7 Cruise Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Your Cruise

I cruise an average of 100 days a year and I have made my share of cruising mistakes.

I want to share with you 7 cruise mistakes you will want to Avoid before booking your cruise.

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Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

I have made all of these cruise mistakes, and I want to share with you from my experience so you will know what cruise mistakes to avoid when planning your next cruise.

Overpacking/ Under packing

Now, let's be honest, I would much rather overpack than under pack, but both can be a mistake. It is important to pack the right amount of clothes and essentials for your cruise. If you overpack, you will just be lugging around extra baggage. Plus, if you buy souvenirs then you may have a hard time finding room for everything at the end of your cruise.

If you under pack, you may not have the right clothes for all of your activities. For instance, there have been activities I wanted to do that I needed close toed shoes for and didn't have them, and Mark forgot to bring the proper attire for a specialty dining restaurant.

The number one thing I would forget was chargers for our devices.

Not Booking the Right Cabin

There are a variety of cabins available on cruise ships. It is important to choose a cabin that is right for you. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to avoid a cabin near the elevator, pool deck, or nightclub. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to book a cabin midship and lower.

Plus, think about guaranteed cabins if they are right for you (this is where the cruise line will choose where your cabin is located). While you can save money booking a guaranteed cabin, choosing your location might be something you want to do to make sure you have that perfect cabin.

Ignoring the Fine Print of Your Cruise Contract

It is important to read the fine print of your cruise contract. This will help you understand the cancellation policies, travel insurance requirements, payment plans, and amenities included. If you use a travel agent they can help you further with your cruise contract, but if you choose not to use a travel agent, as I do so often, definitely make sure you know what to expect.

Not Considering the Full Cost of Your Cruise

In addition to the cruise fare, there are other costs associated with going on a cruise. These costs include gratuities, onboard activities, specialty dining, Port costs, and shore excursions. Plus, don't forget travel costs getting to and from the cruise port and any dining you will do before boarding the ship, this should all be included in your total budget for your cruise.

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Not Booking a Shore Excursion

Shore excursions can be a great way to experience your destination. For instance, when I booked an excursion in Roatan, Honduras I got to experience the local culture that I wouldn't have if I had stayed at Mahogany Bay.

However, excursions can also be expensive. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider booking shore excursions through a third-party company, like Viator. Viator is a very reliable and reputable third party. I only recommend booking a third-party shore excursion if you know you won't be far from the port or if you know you will have plenty of time to make it back to the ship.

Not Researching Your Port of Call

It is important to research your Port of Call before you go on your cruise so you will know what to expect. This will help you understand what there is to see and do at the port. You don't want to get back on the ship and find out that you missed out on a great place to visit that you weren't aware that was available. Plus, planning your port activities can also help you to budget better.

Not Booking at the Right Time

The price of your cruise will vary depending on the time of year you book. You can often find cheaper prices by booking during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). Also, consider booking during Wave season (Jan - March), which is when the majority of cruises are booked, and you can often find some of the best deals during this time even if you are booking a cruise for the prime time of the summer months.

Tip: If you are staying in a hotel before your cruise, you can often find cheaper hotel prices during these off-season months as well.

In addition to the mistakes mentioned in this post, here are a few other tips for booking your cruise:

• Book your cruise as far in advance as possible. This will give you the best selection of cabins and prices.

• Consider using a travel agent. A travel agent can help you find the best cruise for your needs and budget.

• Read online reviews of the cruise line and ship you are considering. This can help you get a sense of what other people's experiences were like.

• Be sure to have travel insurance. This will protect you in case you have to cancel your cruise or if you experience any problems while you are on board.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

I would also like to add that it is important to be flexible with your plans. Things can change, so it is important to be prepared to adapt.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your cruise!