Avoid these cruise booking mistakes
Are you considering booking a cruise but feeling overwhelmed by the options available? You’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cruise lines for your next adventure and discuss how to avoid common booking mistakes. Choosing the Right Cruise Line If you’ve read my previous post on Unlocking the Secrets to Your Dream Cruise Vacation you might recall my brief overview of different cruise lines. Today, we’ll delve deeper, focusing specifically on ocean cruise lines catering to diverse travel styles, budgets, and preferences. Within the English-speaking market, I’ve identified 23 cruise lines! Yes, 23! And there’s probably more I don’t know about. These cruise lines fall into three main categories: These percentages are the number of cruise lines in each category. However, if we looked at it by the number of ships, total passenger capacity, or gross tonnage, mass-market lines would dominate due to their massive ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Generally, the higher you go on the luxury scale, the smaller the ships get. And more often than not, the higher the fare, the better the inclusions! So, don’t overlook luxury brands! By the time you add in the costs of meals, drinks, entertainment, wi-fi, and shore excursions, the differences may not be that significant—especially if you fancy a premium cabin or a ship-within-a-ship experience on a mass-market vessel! Mass-market ships are usually geared towards vibrant late-night entertainment, kids’ clubs, and activities for multi-generational families. They typically offer more restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, along with fun activities like water slides, go-karts, and laser tag! But just because these ships are vibrant doesn’t mean you have to be a kid or a party animal to enjoy them! There’s something for everyone on these ships. That’s why they’re often the larger vessels sailing the oceans—well, they need to be to accommodate all that fun onboard! Premium cruise lines also boast multiple dining options, bars, entertainment, and some activities, but they tend to have a more subdued atmosphere. Think singers and musicians rather than big Broadway-style productions. Evening venues close earlier, too, creating a more relaxed vibe. Luxury lines, on the other hand, have the smallest ships, meaning fewer restaurants and activities. Activities may include classic shuffleboard and table tennis, and you might find they attract an older demographic, leading to a quieter atmosphere. But don’t be fooled—this doesn’t mean younger travellers should shy away! A big bonus is that smaller ships can access more ports without the need for tendering, and a greater variety of ports, unlike larger vessels. For me, the choice between these lines often hinges on whether you’re keen on exploring ports or soaking up relaxation. Port-heavy itineraries can be tiring but rewarding, with walking tours and sightseeing galore. Alternatively, if you’re yearning for a chill getaway, consider a cruise with more sea days or one where you stay on the ship while in port. When everyone else is in port you can enjoy the peace of a quieter ship! Michael and I are heading to North America later this year, and we’ve planned two cruises. We’ve selected a higher end premium line in a smaller ship for our Canada and New England trip, focusing on the ports. For our Bermuda cruise, however, we chose a mass-market ship because it’s heavy on the sea days, and we want to experience the amazing variety of onboard activities. We’re particularly hoping that Michael will be allowed to drive the go-karts, since his vision impairment means he doesn’t drive in real life, and he loves driving! And if you’re a beach lover, many mass-market and some premium lines have their own islands in the Caribbean where you can spend a blissful day during your cruise! And the bonus? Most meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi are included if you have a package—just like on the ship! So think about who’s coming along, what everyone loves, and whether you’re all about exploring ports or just unwinding on the ship! Consider your needs—are you more inclined to explore ports or unwind on the ship? Knowing this will help determine the best cruise line for you. For instance, if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a more relaxed cruise might be ideal. However, if you’re keen on sightseeing, opt for a port-heavy itinerary. Avoiding Common Booking Mistakes Now, let’s discuss some pitfalls to avoid when booking your cruise! Overlooking travel insurance Planning a holiday is exciting and fun, and let’s be real: no one wants to think about negative scenarios. However, it’s crucial to prepare for contingencies! Overlooking travel insurance can be one of the biggest mistakes you’ll make. In 2013, Michael had a major retinal detachment while we were in New York. Michael is nearly blind in one eye, and his so-called good eye is extremely short-sighted, with about 5% vision. The detachment occurred in that good eye! Had it not been fixed he would have been completely blind. Luckily, we were in New York—home to one of the best retinal surgeons in the world. Even now, over a decade later, Michael’s specialist in Australia still praises the incredible job that surgeon did. But let me tell you, it didn’t come cheap. The hospital alone was going to cost us over $30,000 US dollars, and then there was the doctor’s fees and medication. Thankfully, we had travel insurance, so we ended up paying very little out of pocket. But if we hadn’t? We would’ve needed to find that money, and there was no alternative—Michael had to undergo surgery immediately to save his sight. Now, picture yourself onboard a ship in the middle of the ocean and needing urgent medical care. You might be having a heart attack, a stroke, or have sustained a serious injury. And this can happen to anyone, regardless of age! If you require emergency treatment, not only will you (or your family) need to cover the medical costs, but you may also need to be airlifted off the ship—and trust me, that
Unlocking the Secrets to Your Dream Cruise Vacation
Have you ever dreamed of booking the perfect cruise but felt overwhelmed about where to begin? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’ll reveal all the secrets to crafting your ultimate dream holiday at sea. Understanding the Cruise Lines When I first booked a cruise, I was utterly bewildered by the multitude of cruise lines. I once thought they were all just big ships sailing the ocean! That couldn’t be further from the truth. Cruise lines generally fall into three categories: mass-market, premium, and ultra-luxury. I’ll focus primarily on ocean cruising for this post, but it’s worth noting that there are also river and expedition cruises. Each cruise line features various ships, some accommodating just over 2,000 passengers, like the Grandeur of the Seas, while others, like the colossal Icon of the Seas, can host around 7,500 adventure seekers. The newer ships are often larger and packed with thrilling activities and venues! Choosing the Right Cruise Line So, how do you decide which cruise line is right for you? It all boils down to your holiday style and your group’s preferences. My top tip? Narrow your choices to two or three lines, then explore YouTube for real reviews. Search phrases like “MSC cruises for families” or “Viking Voyages for older travellers.” Understanding Cabin Options Next up: cabins! When I first heard “inside cabin,” I assumed all cabins were inside the ship. Wrong! This term refers to cabins without windows. Most ships offer six cabin types: Choosing the right cabin depends on your budget and preference. If you enjoy fresh air, a balcony is perfect. However, if you’re cruising somewhere cooler, you may want to rethink that decision. Destination and Itinerary Considerations Now that you have cabin options in mind, it’s time to consider your destination and cruise duration. Are you seeking a quick getaway or a grand adventure? To save costs, look for cruises departing from your home port or a nearby location. Once you have your port, check available itineraries for your desired travel month. Ideally, aim for at least five days at sea, as anything less might leave you wanting more! However, if this is your first cruise, stick with shorter options so you know it’s the right fit for you. Additional Packages and Shore Excursions Most cruise lines offer add-on packages for WiFi, drink packages, daily gratuities, and more. Be sure to explore the cruise line’s website for the full breakdown of optional offerings to understand the total costs involved. Considering shore excursions? You can often book through the cruise line for convenience but independent providers may offer similar trips at lower prices. Platforms like What’s in Port and Viator are excellent resources for exploring alternatives. Independent excursions can offer smaller groups and unique experiences, but do keep in mind that booking through the cruise line ensures the ship won’t leave without you! Onboard Activities One of the biggest surprises for first-time cruisers is the staggering number of onboard activities available! Your bonus tip: thoroughly research what’s happening on your ship! Even quieter vessels boast hidden gems and exciting activities just waiting to be discovered. Some ships offer so many dining options and venues that you could spend an entire week onboard and still not see everything. Be sure to look up ship reviews, deck plans, and YouTube videos to make notes on what you’d like to experience during your time at sea. Once onboard, don’t forget to check the daily activity newsletter to stay updated on everything happening—many cruise lines now have apps for this purpose! Final Thoughts As we dock, I encourage you to explore even more of our travel tips and share your favourite cruise secrets in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting travel content! Until next time, happy sailing! Products used in this post These may be Amazon affiliate links. Sunrise alarm clock https://geni.us/QguI Sunrise alarm clock alternative – Philips Hue 2 bluetooth https://geni.us/3KW0C Drink package calculators Port Planner (Carnival Cruises Australia, P&O Australia, Princess, Royal Caribbean) https://www.portplanner.com.au/dpc Cruise Mummy (Ambassador, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean) https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/cruise-drinks-package-calculator/ Cruzely (Carnival, Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean) https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/ What’s in Port https://www.whatsinport.com/ Viator (affiliate link) https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00213240&mcid=42383&medium=link Cruise Critic Forum https://boards.cruisecritic.com Even more links We use the following for our travel and YouTube needs. These may be affiliate links that will earn us a small commission. Viator (affiliate link) https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00213240&mcid=42383&medium=link Alosim eSims use code 7NBZZYI to get $3 off your first purchase https://alosim.com/ NordVPN to protect our data and equipment https://refer-nordvpn.com/TzKdKQRYawt ClickUp to organise our filming projects https://app.clickup.com/signup?utm_source=in-app&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=inapp_owned_ar_ref_x_promo_all-devices_x_lp_in-app-referral_all-departments_x_settings&utm_term=9016429597_96844571&promo=SHARE10
