How do you pick a cruise for the first time?

6 Tips for Booking Your First Cruise

1. Understand the Modern Cruising Experience. Water slides on the Carnival Breeze.
2. Choose an Itinerary That Works For You.
3. Pick Your Ports and Prepare.
4. Get the Right Room.
5. Book Your Cruise with the Travel Agency Offering the Most Incentives.
6. Use the Right Credit Cards.

How do I choose a good cruise?

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

1. Aren’t all cruise lines the same?
2. Match the cruise line to your personality.
3. Match the cruise line to your desired cruise experience.
4. Cruise lines which dominate certain cruise destinations.
5. The cruise duration can influence your cruise line.
6. Choose a cruise line that fits your budget.

What should a first time cruiser pack?

On the first day of your cruise, it may take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom, but you don’t have to wait to have fun. Stuff a carry-on backpack with essentials like your cell phone, wallet, bathing suit and sunglasses, and start swimming, sunning or exploring your ship immediately.

What do I need to know before my first cruise?

11 Things You Should Know Before Booking A Cruise This Summer

• The earlier you book, the better.
• Join email lists for cruise lines and travel agencies.
• Book your flight separately.
• Plan to get to your port extra early.
• Plan excursions separately (or at least ahead of time).
• Look into repositioning cruises.

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

The cheapest times to cruise are typically in the late summer and fall because of hurricane season, but you can often find patches of bargain sailings, especially during the early weeks of December and in the spring.

What is the safest cruise line?

The 3 “Cleanest” Cruise Lines According to the CDC Viking Ocean Cruises – When it comes to passing CDC inspections, Viking Ocean Cruises takes the top honor. With five ships, every Viking cruise ship scored well on their latest inspections. Three ships — Viking Sea, Viking Sky, and Viking Star — scored a perfect 100.

Which cruise ship has best food?

Which cruise lines have the best food?

• Disney Cruise Line — 4.53 / 5.
• Celebrity Cruises — 4.43 / 5.
• Royal Caribbean — 4.26 / 5.
• Holland America — 4.22 / 5.
• Carnival Cruise Line — 4.13 / 5.
• Princess Cruises — 4.10 / 5.
• Norwegian Cruise Line — 3.97 / 5.

What should I pack for a 7 day Caribbean cruise?

What should I pack for a 7-day Caribbean cruise?

• Swimwear: 3 swimsuits and at least 3 swim cover-ups.
• Casual Looks: Pack at least 4 pairs of shorts, 5 – 7 t-shirts, 3 pairs of pants, 3 skirts, and a couple of day dresses.
• Dinner Attire: Bring enough smart-casual looks for 7 nights.

What should I pack for a cruise holiday?

So let us guide you through some essential packing tips to get the most out of your cruise.

1. Pack a smaller bag.
2. Seasickness medication.
3. Bring your own bottle.
4. Ear plugs.
5. Roll your clothes.
6. Photograph your luggage and IDs.
7. Take a jacket.
8. Pack binoculars.

Is it OK to go on a cruise alone?

For the most part, yes. Cruises, overall, are extremely safe. However, even though cruising alone can be wonderful, it’s key to remember that you should treat a solo cruise the same as if you were traveling alone anywhere else. Keep your wits about you.

What can you not do on a cruise?

Avoid these blunders on your next cruise.

Fly into port the day of departure.

Throw anything overboard.

Shake hands.

Avoid talking about being sick to fellow passengers.

Be afraid of days at sea.

Limit yourself to the main dining room.

Wait until the last minute to sign up for shore excursions.

Do you have to have a passport to go on a cruise?

We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.

What are some tips for planning a first time cruise?

First Time Cruise Tips for Planning and Booking. 1. Budget properly. “Be prepared to spend at least 200 on the ship before you get off, not counting gratuity.” – Mrharvey on Carnival Conquest. Our Take: There are some exceptions, but the vast majority of cruises are not all-inclusive.

What do first time cruisers need to know?

Here’s some more handy vocab for first time cruisers: ‘ shore excursions’ are the trips that you take in and around the various ports that you will call at during your cruise. These could include wine tasting, museum trips, diving lessons – you name it!

Should you buy an interior cabin for your first cruises?

As a first-time cruiser, it’s doubtful you’ll be spending much time in your room anyway. Having an interior cabin is a cheaper way to get on your first sailing without breaking the bank. 3. Balcony Rooms Are Worth It

How far in advance should I be from the cruise port?

So, make plans to be in the port where your cruise ship is going to depart from at least one day in advance of embarkation day. We actually recommend aiming to get there 2 nights in advance if you can, because then you have some time to rest and properly refresh yourself after your flight or car journey before you embark on your cruise.