Factors to Consider When Planning a Cruise
A Travelzoo survey found that taking a cruise placed fourth on the travel plans of respondents in 2023. Cruises also experienced the most significant surge in year-over-year interest. However, as travelers become more comfortable taking cruises post-pandemic, they should consider a few considerations when planning their trip.
One consideration for taking a cruise is finding one that offers the most comfortable accommodations. According to a January 2023 article in the travel publication The Points Guy, many travelers who have taken cruises become addicted because they offer comfort not seen at land-based accommodations.
Even the most inexpensive (mass market) cruises offer travelers a room attendant who gets to know the traveler’s name. These people help travelers with their daily needs and sometimes clean the rooms twice daily. Further, the waitstaff also gets to know travelers within a day or two, so they can have food and drink orders ready for them before they arrive. When planning a cruise, consider checking out what other services the cruise provides to travelers.
However, there are other considerations when planning a cruise beyond the increased level of comfort attendants and waitstaff provide. Planning the trip itself and personal preferences are considerations. For instance, most cruises have itineraries that provide a list of activities of a cruise, so those who like to choose their excursions and activities while on holiday might find the scheduling restrictive.
Furthermore, group activities characterize much of the fun on a cruise. Off-ship and port activities are usually in groups, except traditional ocean-traveling ships, which allow travelers more leeway in touring on their own when they reach a port. Again, people who prefer planning their activities might find group tours confining as well.
Another consideration relates to crowds. Some cruise vessels, like boutique hotels, accommodate a small number of travelers and contain between 50 and 100 rooms. For the most part, though, most cruise lines accommodate a few thousand people.
Royal Caribbean, for instance, accommodates over 6,000 passengers, not including the crew, which can make for a crowded trip. For someone who does not like crowds, traveling on a vessel of this size might be overwhelming, much less intimidating.
Travelers can avoid crowds while on vacation by taking their trip off-season, which is less expensive because cruise lines need passengers and typically offer discounts. Travelers benefit from a discounted cruise and enjoy their holiday without the crowds that characterize the summer.
Budget is another consideration, which many cruise lines simplify through all-inclusive packages, which include free meals, drinks, and entertainment while on the ship. All-inclusive packages might also include some parts of the transportation. The only cost the traveler incurs as a part of all-inclusive trips is related to meals eaten off-ship or at a port.
Furthermore, travelers should also consider booking their flights separately. While all-inclusive package deals are typically less expensive, sometimes airfare is less expensive when purchased separately from the cruise. When purchasing airfare separately from the cruise, travelers should consider purchasing travel insurance in case of travel complications.
Cruise lines offer travelers parking accommodations near the port terminal for traveler convenience, but this can be costly as well. Instead of spending a lot on parking while cruising, some travel experts suggest travelers look for parking lots/garages that are less expensive than the cruise line offers.
Finally, and most importantly, choosing a room with a view is important. The costs for cabins vary depending on their location, with the lowest-priced cabins typically having no window at all, which might leave some travelers feeling trapped. Travel experts suggest choosing a cabin in the upper or mid-decks.
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