Have you ever been interested in spending your days and nights in the middle of the ocean? If so, cruising is your next travel adventure! Cruising is a great way to experience vacation in a whole different way. The voyage itself, ship amenities and the destinations along the way make cruising a one of a kind vacation experience.
There are over 25 cruise lines around the world, ranging from the popular Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines. Each cruise line and ship offers different itineraries and various destination options from Alaska to New Zealand.
Here are some quick tips if you are deciding on a cruise:
1. Where to go: Decide on the destination first, the cruise ship second. Caribbean cruises seem to be the most popular because of the clear blue water and tropical atmosphere. However, there are many different options to unexpected places like South America and India.
2. When to go: For most cruise regions, there are periods of peak demand (high season), moderate demand (shoulder season) and low demand (low season). High season is the summer months and shoulder season yields the most bargain opportunities in year-round destinations where the off season is longer. It mostly depends on the destination you are looking to go, timing and the budget.
3. Which line to book: Choosing a cruise line can be difficult with the many lines and ships there are. Doing as much research as possible will help when deciding on a cruise line and ship, such as reading blogs and message boards. Consider the people you will be traveling with and the fellow passengers on the line. A travel agent can also help you make sense of the different options.
4. What it costs: Cost plays a huge role in deciding about a cruise vacation. The cost ranges from the stateroom, number of night, shore excursions, alcohol (unless its all-inclusive), souvenirs, and especially airfare.
5. Size matters: The size of the cruise ship definitely matters because it dictates the itinerary. Some cruise ships have only 150 passengers, while the largest ship in the world, Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas can carry up to 2,000 people.
I have been very fortunate to have gone on four cruises in my lifetime. I have had the best experiences and great times on my past cruising adventures. From the food, beautiful views, destinations, service and entertainment, I would recommend a cruise to anyone! I have traveled all over the Caribbean and other countries including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Belize. While at these places, I have snorkeled, swam with manatees, zip lined through the rainforest and many other excursions.
Cruising is a different way to travel abroad around the world! There are hundreds of options ranging from the destinations, itineraries and ports. One important thing is to do your research before deciding on a cruise line and ship, it will make all the difference if you take the time and make sure you are choosing the correct cruise for you and your fellow travelers.