What type of cruiser are you?
When it comes to taking a cruise on a river or ocean, there isn’t really a bad choice. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports. Each one comes with its own unique perks, and depending on your specific needs and desires for your next trip, you might find that one is a better fit than the other. So how do you decide?
You stop almost every day at a new port with river cruises, often for walking tours through quaint towns with little tourist traffic, and you’re always in view of land. With ocean cruises, you can go days without seeing land, and ports of call and excursions tend to be more exotic and high adventure, and/or heavily geared towards tourists.
Questions to ask yourself: • Do you like to be on the open sea with no land in sight for days at a time? • Is anyone in your party fearful of traveling the open sea and not seeing land for long stretches? • Do you like the comfort of ports of call that are more geared towards tourists? Or, do you prefer to explore more authentic cities and towns? • Do you like to have many options for shore excursions - from shopping, to bus tours, to zip-lining through the jungle, or are you content with fewer, often less exotic options, such as bike or walking tours of quaint little towns.
Because of their larger size, ocean cruises offer plenty of options for many ages, from young kids to octogenarians, and they are often more able to accommodate a wide variety of special health needs. For this reason, they tend to make the best option for multi-generational family gatherings that include young children. For the traveler who is into high-octane adventure, ocean cruises provide a wide variety of activities on board, as well as exotic and more daring day excursions.
Questions to ask yourself: • How many people are traveling? • What are their ages? • Do you need the amenities of a mega ship — spas, gyms, a dozen restaurants, and many activities? • Or are you looking for something calmer, more intimate and easy-paced?
River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, you’re much more likely to be interacting with other passengers and crew members. That smaller scale translates to all areas of the river cruise. You dine on a regular schedule at tables with other passengers (wine is typically included in the price of the cruise). Instead of 50 different things to do on board, amenities tend to be more modest with river cruises — think libraries, a workout room, cultural programs, and free Wifi vs. ten kids’ playrooms, glitzy Broadway shows, and a skydiving simulator. There tend to be fewer kids on river cruises, making them popular for couples seeking quiet and relaxed time together.
Questions to ask yourself: • How important is it to you to have a variety of activities? • Do you like interaction with other cruisers, or do you prefer to remain more anonymous? • Are you traveling with young children and are looking for a high energy, high stimulation environment? Or, do you prefer a more quiet, relaxed vacation?
River cruises do tend to be more expensive per person — but that price also includes more things. Ocean cruises have a lower sticker price per person, but you are often charged extra for alcohol and other amenities. As always, I’m here and would love to discuss your next cruise. We can look at all the details of your upcoming trip — what you need, what you want, what your dream is — and together we can come up with a cruise you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your life.
If you are looking for Disney magic, look no further as Disney cruise lines has great itineraries and destinations for everyone on your list !
Virgin is exclusive for anyone over 18 years old. They have won an array of awards.
Destinations include but no limited to the following:
- Caribbean
- Transatlantic and More
- South Pacific
- Europe
Please feel free to book on your own or reach out for any assistance.
Lets talk about what MAY NOT be covered during a cruise.
I am a firm believer in education. I wanted to write this so you are also aware of additional costs that can come up while planning for a cruise, as it can get pricey when you start creating your ideal vacation.
Again, this is just a basic overview and it can vary by ship.
These things are:
- Different category of rooms/cabins-Upgrading your staterooms First and foremost you have what is the most basic of all , "Interior". These rooms have no windows whatsoever. They will be the most economical option. Next on the list is is the ,"Oceanview". You have a small window that allows you to see outside. This is considered a step in price above the most economical. Next on the list is the "Balcony". Your room comes with a balcony. This is considered a step in price above the ocean view category. Next are what is considered the " Veranda's/ Suites". These are the biggest and the most expensive as you may get different amenities, depending on the ship you are sailing on.
- Beverage package (coffee, soda, alcohol). You will probably need to purchase one. You will be charged depending on what you want , per person, per day.
- Specialty dining or other special venues. Yes cruises already come with your food, and are considered ,"the basics" ( hamburgers, pizza, etc). If you are looking to dine at one of their fancier restaurants, be ready to pay an additional cost. Plus keep in mind that you will probably also need to make reservations.
- Excursions. If you are looking forward to a specific port and want to do an excursion, this may not be included. These can also be additional costs.
- Wifi. This is something else that you will need to pay if you want WIFI on your cruise. Not having wifi and answering a phone in the middle of the ocean can get VERY expensive.
- Spa Treatments, fitness classes and other specialty courses. If you want to be involved in any of theses things while you are on a cruise. some cruises will ask you to pay an additional fee.
- Gratuities/Service Fees- All major cruise lines will charge a daily fee. These can add a significant bump to your total cost of the trip.
- Port fees. This will also be an added extra cost.
- Plane tickets. Especially if you live far from the port your cruise is departing from. (Example- you live in New Mexico and you need to get to Miami for your cruise)
- The stay before and after your cruise. Are you wanting to come and stay in town before and after your trip to get to know the area? Think additional costs for hotel, food and additional activities you may want to do.
- Insurance. If any emergency occurs while you are on board or prior to boarding, you should be covered. There are many options to choose from.
These are just some things that may not be included in your cruise. Its always a great idea to get familiarized with your cruise and what it offers.
However, please do not be discouraged when it comes to cruises. Throughout the year, they offer great incentives AND savings. I have seen sales such as: 50-60% off second passenger, free Wifi, free beverage upgrade, onboard credits, free room upgrades, kids sail free PLUS second passenger 70% off and more !
It is a good idea to keep eye on these specials.
Definitely keep in mind on what are your biggest priorities while you are planning your cruise, especially if you are on a budget. There are somethings you will have to pay ( examples-port fees, gratuity fees, beverage packages) and others that are considered optional ( examples- specialty dining, spa treatments and upgrading your staterooms). This will help you narrow it down and allow you to choose the best vacation for you and your family.