Planning a cruise is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences, whether you're setting sail for the first time or you're a seasoned cruiser ready to embark on another adventure. With new itineraries, advanced ship features, and evolving trends in the cruising world, there’s never been a better time to explore the high seas. But to ensure your dream vacation goes off without a hitch, there are a few key things you should keep in mind.

This guide covers the top seven must-do tips for planning your 2024 or 2025 cruise. These practical insights will help you choose the right ship, stick to your budget, and make the most of your onboard experience. Whether you're after family fun, luxurious relaxation, or an adventure-filled getaway, we've got you covered. Keep reading until the end because tip number seven is a real game-changer—booking activities in advance can be the key to transforming your entire vacation!

1. Choose the Right Cruise Line for You

Choosing the best cruise line for your 2024 or 2025 vacation is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. Different cruise lines offer different experiences, so finding the one that suits your style can make or break your trip.

Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

For families traveling in 2024, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Disney Cruise Line should be at the top of your list. These lines offer plenty of kid-friendly activities, from water slides and kids’ clubs to family-friendly entertainment like Broadway-style shows.

Disney Cruise Line is perfect for die-hard Disney fans, but it comes with a hefty price tag. If you're on a tighter budget but still want lots of family fun, Royal Caribbean and NCL provide excellent alternatives.

Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines

For those looking to save money, MSC Cruises provides a budget-friendly option for 2024. Known for their European flair and competitive pricing, MSC offers an affordable way to cruise, though you might find some compromises in terms of food quality or entertainment options. Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, especially on their older ships, also offer cost-effective cruises. However, be mindful of what's included. While budget cruises may have lower upfront costs, they often come with additional onboard fees for things like dining, drinks, and activities, so it’s important to factor those into your overall budget.

Premium Cruise Options

If you're looking for a more sophisticated, adults-only experience, consider premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises. These lines are known for offering an elevated cruising experience with a focus on gourmet dining, elegant onboard amenities, and adult-centric activities. You’ll find fewer children compared to family-oriented cruise lines, making them perfect for a romantic getaway, a special celebration, or simply a quieter, more tranquil vacation.

A newer player in the premium cruise market, Virgin Voyages has quickly made a name for itself with its bold, modern approach to cruising. Designed exclusively for adults (18+), Virgin focuses on a lively and modern atmosphere. Virgin Voyages is perfect for younger couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a social, vibrant, and adults-only experience at sea, with an emphasis on freedom and fun.

Luxury Cruise Options

For travelers seeking a more sophisticated, adults-only experience, several premium cruise lines offer a blend of luxury, service, and immersive itineraries. Viking Ocean Cruises, MSC Explora Journeys, Oceania Cruises, and Azamara are excellent choices for those looking to elevate their cruise experience. These lines focus on refined dining, intimate ship settings, and culturally immersive excursions, providing a perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Whether you're drawn to the culinary excellence of Oceania, the destination immersion of Azamara, or the elegant and relaxed atmosphere aboard Viking and MSC Explora, these premium options cater to discerning cruisers seeking a more enriching and upscale journey.

Ultra Luxury Options

If you're willing to splurge, ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn deliver unparalleled service, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive pricing. Although prices can start from $7,000 per person, the all-inclusive nature means fewer additional costs once you're onboard.

2. Ship Size Matters More Than You Think

When planning your cruise, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is what size ship to sail on. The size of the ship can greatly affect your onboard experience and the destinations you'll visit.

Small Ships (Less than 1,000 Passengers)

Smaller ships offer a more intimate cruising experience and often visit ports that larger ships cannot access. These ships are ideal for travelers looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Lines like Oceania Cruises or Azamara specialize in smaller ships with fewer passengers, offering luxury, personalized service, and access to less crowded ports.

Mid-Sized Ships (1,000-3,000 Passengers)

If you want the best of both worlds, consider a mid-sized ship. These ships are large enough to offer a variety of activities, dining options, and entertainment, but without the chaos of mega-ships. Celebrity Cruises and Holland America both offer ships in this size category, giving you a good balance between onboard fun and relaxation.

Mega-Ships (Over 3,000 Passengers)

Mega-ships like those operated by Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) are floating cities. These ships have everything from surf simulators and water slides to shopping malls and zip lines. While they offer endless entertainment, they can also feel crowded, especially during sea days. For families or solo travelers looking for non-stop action, mega-ships are perfect, but be prepared for busy public spaces.

When deciding on ship size, think about your preferences: do you want a quiet retreat or a bustling atmosphere with endless activities? This will help narrow down your options and ensure you have the best experience.

3. Plan Your Budget Carefully

Cruising can vary in cost depending on the cruise line, the time of year, and what’s included in the price. To ensure you stay within your budget, consider all aspects of the cruise, from the fare itself to additional onboard expenses.

Cruise Fare

When comparing cruise fares, always take into account what’s included. Some luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Viking offer all-inclusive packages that include drinks, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi, which may make the upfront cost higher but save you money in the long run. Other mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival offer lower base fares but charge extra for many onboard activities, drinks, and specialty dining.

When to Book

For those planning a cruise in 2024, booking early is often the best strategy for securing a good deal, especially for newer ships or popular itineraries. However, last-minute deals can still be found on older ships if you have flexibility with your travel dates.

Keep an eye out for promotions during wave season (January-March), as this is when cruise lines often offer their best discounts. If you're cruising on a budget, also consider sailing during off-peak times when kids are in school, such as late spring or early fall.

4. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any cruise, especially in 2024 or 2025 when travel plans can still be affected by unexpected events like flight cancellations or medical emergencies.

What to Look for in a Policy

When purchasing travel insurance, make sure it covers the following:

• Trip Cancellations: In case you need to cancel your cruise for any reason, especially in light of COVID-19 uncertainties.

• Medical Emergencies: Healthcare costs can be high onboard or in foreign countries, so ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and treatment.

• Lost Luggage: Cruises often involve flights, which increases the chances of lost luggage. Make sure your policy covers this, too.

Always double-check that your policy includes coverage for cruises, as not all standard travel insurance policies do.

5. Plan Your Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are one of the highlights of any cruise, offering a chance to explore new destinations. You can either book your excursions through the cruise line or go the DIY route.

Cruise Line Excursions

Booking excursions through the cruise line offers peace of mind, as they guarantee you'll make it back to the ship on time. However, these excursions are often more expensive, and you might find yourself in large groups, which can feel rushed.

DIY Shore Excursions

If you're more adventurous and comfortable navigating foreign ports on your own, you can often save money by planning your own excursions. Just make sure you leave plenty of time to return to the ship, as it won’t wait for late passengers.

A middle ground is using reputable local tour companies, which can offer a more personalized experience while still being affordable. Services like Viator and Klook are great options for booking local tours and activities, allowing you to read reviews and choose excursions that fit your interests and budget. These platforms offer a wide range of excursions, from guided city tours to adrenaline-packed adventures, giving you flexibility and often better prices than the cruise line’s offerings.

6. Pack Smart

Packing for a cruise is different from packing for other types of vacations, largely due to the limited space in cruise cabins. Overpacking can quickly lead to a cluttered cabin, so it’s important to bring only the essentials.

Essential Items

When packing, think about your destination. If you're cruising to tropical locations, bring plenty of lightweight clothing and sun protection. If you're heading to colder destinations, like Alaska or Northern Europe, pack layers.

We also recommend bringing a small portable fan to keep your cabin cool, magnets for organizing paperwork on the cabin walls, and a multi-USB charger, as outlets can be scarce in cruise cabins.

For a full guide on what to bring, check out our Ultimate Cruise Packing List to make sure you're fully prepared!

7. Book Onboard Activities and Dining in Advance

This is the tip that can truly make or break your cruise experience. Most cruise lines allow passengers to pre-book dining, shore excursions, drink packages, and entertainment before boarding. Doing so not only helps you avoid disappointment (popular restaurants and shows often sell out), but it can also save you money.

Use the Cruise Line’s App

Most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity, have apps that allow you to manage your trip from your phone. With these apps, you can book dining and entertainment, check daily schedules, join virtual queues, and view your onboard spending. This makes it much easier to stay organized and make the most of your cruise.

For even more advice, check out our video where we dive into the seven things you must do before your next cruise. Watch it below:

By following these seven tips, you’ll be ready for smooth sailing in 2024 or 2025. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these strategies will help you get the most out of your adventure at sea. Be sure to check out our other first time cruise travel tips and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more helpful content.