Choosing the Best Cruise Line

Find the best cruise line for you and your family's needs by deciding what you want from your cruise line, where you want to go and how much you are willing to spend.

Picking Your Travel Destination
Your destination usually determines when you will travel. While cruise lines travel to the Caribbean and Asia year around, cruise lines only sail through the Panama Canal in the spring and fall. Alaskan cruises and most European destinations usually only sail during the summer.

Research the Itinerary
When choosing a cruise line, look carefully at itineraries and ports of call so that you get the experience you want. Cruise lines typically follow two very different routes in Alaska. More cruise lines are offering transpacific trips to Asia, which leave Seattle and Whittier, Alaska and Vancouver, Canada. The Caribbean is broken into three cruise routes: Western routes focus on beaches and Mexican ruins, the Southern routes will bring you to ports in South America and the Eastern routes are known for the best shopping.

If you have time, consider a transpacific cruise to Asia, leaving Seattle and Whittier, Alaska and Vancouver, Canada.  A popular option now is cruise extensions. The cruise line arranges for post cruise excursions, like safaris and luxury railway trips for passengers.

Get Help from Professional Travel Agents
Today, most travel arrangements can easily be made online, with the exception of a cruise. A travel agent with solid cruise line experience is truly the best option, especially if it is your first trip. Not only is professional advice indispensible, you can view online message boards for feedback from cruise line passengers. Your travel agent can assist with selecting a cruise line and booking your trip. It is best to book your flight through the same agent so the cruise line knows if your flight is delayed. If you are traveling a distance to port, it is advisable to arrive the day before.

Are You Getting the Best Deal?
If you want to get the best deal on a cruise, book early and work with a cruise-only travel agent or an online travel agency that specializes in cruises. They are more likely to have access to rate specials and cruise line deals. When calculating the total cost of your trip, don't forget to consider the cabin you select, airfare to port, incidentals and port excursions. If your calendar is flexible, look at shoulder season rates to reduce your costs. Try to travel when children are in school because the ship may be less crowded. Remember that while it may save you cash and the ship is less crowded, there is a reason it is a shoulder season. Look at all of the factors before you book.

Make a List
Once you have chosen a destination, it is time to pick a cruise line. You will need to consider several things when selecting a cruise line. Look at the level of formality of the different ships: will you be require to wear formal attire for dinner or are shorts and flip flops the dress code? Look at who your fellow passengers will be. Honeymooners probably don't want to be on a family cruise during a school vacation week. Decide what is important to you. Large ships have more on-ship entertainment and dining options, but smaller ships stop at more off beaten path ports.

Choose the Right Cabin
The cabin you choose will directly affect the total cost of your cruise. Your best bet is to let your itinerary decide whether you should splurge on a balcony stateroom, or save money and book a stateroom on the inside of the ship.

If your trip focuses on scenery, maximize your vacation by picking a balcony stateroom.  If you will spend most of your cruise time in the open sea, there is no reason to pay big bucks to stare at the horizon for days. Ask your travel agent for tips about which cabins to book based on the view and the actual route of the cruise.