Do you want a tropical setting? A European cruise for two? Or sightseeing with friends in Alaska? With so many wonderful destinations to choose from, you may already be planning your second, third or forth cruise.

To help you decide, look at the itinerary and shore excursions of each cruise line you are considering and make a list of sites and activities you would like to do. Then compare.

As mentioned earlier check the cruise ship’s itinerary carefully; especially the time spent in each port of call. Ships arrival and departure times can vary from ship to ship depending on its itinerary. If there is a certain place that you have your heart set on seeing, it would be a shame to only have a five hour visit because the ship arrives later in the day or departs early in the day.

When deciding where to go, keep in mind the weather or season for the part of the world you are interested in visiting. Which leads us to Part 5.

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.

Why a cruise vacation? 

One of the best things about cruising is the wide variety of activities available.  You can do anything from relaxing on a deck chair with a good book, to enjoying more strenuous and exciting activities like golf, snorkeling, or helicopter rides. 

Destination Cruises – European cruises offer medieval tours and other opportunities. Imagine visiting the Coliseum, the French Riviera and the Greek Islands all in one week!  There is no place on earth where you will find this much culture and history so close together. Caribbean cruises offer beautiful beaches full of excitement and relaxation.  You could be snorkeling clear blue waters of Mexico, visiting beautiful Jamaican waterfalls, and lazing in a hammock on a stunning beach, all during the same vacation.  

Where ever you are cruising, ships usually dock early in the morning, giving you the opportunity to get off and explore the sights during the day. Later in the afternoon or evening, your ship sets sail to the next exciting destination.  In some destinations (commonly referred to as ports of call), the ship will arrive late, so check the voyage arrival and departure times prior to booking.  You don’t want to get to your favorite destination just to find out you’re there only for a few hours.  In some locations, the ship will stay for a night or two, giving you ample opportunity to explore longer.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, then it is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of some unique packages available.  Most Cruise Lines offer excellent romance packages including sparkling wine and chocolate strawberries waiting for you upon arrival, a selection of massages to chose from, roses in your room and even breakfast in bed.  Plan in advance and give the cruise line as much notice as possible.  It always pays to double check the arrangements prior to leaving home.

One of the great things about a cruise is, it’s a destination within itself that takes you to several other destinations while you sleep.  You wake up in the morning to a whole new adventure.  And with the most popular cities located on the water; a cruise ship can visit Barcelona, Venice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Athens and the Greek Islands all in one cruise. 

To conclude part 1, a common mistake is relying too much on what other people recommend. The same ship can change from season to season and itinerary to itinerary. And what your friends or family liked on their cruise might not be what you have in mind.  To guarantee yourself a great vacation, do your research and make it your own decision.  The rest of planning your perfect cruise continues here.

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.