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In fact, there are several questions you need to ask yourself beforehand. Carnival has broken ground on a brand new cruise line concept -- the dedicated family zone. Royal Caribbean's Loft Suites are among the biggest in the cruise industry. The line's Oasis- and Quantum-class ships feature two-story loft suites, sleeping up to six. Bedrooms are upstairs, with a sitting area downstairs, allowing adults or teens to hang out in the first-level living spaces or on the balcony after younger kids go to bed.
How Much Cruise Lines Spend on Food (Less Than You Think?)
Others will send information about your cruise line, ports you're visiting, packing lists and tips for an enjoyable cruise. Some will send out an agency-branded luggage tag or day bag. Upon returning home from your cruise, some agents may reach out to see how the trip was; a rare few may even send you a welcome home gift.
Does it cost money to book a cruise with a travel agent?
You might find that booking through the cruise line - either online or by calling one of their sales representatives - is the best method for you. An advantage of booking directly with the cruise line is the lack of a "middleman" involved; you can contact them anytime you need assistance with your booking. Cruise lines generally open new itineraries for booking between 12 and 18 months in advance. The sweet spot seems to be six to 12 months before the departure date. Booking this far out gives you enough time to plan ahead while taking advantage of early-booking benefits. Keep in mind, these included perks often carry greater value than reductions in the overall price of the cruise.
If you want to save money, go for the squeeze.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you want something to make your cruise better, or if you have any questions about how things work. For two adults the size is plenty, but for more than two adults and a kid, we’d suggest looking into two cabins — even though most say they can accommodate up to four people. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. If you’re flying to the embarkation point, plan to arrive the day before—even the most perfect cruise won’t wait if you’re stuck in air traffic congestion all morning. In some ports like Barcelona or Venice, it is easy to venture off on your own without an excursion.
Choosing a Departure Port
Things to consider are clothing and cruise outfits, toiletries and first aid items, as well as what to pack in your cruise carry on bag for the first day of your cruise. If you feel comfortable, book an excursion with a private tour operator or visit on your own. You can find great advice in cruise Facebook groups, on cruise line message boards, and by reading blogs and watching YouTube cruise vlogs as well. Many people who’ve taken short cruises as a first cruise have said it was just too short. If you’re less into beaches and more interested in History, culture, sightseeing and good food, you can’t go wrong with a Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Ports of call may include Rome, Florence, Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Cannes, Barcelona and more.
Do I need travel insurance to book a cruise?
How to Find the Best Cruise Deals, According to Travel Experts - Travel + Leisure
How to Find the Best Cruise Deals, According to Travel Experts.
Posted: Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Ships get in early, but it can take several hours to get thousands of passengers and their luggage off the ship and through customs. Add to that the time it takes to get to the airport, through security, and to your gate before boarding begins. No matter what time of day, however, you’ll be able to find quiet spots on the ship.
Complete Guide: How to Book a Cruise
Speaking of the buffet and dining room, these spots are where most people will eat their meals. And it just doesn’t feel right to hang out poolside without a drink in your hand. While we will get into all the details of your first cruise below, let’s start with a general overview. The specifics might vary from line to line, but the general aspects of your trip will be similar.
Can I book the same stateroom for both sailings?
Instead, your cruise keycard and a photo ID (like a license) are asked for. Having a copy of your passport or birth certificate are simply nice to have in case you need it. They will provide something to show any officials in a pinch, and you can keep your real documents safe on the ship.
Many homeports are moving toward passport scanning to help passengers disembark more quickly. You walk up, scan the passport, take a picture and then head on your way home. But if you have a birth certificate, you still need to wait in line to meet with a Border Patrol agent, which can take half an hour or more. Many Hotels Have Free Cruise ParkingOne of the big attractions to cruising is that many people live within driving distance of a port. Instead of having to fly for a Caribbean vacation, you can drive to the port and then hop on a ship.
Newer, larger ships will have more restaurants, more things to do, more people, and more spaces for you to enjoy. Today’s modern ships are luxurious hotels mixed with amusement parks. They offer shopping, bars, restaurants, entertainment, and more. And there is now a big difference between older ships and the new modern mega ships. The one way that might change is if you want to get a cabin that’s out of the way.
Shorter cruises that rely on drive-market travelers typically come with a lower price point than those in far-flung destinations. Special deals and repeat traveler discounts can also affect the overall cost. That’s why we suggest checking in every week or two after you book your cruise. If the price falls, don’t hesitate to call the cruise line (or whomever you booked through) and ask if they can adjust the price for you.
Going on a back-to-back cruise means doing more than one cruise on the same cruise ship, and it's a popular way for passengers to extend their vacation fun beyond any published itinerary. Regardless of when you're booking a cruise, you'll want to know if the fare you're paying for your vacation at sea is a cheap deal, average or overpriced. For the real procrastinators out there, the absolute last day you can book a cruise before its departure has changed over the years.
Speaking of itineraries, it also has an advantage if you are considering an open-jaw sailing. In Alaska, some sailings begin in one port and end in another. By doing a back-to-back, you can avoid having to deal with flying to and from different cities. A similar concept is when someone goes on a sailing on one ship and then disembarks to board a different ship right after. Stop trying to game the system and focus instead on planning the perfect cruise vacation you and your loved ones will reminisce about long after you've forgotten how much you paid for the trip.
We have dozens and dozens aimed at first-time cruisers here. Copy of Your Passport/Birth CertificateFor sure you need your real passport or birth certificate with you. But we suggest keeping them in the cabin safe during your trip so that they are secure. Instead, make a color copy of the front page of your passport or your birth certificate and bring this into port with you when you go. As you arrive at the terminal, there will be a place to check your bags if you want.
Why now is the best time to book your 2024 cruise vacation - Cruise Blog
Why now is the best time to book your 2024 cruise vacation.
Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Finding the right cruise is easier (and more fun) than ever with our wide range of epic itineraries. Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.
Part of the fun of going on a cruise is the research and planning. Here’s a list of things to do as you plan your first cruise. Travel insurance is never a requirement while on a cruise, but it is always highly recommended. Travel insurance is your best protection against the financial loss that can accompany various travails, like personal illness, unforeseen cancellations, weather delays and lost baggage.
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