First-time cruisers have a lot to wrap their heads around. There are hundreds of cruise lines, and sifting through the options -- like themes (The Walking Dead, rock legends, comic book superheroes) destinations (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asia?) and ship sizes -- can be overwhelming.
Here's a secret: Even cruise experts rely on travel agents to find the right fit. Carolyn Spencer Brown, who has been writing about cruises for nearly two decades, first as a staff travel writer at The Washington Post and now as editor-at-large at CruiseCritic.com, a review site and online community, estimates that she has been on more than 300 cruises and she still depends on her travel agent to help book the right one. "I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't, because it takes all the hassle out," she says.
Brown has some useful insights on choosing the right cruise and other issues to consider.
• Determine your travel style and what you're looking for before booking: Brown says the key is to find a cruise that's a good match for your vacation expectations. There are cruises for fitness fanatics, partyers, foodies, comic lovers, spring breakers, senior citizens and just about anything else you could imagine, so choose wisely. "If you want to be up late and party at night and you pick a cruise line where everyone's in bed by 9:30, you're not going to have a good time," she says. "When you hear people are really unhappy on a ship, they picked the wrong cruise line."
• Don't be fooled by cruise or cruiser stereotypes: Brown ticks off the assumptions people make about cruises: The cabins are all tiny and balconies are prohibitively expensive; the food is mediocre and all-you-can-eat; all cruise ships are pretty much the same. Cruises have evolved. You can find gorgeous, spacious cabins (for an additional fee); balconies are less expensive than you might think; excellent cuisine and wine are now part of the cruising lifestyle; and there is incredible variety to cruises, with transoceanic options, river cruises, luxury lines, expedition cruises and more.
• Always arrive a day early: You don't want to miss your cruise because of a travel snag, such as weather or a missed flight. Plan ahead so that you're there well in advance of embarking. She also recommends buying insurance, to protect you if something does come up.
• If seasickness is a concern, Brown suggests starting out with a river cruise, because there's land on both sides and you're not dealing with the motion of an open sea. As someone who gets motion sick herself, she stocks up on appropriate medication.
• Introverts can cruise, too, but they should consider their personality when selecting a cabin. Those who need quiet time and space may want to spend for a larger room and maybe a balcony, so they're comfortable when they retreat and recharge. If you don't expect to spend much time in your room, go ahead and get the least-expensive option.
• Take charge of your land and sea adventures: Don't limit your options at port to the shore excursion menu shared by the cruise, Brown says. Many port cities have boutique travel agencies that can plan more-personalized trips. (If you book the cruise through a travel agent, they can help with that.) Another option is to plan an outing with others on the cruise and go off on your own. Another idea while at port: Stay on the ship. When the crowds are away, you'll have an entirely different experience. "You don't have to wait in line for anything," Brown says.
• Pack wisely and leave room in the suitcase for souvenirs, Brown says. Her rule of thumb, which she admits she often fails to follow, is to lay everything you think you want to take and then pack only half of it. At sea as on land, be sure and pack comfortable shoes -- you will be walking more than you expect. Don't forget to take chargers for your electronics.
• If you're traveling with kids, visit the kids club right away: For families, a cruise is like a camp where children get the chance to meet friends from around the world. Just be aware that friendships and cliques can form quickly, Brown says, and it's important to get in early. "The first day you're on board, go right to the kids club and sign up and go to the first night's events, because that's when the bonds get formed," she says.
• Use technology to make advance plans: Technology allows you to book in advance, so you can reserve a massage and a blowout weeks before and relax when you get on the ship.
Brown says that a first cruise often serves as a gateway to an unexpected world. "There's still a magic to it," she says. "I think that's what you never understand until you've done it."
Travel on 10/22/2017