Questions to ask before cruise shopping

Planning a cruise sounds super exciting, right? But before you start cruise shopping on travel websites or reach out to your travel agent, there are a few key things you need to figure out. Shopping for a cruise can feel overwhelming; there are endless choices, from cruise lines to destinations. Knowing what you're looking for ahead of time will make everything easier and save you hours of clicking through sites or waiting longer for your travel agent to send you quotes.

Here are the 5 questions you need to ask yourself before you start shopping for your dream cruise.

Who's Going with You?

First thing's first—who's coming along? Whether you're flying solo or traveling with a partner, friends, or a big multi-generational family, this is key to know before you start cruise shopping. Bringing the kids? Planning a trip with Grandma and Grandpa? Maybe you’re trying to organize a group cruise with friends—if so, group pricing might even play a factor!

Who you're traveling with will impact everything from the type of cabin you book to what cruise line offers the best deal. So ask yourself, “Who’s in?” If you’re booking for others, it’s also good to keep their needs in mind, like cabin preferences, ports, and activities.

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When Can You Go?

Next up: time and length. Are you restricted by a specific time of year, like spring break or a summer vacation window? Or do you have flexibility?

This question also ties into how long you can be away. Some people want a weekend getaway, while others are looking for an extended 10-to-14-day adventure. Nail this down before you start cruise shopping—it'll save you a lot of back and forth.

Figure out your non-negotiable dates and trip length, then you’re ready to shop cruise options that fit your timeframe.

AI Image of a butler serving drinks to a woman in a lounge chair on a cruise ship

What Type of Experience Do You Want?

Let’s think about the vibe now. What kind of experience are you hoping for? Are you dreaming of chilling out by the pool, soaking up the sun with a tropical drink in your hand? Or are you after something that's action-packed, with tons of onboard activities? Maybe you're bringing the kids, and they’ll need entertainment like water slides or a high-energy kids’ club.

Foodies might be searching for cruises with gourmet dining options- like a Celebrity cruise, while others might care more about an adults-only environment- like a Virgin Voyages cruise. There are even cruises dedicated specifically to adults if that’s your thing.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the cabin type. Do you want to splurge on a balcony to enjoy the view, or are you fine with an interior room to save money? Plan your experience around your needs—whether you want a total relaxation mode or a non-stop adventure.

Need some help deciding what type of cabin to book? Our Choosing the Best Cruise Cabin Guide will help!

Where Do You Want to Go?

Now for the fun part—destinations! Where do you dream of going? Is a tropical escape with clear waters calling your name? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to see the stunning glaciers in Alaska?

Depending on where you want to go, the cruise lines will offer different routes and port stops. Want to explore ancient sites across the Mediterranean? Or maybe you’re all about warm beaches in the Caribbean.

Thinking globally? There are also world cruises for the traveler wanting to see multiple continents. Knowing your dream destination beforehand helps narrow your search in an instant.

Need some inspiration? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Top Caribbean and Bahamas Cruise Ports

What’s Your Budget?

Let’s get real for a sec—what’s your budget? This might be the toughest question of all, but it’s a necessary one. Whether you’re aiming for something luxurious or you’re on a tight budget, knowing your financial limit sets the tone for your trip.

You don’t need to have an exact dollar amount, but try to have a ballpark figure in mind. Can you spend $2,000 per person? Or maybe $10,000 for the whole family? Some people have an open budget, but for most of us, setting a price range keeps us focused and stops us from getting overwhelmed by all the choices.

Bonus Tip: What Are You Flexible On?

Okay, here’s a bonus golden tip when cruise shopping: Flexibility is your friend. How flexible are you on the answers to all these questions?

Can you move your travel dates around a bit? Maybe invite a few friends later? Or are there must-haves like a certain destination or specific ship experience?

If you're flexible on the “nice-to-haves,” you may score a better deal or find more options that work for your group. But if you’re set on something specific, like cruising to a must-see destination, that’s important to know and stick to.

Questions Matter

Whether you're planning your first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, having these five questions answered before you start shopping makes things so much easier. Not only will you save loads of time, but you'll also have a clearer idea of what you're looking for, making the entire booking process a breeze.

Remember, cruise shopping is supposed to be fun, not stressful. So, prep yourself with these questions and hit the ground running to find the cruise of your dreams!

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Until next time, be Shore To Cruise! 🌊