Our guide on the Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Cruise and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Booking a cruise can be an exciting way to explore multiple destinations with the convenience of a floating hotel. However, the process can be daunting, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser or not familiar with how to choose the right options.
To help you make the most of your cruise vacation, here’s a guide to the top mistakes travelers make when booking a cruise and how to avoid them for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right cruise, plan your onboard and onshore experiences, and enjoy a smooth, stress-free vacation on the high seas.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Cruise
1. Choosing the Wrong Cruise Line for Your Travel Style
Mistake: Booking a cruise without researching the cruise line’s atmosphere, amenities, and target audience, leading to a mismatch between expectations and reality.
How to Avoid:
Research Cruise Lines: Cruise lines cater to different demographics:
Family-Friendly: Consider Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or Carnival.
Luxury and Adults-Only: Look into Seabourn, Viking, or Virgin Voyages.
Adventure and Expedition: Choose Hurtigruten or Lindblad Expeditions.
Read Reviews and Watch Videos: Use platforms like CruiseCritic, YouTube, and travel blogs to get a feel for each cruise line’s vibe, ship size, and onboard activities.
Tip: Make a list of your must-have amenities and check that the cruise line offers them before booking.
2. Not Considering the Size of the Ship
Mistake: Booking a cruise without taking into account the size of the ship, which can significantly impact your experience regarding crowds, amenities, and docking options.
How to Avoid:
Understand Ship Size Options:
Large Ships: Offer more amenities, activities, and entertainment but can feel crowded. Ideal for families and first-time cruisers.
Mid-Sized Ships: Strike a balance with good facilities and fewer crowds.
Small Ships: Provide a more intimate experience, can access smaller ports, but have limited amenities. Great for luxury and expedition cruises.
Choose Based on Your Interests: If you’re seeking a vibrant, bustling atmosphere, opt for a large ship. If you prefer quiet relaxation and unique ports, choose a smaller vessel.
Tip: Consider the passenger-to-space ratio (how many passengers per square meter) to understand how crowded the ship will feel.
3. Booking the Wrong Cabin Type
Mistake: Choosing a cabin based solely on price without considering factors like location, view, and noise, which can impact your cruise experience.
How to Avoid:
Choose Your Cabin Wisely:
Inside Cabins: Budget-friendly but have no windows. Ideal if you plan to spend most of your time outside your room.
Oceanview Cabins: Offer a window but no balcony. A good mid-range option.
Balcony Cabins: Provide private outdoor space for relaxation.
Suites: Larger rooms with extra amenities, ideal for special occasions.
Pay Attention to Location: Avoid cabins directly under nightclubs, above engine rooms, or near stairwells and elevators to minimize noise. Midship cabins tend to be more stable for those prone to seasickness.
Tip: If possible, look at the ship’s deck plan before booking to see what’s directly above and below your chosen cabin.
4. Booking Too Late or Too Early
Mistake: Booking at the wrong time can lead to higher prices, fewer options, and missed opportunities for perks or upgrades.
How to Avoid:
Know the Booking Windows:
Early Booking: Typically 9-12 months in advance offers the best cabin selection and early bird discounts.
Last-Minute Deals: Available 1-3 months before sailing, but options may be limited. Ideal if you’re flexible.
Consider Wave Season: Book during Wave Season (January to March), when cruise lines offer promotions, perks, and discounted rates.
Use Price Tracking Tools: Websites like CruiseWatch or set alerts on CruiseCritic to monitor price changes.
Tip: If you book early, choose a cruise line that offers price protection so you can get a refund or credit if the price drops.
5. Ignoring Extra Costs and Fees
Mistake: Focusing only on the base fare and underestimating additional costs like gratuities, excursions, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining.
How to Avoid:
Understand What’s Included: Read the fine print to know what’s covered. Most cruises include meals at main dining rooms, standard entertainment, and accommodations, but exclude items like alcohol, shore excursions, and gratuities.
Budget for Extras:
Gratuities: Typically range from $12 to $20 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line.
Beverage Packages: Decide if you want a drink package or will pay per drink. Packages can be costly but convenient.
Wi-Fi: Can be expensive, especially on ocean crossings. Consider whether you need full connectivity.
Look for All-Inclusive Options: Some luxury cruises include excursions, gratuities, and drinks in their fare, which may be more cost-effective overall.
Tip: Create a detailed budget to account for these additional expenses so you’re not caught off guard.
6. Not Researching Shore Excursions in Advance
Mistake: Waiting until you’re onboard to book shore excursions, which can result in missing out on popular activities or overpaying for tours.
How to Avoid:
Book Early for High-Demand Excursions: If there are must-do activities, like glacier hiking in Alaska or visiting the Blue Hole in Belize, book these as soon as they’re available.
Compare Onboard vs. Independent Tours: Onboard tours offer convenience but are often pricier. Check independent tour operators like Viator or ShoreTrips for alternatives.
DIY in Port: Some destinations are easy to explore on your own. Research free or low-cost things to do, like city walking tours or beach days.
Tip: Read reviews of excursions to ensure you’re choosing reputable operators, whether through the cruise line or independently.
7. Overpacking or Underpacking
Mistake: Bringing too much luggage, which can clutter small staterooms, or underpacking and missing essential items.
How to Avoid:
Pack Smart: Plan your outfits based on the itinerary and ship activities. Include versatile clothing items that can be dressed up or down.
Consider Dress Codes: Some cruises have formal nights or themed events. Check the cruise line’s dress code policy in advance.
Bring Essentials: Don’t forget items like motion sickness medication, power strips (cruise-friendly), and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Tip: Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs or extra toiletries you might purchase on board.
8. Ignoring Travel Insurance
Mistake: Skipping travel insurance, which can be risky given the potential for trip disruptions, medical emergencies, or missed ports.
How to Avoid:
Get Comprehensive Coverage: Choose a plan that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and missed connections.
Consider policies from providers like Allianz, Travel Guard, or Travelex.
Understand What’s Covered: Some cruise lines offer their own insurance, but it may have limited coverage compared to third-party providers.
Include “Cancel for Any Reason”: For maximum flexibility, add a “Cancel for Any Reason” option to your policy if you’re worried about last-minute changes.
Tip: Purchase insurance within 14 days of booking to cover pre-existing conditions.
9. Not Planning for Embarkation and Disembarkation Day
Mistake: Underestimating travel time to the port or not scheduling flights carefully, leading to stress or missed connections.
How to Avoid:
Arrive the Day Before: Always fly in at least a day before your cruise departs to account for flight delays or cancellations.
Choose the Right Time for Return Flights: When disembarking, allow ample time for the process. Book return flights for the afternoon or evening to avoid rushing.
Research Transfers: Know your options for getting to and from the cruise port, whether by taxi, ride-sharing, or shuttle.
Tip: Consider adding a pre- or post-cruise stay in your embarkation or disembarkation city to explore the area without time pressure.
10. Not Understanding the Cruise Line’s Cancellation Policy
Mistake: Overlooking cancellation policies and losing money on deposits or bookings if plans change.
How to Avoid:
Read the Fine Print: Check the cruise line’s cancellation policy regarding refunds, credits, and rebooking options.
Look for Flexible Booking Options: Many cruise lines have implemented more lenient policies post-COVID, allowing for free changes or cancellations up to a certain date.
Consider Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Deposits: Refundable deposits may cost slightly more upfront but offer flexibility if your plans change.
Tip: Keep track of your final payment date, as cancellations made after this date usually result in hefty penalties.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.