planning any holiday can be difficult at the best of times, especially if you’re travelling as a family or group and everyone is looking for a great deal.
Booking a cruise can feel even more overwhelming. With so many cruise lines, ships, itineraries and packages to choose from, it’s easy to wonder where to start. Who should you sail with? Which ship is right for you? Where can you find the best deals, and who should you book through? Ask those questions and you’ll probably get just as many different answers.
As I’m starting to plan my next cruise, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to bring together some of the best tips, ideas and lessons I’ve picked up—not only from my own experiences, but also from fellow cruisers and holidaymakers over the years.
Whether it’s your very first cruise or you’re already thinking about your next voyage, I hope these tips help you book the cruise that’s right for you.
1. Destination matters
Before booking any cruise, deciding on your destination or itinerary should be your number one priority.
Just because a ship looks incredible in the brochures or has amazing facilities doesn’t automatically make it the right cruise for you.
Start with where you actually want to visit, then find the ship that sails there.
2. Departure port
Your departure port will have a big impact on the overall cost of your holiday.
A slightly more expensive cruise leaving from your nearest port may actually save you money once you’ve factored in flights, hotels, transfers and parking.
If your cruise departs from another country, such as Barcelona, I’d always recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. This gives you plenty of time should your flight be delayed and removes the stress of trying to make the ship on the same day.
3. Sea days vs port days
Some people love relaxing at sea, while others prefer visiting a different destination every day.
Personally, I love itineraries that include an overnight stay in a destination, giving you the chance to experience both the daytime attractions and the nightlife.
Whatever your preference, always check the itinerary before booking.
4. Research the cruise line
Every cruise line has its own personality.
Some focus on luxury, others on families, nightlife, entertainment or relaxation.
Spend some time researching the different cruise lines to make sure you’re booking one that matches the type of holiday you’re looking for.
5. Family or adults only?
This is something that’s often overlooked.
Choosing between an adults-only cruise and a family-friendly cruise can completely change your onboard experience, so think about what sort of atmosphere you want before booking.
6. Look beyond the advertised price
The cruise fare is only part of the overall holiday cost.
Remember to budget for flights, transfers, hotels, drinks packages, gratuities, excursions, travel insurance and spending money.
7. Compare what’s included
Not all cruise fares include the same extras.
Some include drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, while others charge separately for almost everything.
Paying a little more upfront can sometimes save you money overall.
8. Cabin location matters
The location of your cabin can make a huge difference.
I’d avoid cabins underneath busy venues such as pools, theatres or nightclubs, where noise can continue late into the evening.
If you’re worried about seasickness, cabins in the middle of the ship generally experience less movement than those at the front or back.
9. Is a balcony worth it?
A balcony cabin comes at an extra cost, so ask yourself whether you’ll actually use it.
Personally, I love sitting out on the balcony with a coffee in the morning or relaxing there before dinner.
However, if you know you’ll spend most of your time exploring the ship, an inside or ocean-view cabin could save you a considerable amount of money.
10. Check where the ports actually are
Not every ship docks within walking distance of the city centre or main tourist attractions
Some ports require taxis or shuttle buses before you even begin exploring.
Check this before you book, as some cruise lines include shuttle services while others charge extra.
11. How long are you in port?
Eight hours in a destination offers a very different experience to twelve.
Knowing how long you’ll have in each port will help you decide whether you have time for independent sightseeing or whether a cruise excursion would be a better option.
12. Consider the season
The time of year you travel can have a huge impact on your cruise experience.
Mediterranean cruises are often busiest during the school summer holidays, while spring and autumn can offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds and better value.
If you’re considering a Caribbean cruise, it’s also worth checking whether your holiday falls during the wet or hurricane season. While most cruises still operate safely and cruise lines monitor the weather closely, itineraries can occasionally be changed at short notice to avoid storms.
Spending a little time researching the best season for your chosen destination could make all the difference to your holiday.
13. Ship Size
Choosing the right ship size was something that was recommended to me when I booked my first cruise.
I’m not going to pretend I fully understood the importance of ship size when I was booking, but it’s a piece of advice I’ve carried with me ever since.
In basic terms, smaller ships can often offer more unique destinations because they’re able to access ports that larger ships simply can’t. On the other hand, the bigger the ship, the more facilities, restaurants, entertainment and activities there are likely to be onboard.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer. Sometimes it simply comes down to whether you want to explore more destinations or make the most of everything the cruise ship itself has to offer.
14. Read Recent Reviews
When reading reviews, try to stick to ones that have been written within the last 6–12 months, as they are more likely to reflect the current onboard experience.
Always look for verified reviews and, above all, make sure you’re reading them on a trusted website. Cruise ships, itineraries and even service can change over time, so older reviews may no longer give an accurate picture of what you can expect.
15. Booking Excursions
When booking excursions, it’s always worth comparing the cruise line’s trips with reputable local operators, as you may find better value for money.
However, if there’s something you really don’t want to miss, I’d recommend booking through the cruise line. Popular excursions can sell out quickly, and booking with the ship gives you added peace of mind, as they’ll ensure there’s enough time for everyone to return before departure.
16. Buy Travel Insurance
Buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your cruise.
Most cruise lines require you to have travel insurance before completing your online check-in, so it’s one less thing to think about later.
It’s also worth remembering that your cover starts from the day you buy your policy, not the day you travel. That means you’ll usually be protected if something unexpected happens before your holiday and you need to cancel.
17. Passport and Visa Requirements
Check any passport and visa requirements well before you book your cruise, especially if you’re visiting multiple countries.
Some itineraries have entry requirements you might not expect, and many countries require your passport to have at least six months’ validity remaining. Spending a few minutes checking the requirements early on could save you a lot of stress later.
18. What’s Most Important to You?
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to decide what’s most important to you before you book.
Are you looking for incredible food, world-class entertainment, complete relaxation, exciting nightlife or simply the chance to explore new destinations?
Choose a cruise that matches your own priorities rather than following the latest trend or booking a ship because everyone else says it’s the best. The right cruise for someone else isn’t always the right cruise for you.
19. Download the Cruise Line’s App
As soon as you’ve booked your cruise, download the cruise line’s app.
Most cruise lines now use their apps for everything from online check-in and boarding passes to restaurant reservations, excursion bookings and daily entertainment schedules. It’s also a great way to familiarise yourself with the ship before you even step onboard.
You’ll often be able to explore deck plans, browse restaurants and start planning your holiday long before embarkation day.
20. Book the Cruise That Excites You the Most
There will always be another sale, another offer or another itinerary just around the corner. If you’ve found a cruise that genuinely excites you and fits your budget, don’t spend months waiting for the “perfect” deal.
Some of the best memories start with simply taking the plunge and pressing Book Now.
Daryl's Destinations 