Tuesday, December 9, 2008

How to Plan the Perfect Cruise - 6 Secrets For Making Your First Cruise Exceptional

By Steve Schulman

Want to take a cruise? You're in for something special. But in order to get the very most out of it you'll want to prepare as much as possible before you leave the pier. That way, when you come aboard, you can forget all your cares and woes and just have the time of your life.

Where do you want to go?

The first thing to consider is where you want to go. There are so many fantastic and exotic locations and ports that await you. Perhaps one of these adventures will light your fire.

  • Cruises to Alaska
  • Cruises to the Bahamas
  • Cruises to Bermuda
  • Cruises to the Caribbean
  • Cruises in Europe
  • Cruises to Hawaii
  • Cruises to the Mexican Riviera
  • What cruise line is for you?

    Next you'll have to decide on a cruise line. This is one of the most challenging parts of the process.

    Cruise lines today offer almost countless choices. There are cruises for every budget and lifestyle. It's not so hard to figure out what's right for you, though, if you know how to break down your options.

    How much does it cost?

    Some cruise lines are more luxurious and more expensive than others. So figure out your budget. If the sky's the limit you're going to be blown away by what's available. On the other hand, if you're on a more limited budget and you're looking to conserve money, you will want to choose one of the cheaper options. There are great cruises available to fit almost every pocketbook.

    What's the theme of the cruise?

    Nowadays most cruises have themes, so you'll want to choose a cruise where you can meet people with similar interests and lifestyles as yours. Here are some of your choices.

  • Singles cruises
  • Family cruises
  • Gay and lesbian cruises
  • Seniors cruises
  • Honeymoon cruises
  • What cruise lines to consider

    These are some of the especially popular cruise lines. If you haven't gone on a cruise before you'll want to look at these first.

  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Cunard Line
  • Disney Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Orient Lines
  • Princess Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Silversea
  • Windstar Cruises
  • What to bring

    You're also going to have to figure out what you're going to do aboard the ship and bring the appropriate apparel. Will you work out, go skating, hang around the swimming pool or just stroll around the decks and take in the nightlife?

  • Don't worry too much about doing this yourself because most cruise lines will be happy to help.
  • They want to make sure that you have the best possible cruising experience when you're on their ships.

    Setting out a cruise budget

    Now you're going to have to consider the extra money you'll bring along for entertainment, excursions, food, drinks and purchases at stops along the way. Try to have a decent sized cushion because somehow whatever you bring often doesn't seem like it will be enough and you don't want to be caught short of cash at any point of your trip.

    Take a look at Cruise Apparel to make sure you pack right and guarantee yourself a great trip. And to find out how to get the lowest possible prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels as well as cruises, take a look at a review of "Save on Airfare" at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and learn how to make it happen.

    (c) Copyright - Steve Schulman.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Schulman
    http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Plan-the-Perfect-Cruise---6-Secrets-For-Making-Your-First-Cruise-Exceptional&id=1315750



    Recommended reading:
    Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

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