some of the factors that will help you to decide on the right cruise
.Location
Your cruising location is one of the most important things to decide before planning your cruise holiday. This will depend on what you would like to see and how much you are ready to travel. It could be a beach destination, a historical port, or a culturally rich place. And when it comes to location, the world is your oyster. One of the most popular cruise locations is the Caribbean. Apart from this, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia are some other places that you can opt for cruising. If you have time and money on your hands and can spare several months to a year of your life, you can choose a cruise that takes you on a world tour.
Cruise Size
Cruise ships come in different sizes. There are small cruises that can accommodate a few hundred, while larger cruises are meant for thousands of people (sometimes more than 4000). The size of the cruise you choose will depend on the kind of experiences you are looking for. Larger ships tend to have more activities, entertainment avenues, and food options too. There will be a wide variety of things to choose from on a large cruise. On the other hand, a smaller cruise would have fewer activities and entertainment options. But it also means lesser crowds and a more intimate experience. Larger cruises are livelier, while smaller cruises are perfect for relaxing.
Cruise Length
You must choose the length of the cruise as per the time you can spare for your vacation. Most cruise liners offer both short and long cruises. You will find cruises that happen during the weekend, and some can go anywhere from 5-20 days. If you are going on a cruise for the first time, it is best to go for a short cruise to know whether you enjoy this type of holiday. It is also a great option for people who are looking for a short holiday or a weekend getaway. In shorter cruises, you are more likely to spend time on the cruise rather than on land excursions, while longer cruises will have more of these. The longest cruise will take a little less than a year to complete (almost 250 days) and will cover most of the world.
Budget
Budget is important for all kinds of holidays, and it is equally important for cruises. Cruise holidays may seem like an expensive affair. But it is not always the case. It is true that there are premium cruises where you can have all kinds of luxuries that money can buy. But there are also cruises where you can enjoy amenities, facilities, and comforts without spending too much money. When you are scouting for the right cruise for you, you need to check for factors like the price of the cabin, cruise inclusions, excursion charges, costs of drinks, gratuities, etc. Wi-Fi is also not usually included in your cruise package. You will have to pay additional charges to get Wi-Fi services. If you are embarking on the cruise from a different city or country than your own, you will have to consider traveling charges, which includes air tickets. You also have to apply for a visa if you are sailing on international waters.
Cruise Experiences
Different cruises offer different experiences. It is important to choose one that suits yours and your family’s requirements. If you are traveling with young kids, it is better to go on cruises that cater for them. Disney Cruises are a good example of the same. But this may not be a good option for older kids. Similarly, couples on a romantic holiday or their honeymoon may feel out of place on a family-friendly cruise. Hence, it is better for them to choose a cruise that only caters to adults. Similarly, there are cruises that are meant for the older population. The advantage of choosing a cruise as per the experience you are seeking is that you will get to enjoy the cruise to the fullest.
Policies
Before you book the cruise, you must go through the policy page of the cruise liner. This is important to avoid any kind of surprises (or shocks) when you are onboard. Drinking age, things you can take on the cruise, payment policies, cancellation policies, smoking rules, etc., are different for almost all cruises. There are cruises that have strict dress codes like only formals and smart casuals and no jeans or shorts. Some cruises have a strict policy of not allowing children under the age of 6 months or one year as well as pregnant women who have passed certain number weeks in their pregnancy. So, read the policies to ensure a hassle-free cruise holiday.
Themed Cruises
This one is for seasoned cruisers who want to take their cruise experience a notch higher. Also known as special interest cruising, these themed cruises are based on a particular theme or interest. For instance, it can be a music cruise, where popular personalities from the field of music are present on the cruise to entertain you. Then there are cooking cruises, where celebrated chefs accompany you on your voyage while teaching you their signature recipes. Wine cruises, heritage cruises, bridge tournament cruises, scrapbooking cruises, etc., are some examples of these themed cruises.
Finding the right cruise for you is not hard if you know what to look for. Make a list of things you are expecting on a cruise to find the cruise that is perfect for you and the people accompanying you.
