7 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Cruise

7 mistakes to avoid when booking a cruise

Not Staying within your Budget

When planning a cruise, it can be so easy to let your budget get out of control. Spa days, excursions, drinks and gratuities can dig into your wallet big. It's best to set aside a budget for all the extras, before you leave home.

The wine and diet coke bill can add up fast. The cost of extra packages on cruises can vary among different carriers. Keep a running tally of what you spend all week, so there won't be any surprises when you disembark. I remember the first cruise we went on to Alaska, we were so careful with spending extra. I didn't want to come home and eat mac n cheese for the rest of the month, ha!

Choosing the Wrong Type of Cruise

These days cruise ships are like actual cities. I think they are in competition to see who can build the biggest one!  There are endless options when it comes to the size of ship you want.  Jump on board with 4000 other passengers or choose a private charter for a small group of friends.

Choosing one that best fits your interests is key. Some cruises will have many families with small children on board. If you are banking on a quiet siesta by the pool, best to book an adult only cruise. Others may have moslty retirees, and you may want to be around young thangs on a millennial cruise.

Packing the Wrong Clothing

Before you go out shopping for your cruise wardrobe, spend some time doing research. It's good to know the dress code of the ship and the destinations you are visiting. Some ships may have more evening events than others, so planning for formal events may be necessary.

Even if you are heading to the tropics to bask in the sun, I would still bring some clothing for cold weather. Freezing your hind end off on the high seas takes all the fun out of the trip!  Check out more of my cruise packing tips here.

Not Shopping Around

Shopping around for a good deal on a cruise, can be a very overwhelming task. With dozens of sites and cruislines offering deals, it can take a long while to narrow down your search. Evaluating a good deal versus a good value, can be tricky for most travlers. This is due to the huge shift in the way cruise lines are marketing their products.

Many of them are adding "value-add packages" to their sailings. These are not always easy to determine when shopping online, that's why it might be best to use a travel agent. Agents are able to help discern which cruise would be the best fit and overall value for your trip.

Picking the Wrong State Room

Everyone has a different vacation style and needs while traveling.  Most people on cruises don't plan to spend a lot of time in their room, however some do. The type of cabin you choose will depend on what your plans are for the duration of the cruise.

If you like to spend endless hours in a lounge chair taking in the views; a cabin with a balcony is the perfect choice. I can't imagine staying in an inside cabin. The inside rooms are a great choice if you are trying to save some bucks, and don't mind the absence of light beaming in.

The large carriers usually have 20 different room types to choose from .  The smaller river cruise boats offer 4-5 room selections.

Traveling Without Insurance

Some cruise lines will not let you travel with out insurance. It's best to have insurance in place, should you get sick before or on the cruise. If you had to be evacuated from a cruise for a serious medical condition, the costs could clean out your bank account fast.
  

Not Planning Ahead

Waiting too long to plan your shore excursions or port activities, could be a big mistake.  If you want to save money, you can certainly plan your own tours .  If you'd rather go on an organized tour by the ship, make sure you book in advance. You will probably find them sold out if booking last minute. The same goes for booking hotels in the port city.  In Seattle, the hotels fill up fast during cruise season.

BON VOYAGE,  I hope you get to plan a cruise in the near future! Maybe these tips will take some of the stress out of planning your trip. Thanks for visiting Maple Leopard, I hope to see you again next time. I try to post most Wednesdays.

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