Planning

Though cruise ships are destinations in and of themselves, many travelers book cruises to explore different ports of call across the globe, from the tropical Caribbean to the culturally rich Mediterranean. 

Unless cruising with an ultra-luxury line like Regent Seven Seas, excursions come with additional costs that can add up quickly. Moreover, with some tours costing hundreds of dollars per person, you want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. 

Cruising offers a unique experience that differs from a land-based vacation. As such, it's natural to have tons of questions about life at sea, from the dining experience to the onboard accommodations and entertainment options. 

When it comes to planning a cruise, there are no dumb questions. In fact, the more questions you have, the more likely you are to perfect your cruise vacation. Booking a cruise without doing enough research could lead to grave disappointment and a newfound hate for cruising! 

Congrautions on deciding to take a cruise! Regardless of whether your journey takes you to The Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, or beyond, you're sure to enjoy life at sea.

Before getting onboard (literally), you must select which cruise line best suits your needs and preferences. There are over 50 ocean and river cruise lines to choose from, each offering their own unique experiences. No two are like, either.

Once you have selected the perfect cruise itinerary and ship, you will have to decide what cabin category you would like to book. There are four standard ones: interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite. 

Oftentimes, future cruisers know exactly what cabin they want. Other times, it is not that simple. Balcony cabins can sometimes cost thousands of dollars more per person than interior staterooms, and you have to decide if it's worth the splurge or not. 

During your cruise, you'll have a dedicated cabin steward, or stateroom attendant, who will maintain your "home away from home" throughout your cruise. Like other crew members, they work to make sure that you have a memorable trip! 

From unlimited buffets to multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room, there's no shortage of food on a cruise ship. However, when you are finalizing your packing, you might wonder if you can bring your favorite snack onboard, especially if you're a picky eater or have certain dietary restrictions. 

Whatever the reason, while cruise lines have specific rules regarding bringing food onboard, most allow small quantities of non-perishable snacks. Some may even allow alcohol to be brought onboard on embarkation day!

When it comes to selecting the best cruise itinerary for your vacation, you’ll find there are an endless number of itineraries to choose from. With so many different cruise lines operating around the world, you can visit more destinations than you can imagine.

Cruising has evolved over the years to expand from simply offering laidback cruises to the sunny Caribbean. Most of the mainstream cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, visit popular ports of call across Alaska, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

While mega-ships like Icon of the Seas offer an unparalleled experience with their vast array of amenities and entertainment options, smaller ships have their own unique charm. 

Though you won't find roller coasters, water slides, or countless dining options, the intimate atmosphere, affordable fares, and destination-focused itineraries create a relaxed and personal cruising experience. 

With 7-night cruises onboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas starting at $1,390 per person for an inside stateroom, many may assume that taking a cruise is out of their budget. 

The demand for cruise vacations is so high that the industry has seen a steady increase in pricing over the past few years. Plus, inventory has been selling out further in advance, leading to fewer last-minute deals.