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When deciding to go on a cruise, there are many factors to consider.

This involves choosing the type of cruise to take, picking your destination, planning on the time of the year to cruise, and looking for a cruise line that will work for you.

Initially, this can be overwhelming.

But don’t worry. We have compiled 10 handy tips that will help you plan for the perfect cruise that suits your needs.

1. Determine the Type of Cruise to Take

Some time back, there was no need to differentiate the types of cruises. However, the industry has expanded and brought along so many cruise options to choose from. These include:

a. Ocean Cruise

The most common and oldest form of cruising, an ocean cruise holiday features a large ship with thousands of passengers in it. An ocean cruise combines sailing in open waters and making stopovers in several ports a day.
In an ocean floating holiday resort, you will access multiple dining venues, onboard attractions, bars, and an array of entertainment activities like swimming, watching cinemas, and working out in a cruise gym. 

By far, Ponant is the leading ocean cruise network in Europe and beyond. If you are looking to sail around Mediterranean’s turquoise water with the azure sky as your backdrop, you can explore offers related to Mediterranean Cruises and Expeditions on their website. Besides an impeccable life on board, the company works with a network of 12 high-end ships and has breathtakingly amazing offers like free ocean voyage and flight credit.

b. River Cruise

River cruising focusses more on the world’s waterways and involves ships limited by size on rivers. This form of cruising is mostly port insensitive and has shorter cruise days.

This allows you to visit numerous cities within a short amount of time.

The most common river cruise destinations include the Rhine, Danube, Rhine, Nile, and Peru rivers, among others.
Onboard facilities are usually toned down from what ocean liners can offer and often include a lounge, a restaurant, a bar, sauna, and a fitness center.

Most river cruise lines hold about 100 passengers.

c. Luxury Cruise



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In a luxury cruise, everything is luxury; ranging from 5-star food, amazing suits, wine, and an incredibly personalized service to the extent of pampering.

Luxury cruise liners are often smaller than mega-ships that sail in oceans, meaning that passengers can reach smaller and more bespoke ports and destinations. These ships are fitted with top-notch specifications and have lesser people, which allows people on board to know each other.

d. Adventure Cruise

This is the new kid on the block, and focusses on the destination, not just ocean water life. Adventure cruises feature smaller boats commonly limited to less than 100 guests, and flexible itineraries.

The most common adventure cruise destinations include Costa Rica, Galapagos, and the Antarctic.

e. Re-Positioning Cruise

This happens when a ship relocates from a place to another. For instance, a ship that commonly cruises in the Caribbean when its summer could reposition itself to Europe or another destination for summer.

These cruises are good for anyone looking to cover huge distances and ports which are not on traditional cruise itinerary.

2. Choose the Right Cabin

If you have the choice for picking a cruise room, go for one that is in the middle of the boat/ship.

By this, you will stay closer to the main attractions of the ship, and you will not experience all the ship’s sway when it is a little bit rocky.

3. Have the Right Medication

While staying in the right cruise room will save you from swaying, protecting yourself from likely health conditions will make your cruising more fulfilling.

With this, carry with you the right sea sickness preventative bands and tablets.

4. Have Money On-Board

Most cruises work with a cashless payment system. This implies that the key to your room is a form of currency, and all that isn’t included in your package will be charged back to that. You will hence need to pay before the departure or settle it before disembarking on your cruise.

Be well prepared for extras that may add to your cruising costs such as specialty coffees, alcohols, meals in alternative restaurants, fitness classes, arcade games, babysitting, data roaming, and other entertainment experiences.

5. Adequately Research the Ports and Excursions

The itinerary of your cruise ship will be very detailed regarding the ports of call, shore days, and times for disembarking and re-embarking.

Since the time for getting back on the ship is usually not negotiable, it would be best you familiarize yourself with the schedule and the activities in ports so that you avoid missing out on getting back on board in time. 

6. Familiarize Yourself with Cruise Lingo

Understanding basic cruise jargon will make your stay better. Common examples include:
Stateroom: Your suite or cabin
Berth: The inbuilt bed in your stateroom
Port of call: The designated stop city
Deck plan: The map of the cruise boat
Shorex: The abbreviation of Shore Excursions.

7. Pack Adequately

Bring on all your essentials to the cruise. This should be everything you will need to take you through the entire cruise trip.

By packing adequately, you will avoid going beyond your budget to buy items you already had. Take your time to make a list of everything you need before embarking on a cruise trip.

8. Read the Cruise Ship’s FAQ

Visit your cruise ship’s website and read through the questions that people frequently ask, as well as answers to the same.

This will keep you informed about the ship’s operations, and give you tricks and tips that will help you get the most out of your stay.

9. Take Advantage of Freebies

Most ships will not charge you to access facilities like spa and massage rooms. Whichever the freebies a cruise service has to offer, don’t let it pass. This is one of the most efficient ways of getting the best out of your money.
You can also investigate cruise service charges on charges and look out for discounts.

10. Insure your cruising

Travel insurance from cruises will protect your investment in case of a last-minute cancellation. This will also make your medical emergencies manageable and cover your valuable items.

Wrap Up

The secret to successful cruising is proper planning and familiarizing yourself with the cruise and destination. To avoid all the planning pressure, though you can hire a booking service to handle most of the work for you.

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