Much more than price and ports of call should be considered when choosing the best cruise trip. Details like the dress code, dining room schedules, shipboard amenities, and cruise length should all be compared. Before comparing different cruise lines and trip options, think about what you want to get out of a cruise vacation.
You may not be willing to consider other locations if you have a specific region of the world that you want to visit. If, on the other hand, you’d like to cruise to several different locations, consider all of your options at the same time because you might find a good deal on one of them. Don’t be swayed into taking a cruise just because a travel company is advertising it as a special or a sale deal. Instead, consider what you will receive for your money. The most important factor to consider is the value of a cruise to you.
Examine your on-board accommodations as well as the features and amenities offered by each ship, such as the dress and tipping codes. If tipping every time you sit on the sundeck sipping drinks is inconvenient for you, a no-tip cruise ship may be a good option. If tipping throughout the cruise isn’t an issue for you, you might not want to book a ship that requires you to pay an estimated tip amount when you book your trip. A larger ship is likely to be a good choice 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. A smaller ship may be best if you prefer fewer shipboard activities and fewer passengers in a more intimate setting.
For some cruise passengers, having assigned dining seats is preferable to being able to sit wherever you want. You are assigned to the same table for the duration of your cruise on cruise ships with assigned seating, so if one or more of your dining companions is bothersome, you may not be able to change tables. Also, take into account the size of your space. You might discover that a smaller cabin with air conditioning is far more comfortable than a larger room or one with an extra porthole. Finally, read each ship’s itinerary to determine the ports of call and duration of the cruise trip to help you choose the best option for you.