What is the best cruise length?

If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.



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There's no set length that is “perfect.” If you're a younger passenger who wants to have a fun time that won't cost a fortune, then we think you'd be better off with a shorter cruise. If, however, you want to relax and visit more exotic ports, then you'll most likely be happier with a longer cruise.

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Best Deck for Seasickness and Access to Amenities The best location to book your cabin will be in the center of the cruise ship and on the lower deck. The lower you go down, the less rocking you will experience during your trip. If you suffer from any motion sickness, this area is ideal for you.

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You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.

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Over the past 100 years since the RMS Titanic sank in 1912, only 18 cruise ships and some ocean liners have been publicly known to have sunk. And, over the past 50 years, only four cruise ships have sunk while navigating on a cruise.

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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.

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Most cruises to the Bahamas sail from different cities of Florida such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando. These cruises typically last between 3 to 7 days and the best time to visit is from mid-December to mid-April.

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To save some money on a Caribbean cruise, it is best to sail in off peak times such as January, May, and early fall. With kids back in school, there is less demand for cruising during these periods.

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Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

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Using the example of a Norwegian Cruise Line 5-day cruise aboard Norwegian Encore, roundtrip from Miami in January and visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, guests choose from several cabin categories. An inside cabin costs $399 per person, ocean view $769, and balcony $819.

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Food on Cruise Ships Free Food on Cruises: Meals are free of charge in cruise ship main dining rooms, buffets and select specialty venues such as Princess' International Cafe, Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint, Royal Caribbean's Park Cafe and Boardwalk Dog House and Norwegian's O'Sheehan's.

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If you're looking for “vacation,” then it's obvious that a seven-day cruise (or longer) would be more ideal. With that many days, you can actually get into the rhythm of ship-life and leave the stresses of home behind.

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If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D.

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The price of a cruise is the same whether you book onboard or at home, but Royal Caribbean will give you extra onboard credit for booking onboard. It's a bonus on top of other promotions the cruise line has, and is one of the best ways to rack up onboard credit.

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Pack one outfit for every day, or plan to do laundry on your cruise ship. I like to look for ways to reuse pieces to save space. For example, I'll dress up a top with a skirt or dress pants for dinner, then wear the same shirt with jeans in port the following day.

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Can You Sleep on a Cruise Ship Balcony? There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships can't sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Despite this many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies and you won't have any problem doing so if you want to.

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On shorter sailings, where the amount of overall time you have on the cruise limited, you may find a balcony unnecessary since there is not much to enjoy it. However, if your cruise is 7-nights or longer, that provides significantly more time to relax and enjoy the private balcony area, especially on sea days.

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The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

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