How many days do I have?
To begin to define the perfect cruise, you must begin by analyzing how many vacation days I have . So we can choose the range of cruise days by adding the days of flight or transfer to the destination. ( It is advisable to add one more day to the outward journey if jetlag is expected at the port of departure due to the time difference with our country ).
When classifying cruise ships, and as for hotels, we must talk about nights spent on board. The current offer of available cruises ranges from 3 nights ( mini-cruises) up to more than 3 months (around the world). The standard cruise would be between 7 and 10 nights. This will also depend on the geographical area we want to visit. For example, for the Mediterranean and Alaska it would be easier to find 7-night cruises.
Geographic area and itinerary
The second point to take into account is what we want to see or visit. In recent years, the offer has allowed cruises on the 7 seas and there is almost no corner of the world that cannot be visited on a cruise . Some itineraries even facilitate excursions called “overland” that allow you to visit countries or places far from the coasts, disembarking in port to re-embark in another port after visiting inland areas.
When selecting a geographical area, it must be taken into account that cruises move seasonally . Thus we will find that in summer the shipping companies mobilize their cruises to the Mediterranean or Alaska, and in winter to the Caribbean. In this way we can find a greater offer and better prices if we choose in the areas where the cruise companies operate seasonally.
It is different to look for a cruise by itineraries . There are basically 3 types of routes or itineraries. Scheduled routes , that is, itineraries that usually depart from the same ports during a season. We also find special cruises for their itineraries, such as a route through the Pacific Ocean , a round the world (or a section of it). And on the other hand would be the replacements or positioning which would be those trips that ships make when they change from one area to another. For example, when the Caribbean season ends, shipping companies send most of their ships to the Mediterranean. These boat replacements allow you to find great trips at really interesting prices.
The most important data to study in addition to the scales that the ship makes is how long it remains in each of them, since this will allow us to plan our excursions and outings in advance, and see if the scales are worth it.
Choosing the cruise company that best suits us is just as important as the route . There are all kinds and focused on all kinds of cruise passengers. There are some that focus on young people and fun, others focused on the elderly, others on long routes and experienced travelers, others tend towards expedition / adventure cruises, and in recent years focused on family cruises. Although it has now become quite democratized, it is a point to take into account since we can find ourselves on a cruise aimed at older people and with a leisure offer adapted to them and get bored if what we were looking for was a party at the disco.
The Cruise Ship
The very center of the trip. Since we will spend most of the time in it. Cruise ships are classified by their size or tonnage, category, and in my experience, the year they were built.
Regarding the size we can find 3 types in fast mode:
Small cruise ships : up to 10,000 Tons (Between 100 to 1000 passengers)
Medium cruise ships : from 10,000 tons to 40,000 tons (between 1,000 and 2,700 passengers)
Large cruise ships : from 40,000 tons to more than 100,000 tons (between 2,750 and more than 5,000 passengers)
Each type has its pros and cons . But in summary we can say that those with a greater tonnage and number of passengers tend to be more fun. And with better routes/destinations those of lesser tonnage since it allows them to reach more inaccessible ports due to their low draft.
The ship category is divided in the same way as the hotels. These range from 3 stars to 6 stars. The quality and prices are based on them, although it is possible to find 5 or 6 star cruises at good prices if we book in advance, or choose replacement trips.
Another factor to take into account is the year the boat was built. This detail can be decisive when it comes to enjoying the cruise. This fact must be taken into account since a ship built before 2000 will lack the technical elements that make navigation more comfortable, such as stabilizers that prevent the pendulum movement of the ship, mobile propellers that facilitate entry and exit from ports. So of all those extras that the cruise industry has included for the leisure of passengers. Although it must be seen that many of these boats built before 2000 have undergone major reforms and adaptations to make them more comfortable and incorporate new technology later.
Choosing the cabin and deck
My first recommendation would always be to choose on lower decks (from 1 to 6) and in the central area, since these locations greatly reduce the movement of the boat and the oscillation is almost not noticeable in case of waves. Other considerations to take into account is the position of the cabin itself. Thus, a cabin away from the busiest common areas (elevators, laundry…), crew accesses and preferably away from the aft area, which is where the ship’s engine room is usually located, would be desirable.
To choose the cabin we basically find 4 different types:
Interiors : cabins located inside the ship (without windows or porthole). Where you can get great cabins at very good prices.
Exterior – Staterooms located on the lower decks on either side of the ship that include a window or porthole. Keep in mind that some companies offer outside cabins with limited views (obstructed by lifeboats).
Exteriors with balcony : Located from the main deck. They include a private accessible balcony. Although the current offer is growing, from my experience it is only advisable for some types of cruises, especially those with predominantly good weather (Caribbean, Mediterranean). I definitely do not recommend them if we sail through areas with questionable weather, since we will be paying a premium for an element that we will not use, in addition to the fact that in some ports we will have to fight against mosquitoes or bad odors.
Suites: They are the most luxurious on the ship due to the size and services they offer. They are limited, and I personally recommend them for honeymoon or celebration trips, since the shipping companies offer special packages and great discounts with extras for these cruise passengers.
And depending on the number of people we find:
Individual: There is not much offer in this type of cabins, but some ships have a limited number of them. Cruise companies usually charge from 50% to 100% of the total price of the double cabin if you travel alone.
Doubles: The standard of the cabin offer.
Triples: the third bed can be a bunk bed, a bed projecting from one of the sides of the cabin or another low sofa-bed type bed. Most companies apply discounts to the third person.
The price of the cruise
Last but not least, you have to consider the price of the cruise . You must know the final price per person of the trip. including shipping fees and extras.
In my experience, some tips when booking a cruise would be:
There are great discounts for early booking and you will be able to choose the cabin you want more easily.
See if there is any type of added extra or special promotion : tips included, 2×1, credit on board, children free….
Evaluate the costs of transportation to the port of departure of the cruise.
If you have freedom of choice of days, look at the last minute offers 30 days before the departure of the ship.
See what is the currency on board: dollars, euros, pounds. Since it can affect the final cost of the trip.
Normally I have found better prices by booking online . I have booked 90% of my cruises directly from the Internet, either with the shipping company or with large specialized agencies. But you have to make the reservation on agency websites that offer all the guarantees by doing research.
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