Cruise control: How to choose the right cruise trip

cruise-explore

Like all forms of travel, the cruise industry was put on hold fairly recently – but it’s returning with vengeance.

It is regaining its popularity that has made it a go-to holiday type for millions around the world, whilst also attracting a new form of traveler who previously wouldn’t have had the slightest bit of interest.

Today’s guide is primarily for the latter. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, here are some tips on how you can choose the right type.

What is your travel style?

The first step is to ask yourself what kind of traveler you are. Do you like to be constantly on the go, or do you prefer to take things a bit slower and explore everything your destination has to offer?

Contrary to widespread belief, cruises are great for both types of travelers, but some trips are definitely geared more towards one or the other. For example, if you’re the kind of person who likes to be constantly active and on the move, an itinerary that focuses on exploring different ports every day may not be the best fit for you.

Alternatively, if you’re someone who enjoys soaking up the local culture and spending time in one place, a cruise that offers multiple stopovers may be a better option.

The weather will also play a part here. If you’re heading to a tropical destination, for example, you’ll want to make sure that the cruise you choose offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun and the water. If you’re going somewhere colder, on the other hand, you’ll want to make sure that the cruise has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained (more on that next).

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On board a cruise

What are your interests?

Another thing you need to consider is your interests. What do you like to do when you’re on holiday? Are you a beach bum who loves to relax by the water, or do you prefer to explore new places and try out new activities?

Cruises offer something for everyone, but some trips are definitely more geared towards certain interests than others. This isn’t just about the places you’ll be visiting, either. Let’s not forget that cruise ships have an abundance of attractions themselves, from pools and spas to casinos and nightclubs. If you’ve performed any research so far, you’ll know this is just the tip of the iceberg, and if you so desire, it’s possible to enjoy your getaway without ever leaving the ship.

What about the add-ons? 

This is something that a lot of first-time cruisers don’t take into consideration. Whilst the price of the trip itself is important, don’t forget that there are a lot of other costs to consider as well, such as airfare, port taxes, excursions and even specific travel insurance to cover cruises.

Some cruise lines include these in the overall price of the trip, whilst others make you pay for them separately. It’s important to factor these in when you’re comparing prices and making your final decision.