No matter how much you are looking forward to the cruise you finally decided to take, the process of picking the right one may ruin the experience for you. There are so many different options, so many details,and variations that it may become overwhelming at one point. That’s why it’s good to have some basic notions on what to look for and what to opt for, depending on your budget, company and general preferences.

Just reaching the port can be problematic if you don’t know how where exactly it is. Of course, you can always hire a travel agent, but on the other hand, the internet is full of readily available information you can obtain yourself, only if you know what to look for and what to pay attention to. Here are a few tips and guidelines that can help you to easily book your dream cruise.

Choose Your Destination

There is a huge variety of options offered, but it all depends or where you want to begin. Alaska and the Caribbean have somehow become the staples, but there are other destinations onoffer as well. You can also first choose a shorter California cruise to start with. Other more exotic options include Asia or South America. After you decide your general direction, look for details as there are probably more routes for the same destination, and choose the one that suits you best.

Choose the Right Time

Of course, it may be possible you can’t really choose and are limited to a certain time period. In that case, look for the best options for that period. But if you can choose, make sure you explore all the options so you can enjoy your first cruise to the maximum. High season is not always necessarily the best time to go, on the contrary.

You’ll quite probably be able to get some bargains in shoulder season, plus it is quite likely there won’t be too many people. For instance, Alaska is the favorite family destinations, so if that’s the direction you’d like to take, consider departing in May or September as children are most likely to be at school at that period.

Choose the Right Line

Finding the right cruising line can be really crucial for your first time experience, regardless of the destinations. If you are laid-back, casual person, you probably won’t like the cruises with a dress code and designated dining seats, such as Crystal or Regent. They are in general more expensive and upscale, so if that’s your thing, they are the right choice for you.

If you prefer a more relaxed, informal atmosphere, go with Norwegian Cruise Line. Also, if you’re travelling with children, Princess Cruises may be the best choice, as they are the most adapted to kids. Define your preferences, decide what you want and you what you don’t want, and make the final choice based on that.

Choose the Right Ship

The size of the ship is another important factor when planning your first trip. It can decide the destination and provide you with a completely different experience. It is certainly not the same if you chose to go by a huge cruiser that takes a few thousands of people and contains so many different facilities and types of entertainment, or if you opt for a smaller ship, such as those operated Cruise West or SeaDream Yachts.

They can take around 100-150 people maximum and can dock in smaller ports, providing you with a more intimate experience. On the downside, they do not have exactly too many options for dining or entertainment, but it really depends on what you prefer.

Remember that your trip doesn’t begin nor end with the ship; there’s still the matter of getting to and from the port. Hiring experienced professionals like Stay Classy Transportation to get you where you need to be is the best way to enjoy every bit of your trip thoroughly.

Marjorie Pierce