What Should I Consider When Booking A Cruise For The First Time?

Embarking on a cruise for the first time can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. You likely have friends that LOVE cruising and others in your circle that insist they will never cruise. I find often that people only know what they see on social media and these clips and reels are not always the most complementary to an experience that we may select for you. The myriad of options, activities, and destinations can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it could become one of the most memorable vacations of your life. Here are some interesting facts and key considerations to keep in mind as a first-time cruiser.

TravelOnlyWith Kenis ready to assist you to find the right cruise line, the right ship, the right destination, and the right pre and post cruise experiences for you.

Below are some of the questions that Ken Graham would ask you to be able to match you with the right cruise experience.

As a Travel Advisor and Cruise Specialist, it is essential for me to understand your likes, dislikes, and overall expectations for your cruise vacation. There are so many cruise experiences available on the market today and they are all made for very different tastes. Even cruise lines that travel to the same destination offer very different overall experiences, both onboard and ashore.

I ask, as a new client to TravelOnly With Ken, that you answer as many of these questions below as you can. I can only customize the best experience for you if I understand your needs and expectations.

Any questions that you leave blank and unanswered, I will understand to mean that they will not impact your experience, and therefore will not affect my research and offers.

General Questions and Considerations:

  1. Have you been on a cruise before?
    1. If yes, what cruise lines?
    2. What did you like about your past cruises?
    3. What did you not like about your past cruises
  2. What destinations are you interested in?
  3. What is your preferred travel season or time frame?
  4. How long would you like the cruise to be?
  5. What is your budget for the cruise?
  6. Are you celebrating any special occasion on this cruise?
  7. Do you have a preference for a specific cruise line?
  8. Preference for size of ship?
    1. Large - >3000 people?
    2. Medium – Between 2000 and 3000 people
    3. Small - <1500 people
    4. Very small - <900 people
  9. Are you looking for a specific theme or focus for your cruise (e.g., wellness, culinary, adventure)?

Travel Companions and Dynamics:

  1. Are you traveling as a couple, solo, or with friends?
  2. How many people are in your travel group?
  3. Travelling as a Solo?Here are some very specific questions for you:
  4. Are you interested in cruises that offer socializing opportunities for solo travellers?
  5. Are you looking for cabins designed specifically for Solo travellers?(Note that not all cruise lines offer these cabins, and some may only be available as Inside cabins, window only, or if a balcony they could have an obstructed view.
  6. Are you comfortable sitting with others for meals?
  7. Do you have any specific needs or preferences for you or your travel companions?

Accommodation Preferences:

  1. What type of cabin are you interested in (interior, ocean view, balcony, suite)?
  2. Do you prefer a more private or more social accommodation setting?
  3. Are you interested in luxurious accommodations or more budget-friendly options?
  4. Do you require any specific amenities in your cabin (e.g., balcony, suite with butler service)?
  5. Are you interested in adult-only or more exclusive areas on the ship?

Dining Preferences / Beverage Preferences:

  1. Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences?
  2. Are you interested in fine dining, casual dining, or a mix of both?
  3. Would you like a dining package that includes specialty restaurants?
  4. Do you prefer flexible dining times or scheduled mealtimes?
  5. Are you interested in culinary experiences like cooking classes or wine tastings?
  6. Do you want coffee/tea/soft drinks included?
  7. Do you want to investigate an alcoholic beverage package, or pay for drinks as you consume them?
  8. Do you want to investigate Mocktail options and packages?

Entertainment and Activities:

  1. What types of activities are you interested in (e.g., shows, live music, dancing, movies, casinos, waterslides, pools, etc.)?Please list all.
  2. Do you enjoy participating in themed events or parties?
  3. Are you interested in wellness activities such as yoga or fitness classes?
  4. Do you enjoy learning activities such as lectures, workshops, or cultural presentations?
  5. Do you want an onboard library?
  6. Are you looking for opportunities to relax and unwind, such as spas or quiet lounges?
  7. Do you want access to sports facilities, like a gym, tennis court, or pool?
  8. Do you want WiFi and if so, will you be working onboard, or is this just for personal entertainment and connection with friends/family?

Excursions and Onshore Activities:

  1. What types of shore activities are you interested in (e.g., historical tours, beach, adventure sports, hiking, cycling, other)?
  2. Do you prefer organized excursions or exploring independently?
  3. Are you interested in cultural experiences or activities related to the destination's history?
  4. Do you want to include adventurous activities such as hiking, diving, or zip-lining?
  5. Are you looking for unique or less touristy excursion options?

Health and Safety:

  1. Do you have any medical conditions or mobility issues that require special accommodations?(Note that many cruise lines do not accommodate Electric Scooters, or wheelchairs.These mobility devices must be investigated by cruise line.)
  2. Are you interested in cruises that have onboard medical facilities? (Ocean Cruises generally do, River Cruises generally do not)

Travel Logistics:

  1. Do you need assistance with flights?
  2. Are you interested in pre/post-cruise accommodations and activities?
  3. Are you looking for cruises that depart from a specific port?
  4. Do you require transportation to and from the port?
  5. Do you need assistance with travel insurance?
  6. Do you have a preference for specific embarkation or disembarkation cities?

Personal Preferences and Concerns:

  1. Do you have any concerns about seasickness?
  2. Are you interested in luxury or budget-friendly options?
  3. Do you have a preference for larger ships with more amenities or smaller, more intimate ships?
  4. Do you have a preference for a more active or more relaxed cruise experience?
  5. Are you interested in themed cruises or cruises with specific activities (e.g., culinary, wellness)?
  6. Do you have any preferences for onboard policies or atmosphere (e.g., formal vs. casual, adult-only)?

Special Requests:

  1. Do you have any special requests or requirements for your cruise experience?
  2. Are there any particular cultural or language needs for you or your group?
  3. Would you like a personalized experience or itinerary planning?
  4. Are you looking for unique or off-the-beaten-path cruise experiences?

Feedback and Additional Information:

  1. Is there anything specific that would make this cruise experience exceptional for you?
  2. What was your favorite part of your last vacation?
  3. Do you have any concerns or reservations about cruising?
  4. Is there anything else I should know to help plan your perfect cruise?

Follow-Up Questions:

  1. Are there any questions or concerns you have that I haven’t covered?

This list may seem long, however many people when considering their first cruise do not take into account what they may want or even need for a great cruise vacation.

Get in touch with me and let's discuss what will make a great cruise vacation that is personalized to you.