CHOOSING THE PERFECT CRUISE SHIP FOR YOU!

The amenities offered by most cruise ships are similar in nature, and as such choosing the right cruise ship for your vacation is extremely important. Cruise line websites provides you with a wealth of information about their ships, the type of activities that can be found aboard, as well as, and probably most importantly, the cruise itinerary.

Before you make that final decision, find out the answers the following questions; or further more, ask your travel agent.


1. Where does the ship dock? You will need to decide whether or not you want to fly for hours, or drive for an hour.

2. What are the ports of call? Are you the adventure seeker, nature lover, diver or hiker; or you jut absolutely adore shopping?

3. How many sea days do you have? Some persons may need a break from the various ports.

4. What kinds of shore excursions are offered? Do they offer enough of a variety? Do they suit your style?

5. What amenities are included? Meals are included in the ticket price; however on most cruise ships you pay for bottled water, soda and alcohol. Purchasing these items will certainly put a dent I your budget.

6. Is there Internet services? Face book and “Farmville” lovers will need to stay in touch. The twitter fans may have that burning desire to keep on tweeting.

7. Are gratuities additional? Or are they included in your ticket price?

8. What are the dining options? Are there opportunities to eat at a more relaxed pace? Do you have freestyle dining like the Norwegian line or set dinner times like Carnival? Do they offer the Lido Deck dining as Carnival?

9. Do you fit in with the average age onboard? Older persons may find a Carnival cruise, with a horde of college partiers, much too much for them.

10. What's the ticket price? Remember, you get what you pay for onboard a cruise ship.

11. What activities does the ship offer within the ticket price? Each ship offers different levels of activities.

These are just some of the guidelines that you can follow. In addition, there are many review sites and forums/chat rooms where one can get advice and information. Click here for one such site.

Choosing a cruise ship to sail on is a major holiday investment so choose carefully; it would be a shame to invest in holiday memories of how bored or disappointed you felt.