CRUISE BOOKING TIPS

Best time to book

Is it better to book a year in advance? A few months? Or a few weeks?

Saving time and maximizing fun

From boarding to departure time and even when to travel.

What you need to know

Passport, occupancy, seasickness questions answered

Planning pre, during and post travel

Booking accommodations before departure, how to select excursions, trip insurance and more

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Best time to book

For the most promotions book the first two weeks in January followed by any time in the first quarter. This is known as “wave season ” in the industry where companies and agents are given incentives to book so you will see many promotions available. It’s not necessary to book more than a year in advance (your plans change all the time) however people do book far in advance if they like certain rooms. You can occasionally find deep discounts 3-4 weeks before sailing for unsold inventory but you won’t get a choice in a room

Maximizing Fun Time

After your book your cruise there is actually a check in process months before boarding. Select the earliest boarding time to enjoy the most time on the ship. Make sure you schedule to arrive to your cruise departure city at least 4 hours in advance if driving or a night in advance if flying. Cruises do not have a good refund policy even if your flight is late or you are stuck in traffic. It’s a good idea to buy trip insurance when booking a cruise. I once went on a company cruise where 80% of my team missed it because they flew same day as departure and the flight was delayed.

Things to know

Every cruise caters to a different audience. Do not book a cruise on Viking if you have kids, Book on Norwegian if you don’t like scheduled meals, Carnival if you are young and have a small budget.

Passports are required for most cruises, rules change all the time so best to have one even if you hear someone say you don’t for certain destinations.

Most people who are seasick do okay on major cruises because the rocking is minimal. Bodine is a recommended medicine from cruise employees as well as sea wrist bands.

Those who don’t like crowds tend to avoid cruises but really aside from boarding or departing the crowd is well dispersed on the huge open space of the ship.

Pre & Post Travel

Need to book flights that arrive a day ahead and at least 6 hours after disembarking. Tight schedules aren’t worth it if you miss your connections or your cruise.

In addition it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance for expensive cruises. In a recent trip my friend got sick, that would have covered for the expensive doctor bills on board. We also missed a day of the cruise because of fog. The cruise lines didn’t do much other than give $100 credit but we got our cruise partially reimbursed from the insurance.

What Excursions Should I Book?

Keep in mind many local excursions partner with the cruise lines and some don’t care about service because it’s guaranteed business for them. Everyone in the Bahamas is trying to get you to Atlantis, our cruise in Ensenada dropped at every excursion with merchants harrasing you. It’s not a pleasant “authentic” experience. Try to find excursions unique to the area. Skip the waterparks, shopping and wine tasting. See a Mayan pyramid, walk around the port area for pictures, go dog sledding.

We love to explore but our most unpleasant experience is always the port area where everyone is aggressive in getting your business.

FAQ

SHOULD I BOOK DIRECTLY OR WITH AN AGENT?

We usually book with a travel agent since she doesn’t charge a fee and her rates are the exact same as the cruise posted rate. We usually need two rooms because most rooms only accommodate four and she is able to find us rooms closer together, while most cruise websites make the process very difficult. Agents also have great relationships that help you get upgraded if available. They help answer your questions and solve and travel problems. If you’re not paying anything extra, go for the agent.

WHAT’S THE REFUND POLICY LIKE?

Cruises are the least flexible. While many hotels, airlines might give you leniency for a death in a family, cruises are not. Recommended to purchase insurance, arrange to arrive a head of time, and triple check if you have your passport.

WHAT DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Check the cruise main page where their promos are posted. We’re a fan of Norwegian cruise lines because of their generous 3rd and 4th guest rates. Some charge a 3rd and 4th guest almost the same which sucks because it’s 4 people cramped in a room. Keep in mind every cruise charges gratuity per person per day so include that in your budget. The most promotions can be found during Wave Season January – March every year.

HOW’S THE FOOD?

Surprisingly decent and very good at certain restaurants. You also are allowed to order more than one entree and pretty much everything is included. Drinks are sold in beverage packages however be wary even if it’s “free” in a promo, the gratuities are not which they charge about $20 a day. So if you’re not a heavy drinker skip the package and order when you feel like it.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR A CRUISE

It’s hard to since every destination every cruise and every package is different. My benchmark is usually anything that is $100 per person per day is a good deal. Keep in mind with travel expenses, taxes, gratuities, excursions, insurance, on board spending, your total expenses end up being on average 2.5X the cost of your cruise.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRUISELINES

That’s the golden question. I’ve worked with many cruise lines in their marketing plan and it’s a struggle their CEOs have been having to differentiate and make that message more clear to their guests. Many don’t want you to book a cruise with them if you are the wrong demographic because it might give you a wrong impression of cruises and stay away forever. Example if you are a cruise geared towards 55 and older audience, you don’t want your guests disturbed by crying babies and kids running around. Vice versa if you have kids, they won’t find many kid friendly activities on one targeted to older people. I can write a whole article on differences, but just search on you tube for their commercials, you can see what they focus on .

Below you will find some recommended Loyalty Programs to help make the most of your travels

Product
Why We Recommend
Link

Ebates

Great cashback program for shopping but also travel. Can get 4.5% cashback booking hotels on Expedia or other rates for booking cruises

Apply

Delta American Express

The platinum card does come with a fee, but the fee covers a “Free” companion tickets yearly along with miles and boosters earned while spending that can get free tickets as well.

Apply

CHASE Preferred Ink

If you own a business or individual contractor, you can apply for this card which not only gives you generous welcoming bonus, but gives 3 points for every dollar spent on travel. When you redeem for travel you get additional 25% off so it builds quickly

Apply

Hilton Honors AMEX

Hilton owns a family of hotels, so it only makes sense if you are a loyal member to get their card to earn points for free rooms

Apply