How do I plan my first cruise?

How to Prepare for Your First Cruise
  1. Make Sure Your Travel Documents Are In Order.
  2. Contact Banks & Get Local Currency.
  3. Create Your Packing List.
  4. Start Planning Your Excursions & Adventures.
  5. Get To Know Your Ship.
  6. Make Specialty Restaurant Reservations.
  7. Pencil In Your Spa Appointment.
  8. Stock Up On Medication.




People Also Ask

10 Things Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
  • Prebook activities before you leave home. ...
  • Plan to arrive at your departure city a day or more before the cruise. ...
  • Pack a carry-on bag. ...
  • Switch your cellphone to airplane mode. ...
  • Don't assume the cruise is all-inclusive. ...
  • Pace yourself. ...
  • Understand automatic gratuities. ...
  • Watch the clock.


MORE DETAILS

A shorter cruise of 3-5 days may be a good option for those who are new to cruising and want to test the waters, while a longer cruise of 7-14 days may be more suitable for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience and explore multiple destinations.

MORE DETAILS

Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences. Here are some guidelines to help you decide how much money to bring on a cruise.

MORE DETAILS

What is the best time of year to go to the Caribbean? December through April is the peak season for Caribbean cruising. During this time, you'll experience the best weather and some of the most entertaining holidays and festivals.

MORE DETAILS

Our Cruise Experts have selected the following as their top three picks for laid back and informal cruise options:
  • Norwegian Cruise Line. For an informal and relaxed cruise holiday our Cruise Experts top recommendation would be Norwegian Cruise Line. ...
  • Princess Cruises. ...
  • Oceania.


MORE DETAILS

In the months leading up to your vacation, you get to research all the different destinations you'd like to visit, look at different stateroom options, and even start booking the onshore excursions you'll experience. Even if you're a first-time cruiser and don't know where to begin, planning a cruise is pretty easy.

MORE DETAILS

The best months are early in the year The cheapest month to book a cruise is either going to be when future itineraries are first released or during the wave season months of January, February, and March.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.

MORE DETAILS

According to data provided by the cruise industry (CLIA: Cruise Line Industry Association), the average cruise duration is seven days and the average cost is around $1700. Cruise lines charge between $800 and $8,000 for a 7-night Caribbean trip in a balcony stateroom.

MORE DETAILS

Cruise luggage rules recapped As a general rule, it's a good idea to bring no more than two bags to check as well as luggage to keep on hand. Other than that, most items are allowed on board, though you should always double-check for items such as alcohol and nonalcoholic beverages.

MORE DETAILS

13 Tips for Finding Cheap Cruise Deals
  1. Don't Wait for Last-Minute Cruise Deals on High-Season Sailings. ...
  2. Hunt Down Shoulder Season and Repositioning Cruise Deals. ...
  3. Use Cruise Critic's Deal Score to Know When a Deal is Really a Deal. ...
  4. Bundle Up for the Best Cruise Deals. ...
  5. Ask for a Price Drop Credit When Cruise Fares Change.


MORE DETAILS

U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and these territories:
  • American Samoa.
  • Guam.
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Puerto Rico.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands.


MORE DETAILS

Photo by Heather Shevlin/Unsplash. A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port and remains in the Western Hemisphere. As such, it does not require the passengers to have a U.S. passport—even if the itinerary visits some international ports along the way.

MORE DETAILS

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

MORE DETAILS