What You Need to Know As a First Time Cruiser
Would you be shocked if you found out that cruises are becoming more and more popular with holidaymakers year on year? Or does the fact that the average age of a cruise passenger is now younger than ever surprise you? Figures released by CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) found that 100,000 more passengers embarked on a cruise in 2023, and the average age is now 54.3 years old. While this does indicate that more people from older age brackets are still cruising, the fact that it’s coming down means more younger people are booking cruises too.
If you’ve always wanted to book a cruise but are unsure exactly what to look for or whether a deal is good, this article has some tips that can help you select the perfect first cruise.
Know Your Preferences
Of course, for your first cruise, you won’t know exactly what you want from it; however, you will know what type of holiday you prefer, and this will help you narrow down your choices. It’s all well and good knowing where you want to go, but if the activities and amenities on board don’t appeal to you, it’s going to be a waste of money.
If you want a quiet, relaxing getaway, then picking a vibrant family cruise or a Disney cruise, for example, might not be optimal, and vice versa. If you prefer to travel with people of your own age group, for example, over 50s, then a Canary Island cruise designed for over 50s will be preferable over a cruise line like Carnival, who cater to a younger, livelier audience.`
Research Cabins
There will be several different cabin options on offer for every cruise, and this means you need to know what they are and what they offer to determine which room is the right option for you. If you’re after something cheap, then typically, the more affordable options will be interior cabins with no windows. If you want to see the sea each day, then you might want to book a balcony room or a suite to give you that option.
Food and Drinks Packages
Food and drinks packages aren’t the same on each ship, nor are they the same as all-inclusive on land resorts. Typically, all food is included for your cruise aside from speciality restaurants, which come with an added fee. But this will vary from ship to ship, and it could be package-dependent. Again, some cruise lines offer fully all-inclusive food and drinks on board or have drink packages you can add to the price of your cruise if you wish for this to be included. But for newbie cruisers, it’s important to understand what is included in the price.
Extras
The price you pay upfront for your cruise doesn’t always include everything, so it’s important to read the small print. There can be extra fees, such as gratuities you need to pay or excursions, wifi, etc. Your package will have the details of what is included and what you need to pay for. And these additional costs should be factored into your overall budget.
Some cruises can come with a higher upfront cost and have a range of perks included, such as complimentary wifi or an excursion, even a luxury concierge collection to take you to the ship, while others will charge you for these. As a first-time cruiser, it’s important to understand what you have already paid for and what exactly you will be expected to pay for onboard.
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