How To Book A Cruise On Your Own and Make the Most of It!

How to Book a Cruise on Your Own and Make the Most of It

Cruising is a great way to see the world, and it can be a lot of fun to book your own cruise. Curtis & I have been on 2 cruises and plan to go on in December and another in January. We recently booked the December cruise and are doing it on our own.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Do your research. Before you start booking, take some time to research different cruise lines and itineraries. What kind of experience are you looking for? Are you interested in a luxury cruise or a more budget-friendly option? Do you want to see a specific destination or just explore the open seas? Once you have a good idea of what you're looking for, you can start narrowing down your options. 
2. Compare prices. Once you've found a few cruises that you're interested in, compare prices from different websites. There are a lot of different travel websites that offer cruise packages, so it's important to shop around and find the best deal. You can also check AARP, if you are a member, as they sometimes have Gift Cards you can purchase at a discount for certain cruise lines. 
3. Book early. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often get a better deal by booking early. Cruise lines often offer discounts for booking early, so it's worth checking out their websites as soon as you know when you want to travel. When booking your cruise and you also need to travel by plane or even drive a distance, I recommend arriving the day before and stay at a hotel overnight near the dockyard. This way you ensure you arrive on time and not worry that your flight may be delayed or you have traffic or automobile issues and may be delayed. 
4. Consider a travel agent. If you're not comfortable booking your own cruise, you can always work with a travel agent. Travel agents can help you find the best deals and book your cruise for you.
5. Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan when you're cruising, so it's important to be flexible. If your flight is delayed or your cruise ship has to change itineraries, don't panic. Just roll with the punches and enjoy the ride. 

Once you've booked your cruise, here are some tips on how to make the most of it:

• Plan your activities. Before you leave, take some time to plan your activities for the cruise. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Cruise lines have many excursions you can book. 
• Explore the ship. Take some time to explore the ship and find all the amenities that are available. There are often pools, hot tubs, gyms, and even casinos on cruise ships. You can check YouTube for tours of the specific ship you want to book. 
• Meet new people. One of the best things about cruising is meeting new people from all over the world. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers.
• Try new things. If you're not used to cruising, you might be surprised by all the different things you can do. There are often cooking classes, trivia nights, and karaoke contests on cruise ships. Most cruise lines offer so many activities, you will never be bored!
• Relax and enjoy yourself. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourself. After all, you're on vacation! Leave your troubles at home and just have fun. 

Cruising can be a great way to see the world and have some fun. By following these tips, you can book your own cruise and make the most of your experience.

Here are some additional tips for booking a cruise on your own:

• Consider the time of year. Cruise prices can vary depending on the time of year. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often get a better deal by booking during the off-season. 
• Choose a cruise line that's right for you. There are a lot of different cruise lines out there, so it's important to choose one that's a good fit for you. Consider your interests, budget, and travel style when making your decision.
• Read the fine print. Before you book your cruise, be sure to read the fine print. This will help you understand what's included in your package and what's not. Many cruise lines charge you for your beverage package and remember if there are two or more of you over the age of 21, you all have to get the package that serves alcohol if you are in the same stateroom. 
• Ask questions. If you have any questions about booking a cruise, don't be afraid to ask. The cruise line's website or customer service department should be able to help you. You can also join many Facebook groups for your particular cruise line. The seasoned cruiser will have many tips to share. With that said, still read the fine print as stated above. 

With a little planning, you can book a cruise on your own and have a great time. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next cruise today!