Planning Cruise Holidays

Many travelers prefer cruise holidays because much of their vacation activities are pre-planned for them – after all the ships are floating resorts.

While onboard activities, entertainment and onshore tours are available, there is still a great deal for the potential passenger to plan.

Brainstorming Your Cruise Holiday

Start by brainstorming where you would like to visit. Outline the ports-of-call before you look for available cruises to match.


Questions to Consider When Narrowing Down Your Cruise Options

1) How long is the cruise?

2) What age group normally travels on the ship?

3) Where is the point of departure?

4) How long will the ship dock at each port of call?

5) Is the price of air travel to/from the point of departure included in the ticket price?

6) What onboard activities are/are not available?

7) How much will the ticket cost, including taxes?

8) Are meals included?

9) Are there any services charges?

10)What is the cancellation policy of the cruise line and the cancellation fee?

11) Are there any fuel surcharges?

12) Are there any other hidden fees/charges?

13) Any other questions you can think of

Tips for Enjoying a Cheap Cruise Holiday

1) Search out cruises with low cabin bookings. Empty cabins mean no income for the cruise lines. They aim to fill the cabins even if it means discounting them.

2) Choose a cruise close to home in order to keep transportation costs low.

3) Ask about discounts for booking early and deals that include free airfare.

4) Book your ticket early because prices often rise as the day of departure approaches. If the price does drop, request a refund for the difference in price.

5) Check for 2-for-1 ticket deals.

6) Ask about seniors discounts or discounts for members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

7) Book your ticket for the last 2 weeks of August when prices fall because students are returning to school.

8) Avoid booking your ticket between January and March as this is the busiest time for cruises.

9) The cheapest cabins are on the lower decks. The higher priced cabins often have a view and are on the upper decks.

Possible Extra Cruising Charges

Cruise lines seek to recoup the cost of discount tickets through the following:

1) Inflated bar prices. Note that you are not permitted to bring your own liquor on board.

2) Fees for exercise classes and using the gym equipment.

3) Inflated prices for phone calls and internet use (visit an internet café in port).

4) Laundry charges. Some ships do have self-service Laundromats however.

5) Onboard casinos.

6) Tips for the crew. Tipping guidelines are often provided with your cruise information.

7) Inflated tour prices.

Choose Your Cruise

Compare cruise prices by having travel agents bid for your business. Also check out the cruise holidays at The Budget Travel Store.

Now evaluate the cruise lines based on:

1) quality

2) sanitation and cleanliness


Before selecting your cruise, remember that you may have to fly to your point of departure. If you arrive the day before your ship sails, you will require lodging. You can arrange your flight and accomodation through The Budget Travel Store.

When you are satisfied with your cruise, purchase the tickets.


Select Your Cabin

Study the ship’s deck plan so as to avoid cabin trouble i.e. noise.

Find pictures of cabins for most cruise lines to help with your selection.

When you are satisfied, choose your cabin.



Travel Insurance

You may wish to purchase travel insurance. While many cruise lines will be happy to sell you an insurance policy, consider third party insurance instead. The latter also covers your airline flight and protects you in case the cruise line declares bankruptcy.

Tours

Pre-arranged tour packages are usually available at each port-of-call of your cruise holiday. These tour packages are usually all-inclusive but they can be expensive.

Alternatively, you can arrange your own tour for each port of call by doing the following:

1) Assemble your travel itinerary.

2) Arrange your ground transportation – rental car, taxi or local bus.

3) Arrange your meal. Review Cheap Meals. Alternatively, ask for a bag lunch from the galley or take food from the breakfast buffet.

Warning: there is one risk that you face by arranging your own tour. If you do not return to the ship by the time of its scheduled departure, it leaves without you.

If you take a pre-arranged tour through the cruise director, the ship will not depart until the tour group returns to the dock.

Foreign Currencies

There are often onboard facilities for converting your dollars into foreign currencies but there is a service charge on top of the exchange fee.

If possible, use an ATM to get your foreign currency.

Avoid using a credit card.



Packing for a Cruise

Cruise ships usually have dress codes. Find out the dress code in advance and pack accordingly. Review the brochures and contact the travel agent or the cruise line for further information.

Some ships have formal dinners and entertainment. Dressing properly therefore includes formal evening wear like a tuxedo or cocktail dress.

Passport and Visa Requirements

If your cruise holiday brings you to foreign ports of call you will be required to clear Customs and Immigration upon arrival. Keep your passport with you at all times since you will also need it to return to the ship.

Check with the travel agent and cruise line about passport and visa requirements for each country that you will visit.


Travel Health

Cruise ships usually have a doctor and nurse on staff. While seasickness and other medical problems may occur during the cruise, don't forget about pre-departure issues (vaccinations) as well. Visit a travel medicine clinic before you sail.

Travel Budget

Budget at least $130 per person per day (including tips) for each day of the cruise holiday. This does not include airfare to your point of departure or lodging if you arrive the night before departure. Remember to include the cost of a taxi to/from the airport to your hotel and to the dock.

Consider other costs as well and assemble your travel budget.

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