Taking A Cruise

Now that you have decided that you want to take a cruise, the next step is to decide where to go. There are hundreds of destinations for you to choose from, which can make your decision a difficult one. When considering which cruise to take, keep in mind how much you have to spend, which part of the world you want to travel to, and how long you want your cruise to be. These factors are usually enough to make your decision a little easier.

Cruises range in price, so you should find one that suits your budget. Keep in mind that you may have to pay for air travel or rental car if you do not live close to a port city. Overnight hotel stays should also be figured into your budget. Money for clothing, supplies, and food while on the cruise should account for a certain percentage of your budget. If you don't have a passport and you need one, you will have to pay for this also. As you can see, there are many small costs in addition to booking a cabin on the ship. Once you have figured out these costs, you will be better able to create a working budget.


Choosing where you would like to visit will definitely help you narrow your choices. Many people choose a cruise to places they have not been to before. If you are interested in visiting certain cities, choose a cruise that stops in or around the region you want to visit. Some cruises stop in multiple areas for one or more days. This will give you plenty of time for exploring and experiencing new cultures.

The longer your cruise, the more it will cost. Keep this in mind when creating a budget and choosing your destination. Shorter cruises may not stop in any port cities or they may only stop in one. Also, the crowds will be different on shorter cruises. If you want to go on a cruise that has a younger population on it, then a shorter cruise is perfect. Longer cruises include more stops and usually have an older crowd. Depending on the amount of time you have to take a cruise, you should plan accordingly and take air travel or car travel to the boat into consideration.

As you can see, there are many factors that go into choosing a cruise. Any time you travel, you should research the areas you will be travelling in to decide if these are the places you are truly interested in visiting. Spending a lot of money for a cruise you are not interested in going on is not the best vacation. Most cruise lines offer detailed descriptions about what to expect and how to plan for a cruise. Sign up to receive brochures and emails about special deals and other information that can make your next cruise more pleasant.

By: Jerry K. Blackburn