A Guide to Cruise Travel – Westchase WOW

If you’ve ever thought about taking a cruise, you’re not alone. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) “State of the Cruise Industry” report released in May 2024, passenger volume reached 31.7 million in 2023, surpassing 2019 by 7%. With continued demand for cruise holidays, it’s not surprising that 27% of cruisers over the past two years were new-to-cruise. With so many choices for cruising, planning a trip can seem overwhelming, so I spoke with Carmen Palogruto, Travel Advisor with Cruise Planners, to get expert advice, tips and information for planning a great vacation at sea.

Picking the right ship

When it comes to cruise lines and ships, there are plenty to choose from. Palogruto said it’s important to consider what type of entertainment, activities and amenities you and your travel party are interested in. If you have a family with young children, do they want pools, waterslides, rock climbing walls and a kids’ club? If you’re a couple, are you more interested in dining and spa options? With cruise lines constantly launching newer and bigger ships, some people consider just being on the ship a destination and don’t have a preference which ports the ship sails to. For others, visiting certain islands in the Caribbean and taking shore excursions may be the priority.

“The beauty of it is there’s options for everybody,” said Palogruto.

Ship Staterooms

On a cruise ship, there are three main categories: Interior, Oceanview and Balcony. It’s important to take into account how many people are in your travel party and which stateroom will be the best configuration and most comfortable for everyone. If you have a family of four with two teenagers, ask yourself if it’s feasible to share one small bathroom for an entire week. In many cases, booking two adjoining staterooms is the better option because it provides more space for everyone. The bathroom is also something to consider if you have a baby or young children.

“Disney Cruise Line is notorious for their family split bathrooms,” said Palogruto. “Most of the cruise lines outside of Disney do not have a bathtub in their rooms.”

Palogruto said picking the location of your stateroom on the ship is important and he always looks at the deck configurations with his clients. The ships are divided into forward, mid and aft sections, and the mid and lower decks tend to feel less motion. Also, booking a stateroom near any decks with a lot of activity, such as the pool or sports deck, might result in hearing loud sounds or music late at night. Does anyone in your travel party have a physical limitation? Then booking a stateroom near an elevator would be beneficial.

Cost – What’s Included?

“Cruises are going to include three meals a day, some sort of beverages that are non-alcoholic, entertainment on board, access to the gym and kids’ clubs,” said Palogruto.

It’s important to know that cruises will have extra costs beyond the initial per passenger fare, such as gratuities for dining and stateroom staff. All cruise lines differ in what they charge for alcohol packages, soda packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and some fitness classes. For example, soda is included on Disney Cruise Line, but costs extra on Royal Caribbean.

Also consider how you are getting to the port. If you’re driving to a port, then you’ll have to pay for parking for the duration of your cruise. If you’re flying to a port, then factor in airfare and possibly a hotel stay before or after your cruise.

Depending on your ship’s itinerary, shore excursions may be available which are an extra cost. Excursions can be booked through the cruise line or through other outlets. Even if you don’t purchase a shore excursion, think about how much money you plan to spend in port on transportation fees, dining and shopping.

Plan Ahead

The time of year you take a cruise has a significant impact on availability and cost. During summer, school breaks and holidays, demand is high, and ships can fill up quickly well in advance. Also, cruises to areas such as Alaska and Northern Europe are seasonal and have a limited cruise window compared to the Caribbean which offers greater frequency and operates year-round.

“Plan ahead because that really gives you the best opportunity to have selection and value,” said Palogruto. “Last minute cruises probably won’t give you what you’re looking for.”

How to Book a Cruise

All major cruise lines accept online and phone reservations, but if you still have questions about your travel plans, consulting a travel professional can be beneficial. With expert industry insight and knowledge, they can answer questions and offer personal planning service. Palogruto said that the number one misconception is that using a travel advisor costs more. In fact, using a travel advisor is free, plus they often have access to special rates and provide fare watching.

“Anything that is advertised, a travel advisor can book,” said Palogruto. “Using a travel advisor is really the way to go.”