Buying tickets for your first cruise can be confusing since there are so many options to choose from and so much information available. Here how to ensure you get it right:
Get a Specialist
It’s very easy to get entranced by cheap cruise offers online but if this is your first trip, it pays to consult a specialist to make sure you end up on the right ship. Large travel agencies may push certain cruise lines at you, but that’s because they have commission agreements, so always ask for a list of recommendations. Pick agencies that sell nothing but cruising since they have the greatest knowledge. Your agent should question you about your tastes and the type of holidays you have taken in the past.
Meet Your Fellow Passengers
A first-time cruiser may find that all cruise lines look the same but they’re not, as different cruise lines attract completely different people from different backgrounds. You should also think about the age group you want to travel with, too. If you don’t enjoy being around children, don’t cruise during school holidays, or choose a ship that’s meant for adults. If you like to party, pick a cruise line that carries a mixed age group and caters to your interests.
Try Mini-Cruises
Start by dipping a toe in the water with a short cruise with one to three nights on board. Some are themed around things like food and wine, comedy, and sports. Once you figure out what you like, you can go ahead and book a longer cruise.
Get Organized
Chart out a rough idea of what you want to do during your cruise. If you’ll be at the port all week in the South Pacific, don’t exhaust yourself by booking one tour after another.
A number of cruise lines let you book tours and spa treatments before departure but you should keep your options open.
Figure out Your Currency
Every cruise line operates a cashless system onboard where you register a card when you check-in and then they charge everything to your account. Any cruise that isn’t all-inclusive would get you to spend a good amount of money during your holiday with extras including your bar bill, spa treatments, excursions, gift shops, specialty restaurant fees, and casino chips.
