Planning a cruise can be complicated.
You’ll face a wide range of decisions, including cabin location, food options, internet package type, and which activities and excursions to prioritize. On top of that, you’ll need to get a grasp of added costs, such as port fees and gratuities, and understand cancellation policies.
This is where an experienced travel adviser comes in. An adviser can guide you throughout your entire journey, from picking a cruise and finding a cabin away from noisy areas to avoiding surprise charges on your final bill.
Their services usually come at no additional cost because cruise lines typically pay commissions to these advisers, says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, a website that provides cruise reviews and information.
In addition, they can often provide discounts and perks that you wouldn’t find on your own, says Trapper Martin, travel adviser with the firm Dream Vacations Trapper Martin, Shane Smartt & Associates.
To find an adviser, visit the Cruise Lines International Association’s website at https://cruising.org/en/find-a-travel-agent or the American Society of Travel Advisors’ website at https://my.asta.org/connect-with-a-travel-advisor. Many cruise lines also provide online directories of advisers.
Once you’ve decided on a cruise, don’t hold off on booking in hopes that prices will drop. Demand for cruises is strong, as those forced ashore during the pandemic are eager to explore the world. Ocean cruising is one of fastest-growing areas of tourism, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.
“Start early to maximize your savings and access the best cabin category and location selections,” says Laura Poe, founder of the travel-planning firm Curated by Laura Poe. In fact, cruise fares typically increase closer to the sail date, she says.
Plan to get to your departure port a minimum of one day ahead, says Martin. This way you’ll build in some wiggle room if your flight is delayed or canceled or if you miss a connection. And if you’re crossing time zones, arriving early will give you time to shake off your jet lag.
From internet and port fees to excursion expenses and automatically added gratuities, most cruises are jam-packed with expenses beyond your basic fare.
To avoid a post-trip financial headache, take time to review your expected costs before embarking. Factor in the total expense of the trip, which could include airfare or hotel stays before and after your cruise, expenses related to your time on the ship and costs such as travel insurance.
You’ll have to reassess and prioritize if your budget doesn’t meet your anticipated expenses.
In some cases, signing up for drinks, spa service, specialty dining and other packages can help reduce your costs. But it’s crucial to do the math. Some packages can set you back more than $100 per day, and typically you must opt in for the entire length of the trip. Unless you’re planning on enjoying alcoholic drinks all day long, you might be better off buying your drinks individually.
