Planning

When planning a cruise to Alaska, many opt to sail during the warmer months of June and July. June, for instance, is when the summer rains are minimal, and it's light nearly all day long. It's also when many national park roads open, allowing you to venture to places like Denali. 

Many cruisers wonder when they should buy a drink package to get the best deal. Nobody wants to spend extra money on add-ons they could potentially score for less. 

Embarking on a cruise is a fun adventure that promises unforgettable memories and experiences. From the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Bahamas to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, there are seemingly endless destinations to choose from, making cruising an easily accessible way to explore the world. 

Before you set sail, however, there are some things that you should be aware of in order to make the most of your cruise vacation. Planning ahead will help ensure that you have a smooth journey with no unexpected surprises. 

While most mainstream cruise lines include a wide range of amenities in their base fare, they're deliberately structured to cover essentials, allowing guests the flexibility to choose additional add-ons at their discretion.

When planning a cruise, many first-timers are curious as to what's included and what costs extra. Some experiences can help enhance the vacation; however, many rely on what's free (or included). 

While Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are the four most popular cruise ports in Florida, did you know you can also sail out of Jacksonville?

Although you may not have as many ship options compared to itineraries departing from South Florida, it is convenient for those who may not want to drive the extra five hours to Miami. Plus, since it's a smaller port, you will not have to deal with as much traffic. 

Amidst all the excitement for your upcoming cruise, you'll have to ensure that you have everything that you'll need while away from home, including toiletries. 

While packing isn't always the most thrilling pre-cruise activity, it is something that must be done. Considering that you'll be at sea and miles away from the nearest drug store, it's even more important that you double (and triple) check that you have everything you'll need. 

Staying in a suite is a vastly different experience compared to choosing a balcony cabin. Likewise, interior rooms aren't the same as balconies. Whether you're used to splurging on some of the best rooms onboard or enjoying a standard verandah, diversifying your stateroom selection comes with a cost. 

When browsing for cruises, the rate that you see likely won't be the amount you end up paying. While there's a lot included in your fare, there are some unavoidable extra charges, including port fees and gratuities. If you're someone who has to stay connected at sea, you will have to pay for Wi-Fi, too. 

Of course, some add-ons aren't necessary, such as specialty dining; however, these experiences can make a cruise much more memorable, if you're willing the shell out the extra money. 

Here are 12 sneaky ways cruise lines get you to spend more money. 

Choosing your cruise line, ship, and itinerary is the primary component of planning the ultimate vacation; however, once that has been decided, there are some other things you'll have to book in advance to ensure you have the most memorable trip possible. 

You don't, for instance, want to board your ship and realize that the shore excursion your kids were excited for has sold out. Similarly, specialty restaurant reservations, particularly at preferred dining times, can go quickly.