, the amount will be charged to your credit card after the cruise.

These rooms are more spacious than inside and ocean view cabins, and have private balcony where you can spend time and view the ocean as well as ports of call. Inside cabins are usually the least expensive cabins on any cruise ship. They are interior rooms, so they don’t have any windows, however they can still be comfortable and cosy. If you have a preferred time that you want or need to travel, search cruises and itineraries that are available at that time. If you can be flexible with your travel dates by even a couple of weeks, you may be able to save 50% or more on a cruise. Remember to factor in the cost of your cruise, plus flights, hotels, excursions and other extra expenses.

Bottom line, just be ready for an “out the door” price that’s significantly higher than what you might have expected. If you have questions, you can always call the cruise line or your travel provider to have them walk you through the process. Cruise lines can also take your reservation right over the phone. Longer Cruises (7 nights or longer) While seven nights is the most common cruise length, they can extend to almost any length imaginable. Most notable are departure ports in Florida and the Port of Seattle.

You get to have all the fun on a cruise… but then you have to pay. Still, it’s a good idea to bring along some sort of seasickness remedy if you’re worried. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be without. One other thing to note is that even after this gratuity is applied, your receipt that you sign will have a line for an additional tip.