How Do I Choose the Best Cruise Trip?

To choose the best cruise trip, much more that just price and ports of call should be considered. Details such as dress code, dining room scheduling, shipboard amenities and the length of the cruise should also be compared. It's best to think about what you hope to get out of a cruise vacation before comparing the different cruise lines and trip options.

If you have a particular part of the world in which you long to see, you may not be willing to consider other locations. On the other hand, if there are several different places you'd like to cruise to, think about all of the different location options at the same time since you may find a good special on one of them. Don't get caught up in the idea of choosing a cruise trip just because a travel company is promoting it as a special or sale deal. Instead, carefully look at what you will get for your money. It's the value of a cruise to you that is the most important feature to consider.

Take a close look at what your on-board accommodations will be as well as each ship's features and amenities, for example the dress and tipping codes. If tipping each time you're on the sundeck enjoying drinks is bothersome to you, choosing a no-tip cruise ship may be a good option. If tipping throughout the cruise doesn't bother you, then it's a non-issue and you may not want to pick a ship in which you pay an estimated tip amount when you book your trip. If your idea of the best cruise trip is dressing up and being on board with many other passengers and a bustling range of activities, then a larger ship is likely to be a good choice. If you'd rather have fewer shipboard activities and fewer passengers in a more intimate setting, a smaller ship may be best.

For some cruise travelers, assigned dining seats are much less desirable than being able to sit wherever you choose. On cruise ships with assigned seating, you are scheduled to sit at the same table for the whole trip, so if you find one or more of your dining companions unpleasant, you often cannot change tables. Also, consider your room. You may find that a smaller cabin with air conditioning will prove to be of much more value to your comfort than a larger room or one with an extra porthole. Finally, read each ship's itinerary for the ports of call and length of the cruise trip to help you reach a decision on the best choice for you.