In many cases, the dates you choose to go on vacation may have a bearing on how much you will spend.  For example, summer time is peak season and more popular than spring and fall months. 

Choosing to cruise during spring or fall may save you money on cruises, flights, hotels, rental cars and other ancillary expenses, but the weather is more uncertain.  The Mediterranean for example is a lovely place to visit during the summer and shoulder seasons, but can be very cold and windy during winter.  And because the seas are usually rough for this time of year there is an increased chance of missing one or two ports of call due to bad weather.  However, you may consider this to be a small price to pay for a cheaper cruise.

You can also get good deals by booking well in advance, or if you have the flexibility and don’t mind the limited cabin options, you can grab even better bargains by booking within a week or two of sailing.  This may be more challenging for a family with children, but if possible this can be a great way to get a fantastic discount; often up to half off the original price, and some times more.

Some destinations have limited seasons.  For example, the larger cruise lines only send their ships to Alaska and northern Europe between May and September, and the Mediterranean between April and November (Although becoming more popular year round).  South of the equator, like Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South America are popular November through March.

The Caribbean is a little easier to plan for, with ships going there all year round.  In fact it’s surprising to note that deciding when to cruise is one of the most overlooked areas of cruising… yet it can have the biggest impact.

For example, cruising in Alaska at the start of summer is very different to the end of summer.  There are more snow peaks, stronger waterfalls and a better chance of seeing wildlife at the start of the season. However, due to all the ice in the water your ship will have less chance of getting up close to the glaciers.

By the time summer finishes, more of the ice has melted and your ship can usually get closer to the glaciers for a spectacular view and a great once in a life time experience.

Cruising the Caribbean during Spring Break is often regrettably overlooked by first time cruisers.  Spring break is at different times from state to state within the US and Canada, and spans from the start of March to the end of April.

Hurricane season

There are two ways of looking at cruising during the Caribbean hurricane season from June 1st to November 30th.  On one hand, the ship can easily change its itinerary, and often does, if the destination port is in the path of a hurricane.  If this happens, your vacation continues as planned but with a change of itinerary, or an additional sea day. For some this is not a problem. But on the other hand, if you are really looking forward to swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, or scuba dive in Belize, a pending hurricane could see you miss this port altogether.

Additionally, if you are on a 3 day cruise, missing one or both of the port days can be very disappointing and poor value for money… an important point to keep in mind.

Another point to note is the possible disruption to getting to and from the ship.  It’s not the change in the ships’ itinerary but the flights in and out of Florida and surrounding states that often experience delays and/or cancellations.

Planning your perfect cruise continues finishes with Part 6.

To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets.  It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.

Are you cruising with your significant other, alone, with friends, family, or a partner?  Either way, this will dictate the type of cruise you should be looking for.  Relaxing strolls on white sandy beaches is different from a weekend booze cruise to Mexico. 

We once shared a shuttle with a family en route to their first cruise. There were two ships leaving from the same port that day.  Considering the ages of the two children, we assumed they were going on the Disney ship, as the other ship in port was considered a ‘”Booze cruise” for spring-breaker types.  And guess what?  It was spring break and the ship was loaded down with party goers! 

Much to our surprise, the family boarded the ‘booze cruise’ and you can probably guess the rest.  This is the perfect example of not doing your home work.  Unfortunately, that family’s first time cruising was probably their last.

If you are taking your children, some cruise lines cater to children much better than others, with programs and activities specifically designed for kids.  Although nearly all ships can accommodate children; some ships rarely have children cruising and are short on amenities.  Find out in advance the general type of people cruising – families, retired, young singles etc.  This drastically changes the atmosphere of the ship and can determine how much enjoyment you and the young ones will have.

Some people discover family cruises turn out to be the best vacation they have ever had. Disney Cruises and some of the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises spring to mind. The largest cruise ships in the world come with a host of amazing amenities for children including: 

• A large video arcade
• Kid’s only areas
• Teen Disco’s
•  And a host of sporting facilities just to name a few.

Cruising Groups 

Groups are catered for and can be a great way to celebrate the end of year football trip, family reunion, or a business conference at sea… often at reduced  rates. 

We highly recommend using a travel agent if you are making a booking on behalf of a group.  Search online and read reviews.  Once you have found the one provide.  Or, if the cruise line has a group booking representative talk to them before booking.  When booking for a group, the chance of something going wrong increases, therefore use an experienced travel agent or the cruise line to prevent unwanted mistakes or surprises. 

To constitute a group and be eligible for group discounts there must be a minimum number of staterooms booked, and can be as low as 8 rooms, but check with your travel agent for exact details. 

In addition to cheaper cruises, groups can also take advantage of: 

• Liquor packages, 
• Special dining requests 
• Complimentary gifts and door decorations 
• A personalized cake 
•  A stateroom upgrade for the group leader 
• And other VIP activities and amenities

If you are arranging a reunion of sorts, there couldn’t be a better location than on a cruise.  Once onboard, there is something for everyone so your entire group can enjoy the combined vacation/reunion.  The ships will even help with private functions, cakes and photography.  Ask your travel agent about any ‘Reunion Packages’. 

Conference facilities on most ships include dedicated conference rooms including presentation equipment such as overhead projectors, slide projectors, TV and DVD players. Generally, the newer the ship, the better the facilities. 

Planning your perfect cruise continues with Part 3.

To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets.  It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.