HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT CRUISE - 10 Things to Consider when Picking a Cruise

[@Dangic23]

My personal way of selecting a cruise.... 1. Where I have not been to yet. 2. Browse available ships that are 8 years or newer crusing the destination. 3. Pick best price/value from above.

[@AmandaShows]

Great tips! It’s hard to pick a cruise sometimes. Lots of factors to think about.

[@jonm8733]

Destination is first, followed by price, cruise line and embarkation city. We have sailed in warm and cold weather, but the destination was more important. We would rather go on fewer, longer cruises to see the world than many cruises to the Caribbean. We will be taking a 13 night and our longest cruise to date - 24 night - in 2020.

[@jonm8733]

Oceania for the long cruise. Celebrity for the 13 night - our 2nd cruise on Celebrity (first was Panama Canal).

[@jonm8733]

Ken S we’ve also been on Princess and Viking (both river and ocean cruise). Viking Sky was our favorite cruise ship and cruise, from London to Norway in Feb. 2019.

[@jonm8733]

Ken S we don’t do any of that stuff either. We haven’t been on Holland yet, but I’ve heard good things about them.

[@Dangic23]

I also do destination first. Then I look at ships no older than 8 years old. Then price. I never consider cruise line, or how far I have to fly.

[@jonm8733]

Dangic23 we don’t really care how far we have to fly, but we usually spend a couple days or more in the embarkation city or the disembarkation city. Never know if we’ll get back to that city or not, so the biggest costs are already incurred, so a couple of extra days in a foreign city is part of the adventure.

[@jodura3363]

It is still itinerary for us. We will cruise same place more than once to allow us to see explore more. Price is a factor especially as we really do not want to sway from a balcony - WE LOVE!!

[@tommyb2136]

you done good Tony, list is complete with order to be determined by the individual, like many things in life, just do it!

[@michaelatherton5761]

Opps, I thought of another factor that's made a lot of difference to us: embarcation port. We have to fly, living in the midwest, and there are major differences in cost depending on port. Airfares can differ radically (the airlines also seem to tweak fares up on embarcation days), hotels costs can also vary widely (airport hotels seem to be the cheapest and often have free airport shuttles). Some hotels will also have port shuttles. Staying over a night or two might save a lot of money on airfare. There are some ports that have no cheap way to get from the airport or hotels to the port. Tony and Jenny most often seem to drive and have mentioned free parking. It's helps to research all this in advance. We're thinking of doing a 14 Hawaii and Carnival leaves out of San Diego, San Francisco, or Vancouver and I'll need to check out all of the costs before choosing which one. Have fun, save money! :-)

[@elizabethmengelson5249]

We live in Florida and work full time. So we pick ship and price then duration of cruise. Doesn’t really matter to us where we go. We like any cruise and will have a good time!

[@shunlvswx]

Price is definitely no. 1 then Embarkation city. Lucky for me. I live 3 hours away from two port cities. I'm not picky with the ship I'm on. As long as I can go to trivia games, I'm good. I don't swim. So the pool is not important. Once I'm able to afford drive or fly to, other port to the destination I want to go to, I will change my list around. I'm going on my second cruise in February. This will be my friend's first time going on a cruise. I've been to Cozumel, but she hasn't. I've never been to Progreso. So looking forward to going back to Cozumel and see more.

[@tomkilcullen9593]

Going on our first cruise next summer. Time of year was the most important because it's our 30th wedding anniversary. Embarkation Port was next (Cape liberty, NJ is 90 minutes away), rather put the money into the cruise than airfare. Not looking for a theme park experience on this trip, so cruise line (we chose Celebrity) was next on the list. Destination wasn't important this time, but will likely rank higher for future cruises. Price will always be a consideration, but lower on the list because of the special anniversary. Next cruise this all can be different :-)

[@nancyt2539]

This is a great list. My #1 used to be price, but now that I've done 13 cruises, we rank these differently. Now it's destination, ship, dates then price. We prefer medium to large ships and newer or updated ships. We're partial to cruising with Carnival because we enjoy the fun atmosphere they offer. We have done 4 to 8 day cruises. I like the longer ones, but a quick cheap trip is great too. We try to cross new ports off our list so we're not as choosy about the ship, but if we've been to the ports already, then what ship we go on ranks higher. As a new cruiser, you should consult a TA, or a cruising friend.

[@bethwrigley105]

#2 is THE reason - where I wish to go. At least that's what it's been in the past. I do wish to try out some special ships soon: one of the Oasis Class RCI ships, and Regal or Royal Princess.

[@JJCruise]

We always debate itinerary vs. ship... some of the best itineraries are on the smallest or oldest ships.

[@tonyhinojosa7710]

JJ Cruise, a lot of these mega ships, like Symphony Of The Seas, can't fit into some of the smaller ports on some of the most popular itineraries without using tender boats.

[@JJCruise]

Tony Hinojosa right! Which makes the decision so tough. But, honestly probably best. If we are on a smaller ship, we want to be off it to explore somewhere special whereas mega ships are fun without any ports!

[@tonyhinojosa7710]

JJ Cruise, I'm more into rest, relaxation, and good food and drinks than walking around cities so my cruise vacations will be based more on ships with lots of dining options and beach itineraries.

[@JJCruise]

Tony Hinojosa we also look at the adults area, if it has an adults only pool especially, to help make our decisions. We love the Freedom Class for that reason on RC.

[@bethwrigley105]

That's true. We did the Mediterranean on Vision of the Seas. It's not a fancy ship, but it is a nice ship and it was probably the best vacation of my life!

[@tonyhinojosa7710]

Haven't booked it yet, but my first cruise will actually be out of Galveston on Carnival Vista. Mainly because it's only about a 4 hour drive from home and it's relatively inexpensive.

[@lorettaolson8748]

Onboard ship, don't worry about perfection. Go with the flow.

[@WickedWonder1979]

Thank you for this! I haven't planned a cruise for myself yet (theme cruises have all of that covered) but it gave me solid ideas about what would matter to me.

[@bethwrigley105]

We were on a cruise where some of the participants were group cruising with Richard Simmons: "Cruise to Lose." We weren't doing that but we met him and he is the kindest person ever.

[@lindasensabaugh4013]

For us it is where the ship goes then price. Just did 3 nice cruises this year. Did a 22 day Antarctica, a 34 day Uk, Iceland, Greenland and then a 30 day circumnavigation of Australia. We next explore the Amazon on a 36 day in March. Looking to meet new friends that enjoy cruising. Junie and Harold

[@bethwrigley105]

I'm jelly! lol

[@debbierhodes4222]

1.Embarking location....I love an hour and a half from Mobile AL and 2 hours from NO so those are usually where we go out of...not always..but most of the time. 2. Date 3. Price 4. Ship And the others just fall in place. After a few cruises it gets easy! One point I think you left out was whether you are taking kids or not. Some lines and ships are a lot more kid friendly.

[@nicolekoopmans3569]

I sail from and back to Sydney, aust, cruise late December and janury

[@JC-bl9bo]

Mine starts price, embarkation port because we sail NJ/NYC only, then its line and ship really. The destination of course is in the mix. We are just huge fans of Royal Caribbean. We like NCL and would like to sail with them again but their prices have skyrocketed since last sailed with them.

[@drag_week_racing_adventures]

For me it destination. I feel cruising is the best way to knock off landmark places on a bucket list (my list anyway). In a little over two years I went to a ton of places that I never thought I would ever see in my life time and it was all because I went on a cruise (well three cruises).

[@bethwrigley105]

Agree...do get a "taste" of various destinations cruising...we went to Rome and Pisa on the Vision of the Seas and it didn't "satisfy" our want to see more Italy. Will plan a land tour there someday, I hope!

[@reddy2travel492]

I am a novice Solo cruiser, 2 cruises under my belt, I have watched tons of your video's and I would have to say that I don't feel like a newbie especially on my second cruise. I have cruised on Princess and HAL so far and they seem to be great fewer bells and whistles, I don't care about swimming, but the Gym is quite important for me, plus I like fine dining. I am interested in a cruise on Celebrity next but I would have to fly out to Florida before the spring. I think one of the best ways to see the world is cruising port to port, so on my next trip to Asia, I will cruise around Japan and out of Singapore, to think I have visited Singapore so many time and just looked at the Cruise ships in ahh and not thinking once about cruising, well no more. Superb video. 👌🏼

[@dennisdalessio8238]

Cruise line is first and Destination is second. If we had a third it would be shipmates as we always like to cruise with others. Tony & Jenny Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[@johnsayre28]

This is a good video. We just picked ours by how close the cruise port it. Super super excited to go on our first cruise.

[@cliffnorman178]

For us it totally starts with number one being which cruise line you choose. It automatically then also answers the size of ship, style of cruising, price range of cruising and whether they also cruise to your particular chosen destination. One thing you should avoid is the "cart before the horse" syndrome as it will just make things tougher for you.

[@TIFFandDRETV]

Great video Tony. I would say that cruise line is important with ship second and price third.

[@helent1835]

Destination is first for us. We check the itineraries for the various ships and do give extra weight to one cruise line that we have been happy with. Price is always a consideration. We don't really care to try the newest or biggest ships, so that isn't even on our list. If we have friends or family that want to go somewhere, we would go no matter where or what ship if we could come up with the funds.

[@bethwrigley105]

Destination #1 here too. While I don't wish to play laser tag, ride a go kart, go on a water slide, climb a rock wall or zip line...I'd still love to experience the Oasis class of ship, or even the Norwegian Encore. Just to see it...all my prior cruises have been on quieter, smaller ships without the bells and whistles - but still TONS of fun. I've never had a bad cruise!

[@Dangic23]

Age of the ship is on my top 3 of things to consider. I like to select ships no older than 8 years old.

[@bettyli6635]

We now only cruise in Asia so we care about destinations first and length of 14+ nights is second. Then cruise line.

[@janetbeans6472]

Very good advice, Tony.

[@sandrarose881]

Destination is usually one of the top things for us and has been since the second cruise we did. Part of the choice on that one was that at that time Princess was the one that went to all of the Scandinavian capitals in one route, so our Baltic Cruise was with them back when Emerald was doing that route. This also played a part in next year’s choice as we first settled on Europe and either doing a river cruise or something including Norway. Also looked at what I felt like focusing on more and while I do like history in its original place. Ended up feeling more like nature so chose a Norway and Iceland cruise for July 2020. Yes, I did switch from we to I because my travel partner in this (my mom) left the final pick up to me after narrowing it down to the two options with me. After this it is usually looking at exact routes on the lines and the lines themselves. Is there a route we like on a line we know or a line we might want to try. There were options for both a new line and one we know on this with slightly different routes. As we both preferred the route on the line we knew and mom felt more comfortable going with them, we chose to go with Princess on this one.

[@bethwrigley105]

According to Don (Don's Family Vacations), you'll not go wrong on Princess!

[@celia61597]

Very helpful video! Thank you.

[@debbielandes2626]

Now that I am retired, I need to watch the cost. I pick a general destination and then look at all of the major lines to see if any sales are running. I then compare the total cost - airfare, cruise, gratuities, excursions, perks, etc. I haven’t tried a last minute cruise yet, when the cost goes down so they can fill the ship, but maybe next year.

[@bethwrigley105]

I can't cruise spontaneously cuz I have pets!

[@katd6580]

The Itinerary is very important to me once I pick out the destination.

[@jeffdinter6208]

Price made play a big part in it, however to be able to travel and see certain places that you may want to go you may have to pay a little bit more.

[@bethwrigley105]

FUN post! As you can see, I have lots of opinions to share on this topic! ha!

[@Brenda1371]

I usually look at the ports it sails to and the months. My timing is usually April and Oct. This next cruise Its the timing but I don't care if the ship grew wings and flew into space, I chose it because of the ship, its the Carnival Panorama.

[@bethwrigley105]

Looks like an amazing ship. Enjoy!

[@tomhenry1592]

Great Video Tony! Hmm Were is the NCL logo on your list LOL

[@Brenda1371]

I just watched you guys first video brand new cruisers. wow what bad luck, ship didn't want to move. opps I would of done the same though stayed on the ship. Not because of the travel, maybe a little bit but because its still being on a ship so heck Im good with that.

[@nea273]

The port Charleston, SC., for us is the closest port 3 hrs drive. Then itinerary between October to March. Budget no more than $2k, including all additional expenses and tips. Destination? Don't matter. It's all about been in the water.

[@peterlanders3900]

My wife said destination and also the length of time in ports

[@jesus4everjesus4ever97]

Right now it’s departure port, then depending where I am going, then how many days because I am limited on days.

[@Paul-xz3hw]

Do to my disability, I make that the ship docks at pier. I need to rent a medical scooter. NOT all tender boats will allow hold up scooters on their vessels.

[@bethwrigley105]

...do you want to spend all your PTO cruising? nope - I also like Yellowstone and Estes Park and Mackinac Island!

[@GetawaybyTJB]

Our new importance is the number of Sea days compared to Port days.

[@LaLidoLoca]

That’s a good one also. I like 3 ports on a 7 day opposed to 4 - Tony

[@bethwrigley105]

Both are fun. Our next cruise we'll be in port every single day of the 7 days. We're going to Hawaii! I do like sea days but for this one we get to visit the islands.

[@gman9525]

Cruise Line and then where the cruise is going. Third is time of year.

[@michaelatherton5761]

That was pretty good coverage, but there's one factor that's probably too touchy for you to handle. What kind of crowd do you want to travel with? I've noticed that the type of people who cruise on NCL or Disney are quite different that those who cruise on Carnival. I think a lot of it varies on how much you're willing to pay. It seems that people on Carnival are more working class and those on the others are more upper-middle. Although financially we fit more in the latter, we're more comfortable with the former. Cruise lines are also differentiated by age. If you go on the "luxury" ones people are more likely to be older and there will be fewer children and twenty-somethings. We enjoy being around happy people having fun and that seems to be most characteristic of Carnival. I can't speak to Princess, RC or others, since we prefer to spend less and cruise more often. Whatever fills your sail. :-)

[@bethwrigley105]

We cruised New England and Canada in September - few children on the ship. Sailed the Mediterranean - Monaco, Italy, Greece in September - few children. I think the fact these had mainly adults was because kids were in school, plus these destinations would likely be more fun for adult cruisers. (NE/Canada was NCL and Med was RCI)

[@michaelatherton5761]

@@bethwrigley105 We did a Mediterranean with our kids and pulled them out of school a week early before Christmas break, but you're right not as many kids as a Caribbean cruise.

[@travel4funn720]

Do you guys prewrite your stories or is it all free style? I pick the destination first, then the ship🛳😎🌴

[@DennysPlantBasedJourney]

just off of the Dream.... the steakhouse, MDR, sea day brunch, and specialty restaurants (guys burgers and blue iguana) were good. The buffets, deli, desserts, and drink stations at the buffets were horrible. Been on three Carnival cruises but don't think I can do another. The buffet was just bad. I want to go to Alaska next time. What cruise line do you recommend for Alaska? Thanks

[@havehatwilltravel9183]

Have you considered Celebrity? If you are looking for a much higher level of quality and service than X may be for you.

[@bethwrigley105]

HAL or Princess for Alaska. We did HAL - beautiful ship, smaller, the observation area (glassed in) was fabulous for viewing Alaska's beauty. I've heard Princess is rated #1 for Alaska, and my sister's favorite line for any destination is Disney.

[@brianscrivener4670]

Ports and price are our priority.

[@joleneweaver7578]

I have been looking at carnival. Everyone I look at books me in the front. Why cant even chose different any help thank you

[@ijustwatchvids100]

Are we going to get the Group Cruise videos soon?

[@LaLidoLoca]

Most of the group cruise stuff is out already. The excursions and such. - Tony

[@slinkyengelking]

Destination and cost. ❤

[@jkwbluebullitt]

Destination.

[@pamelahowell6225]

Cruise line and price, then destination.

[@Dangic23]

I think we can all say that our first ever cruise was based on price....lol. Cautionary in case cruising doesn't become a thing.

[@beatlejeff65]

#1 - When can I travel? #2 - What itineraries fit into my available travel time frame? #3 - Price

[@glennletts4017]

I pick destination first, then pick the style of vacation (cruise, bus or on own). Our next trip is to Greece, and we picked a Greek company to sail with. We then looked at price and the Greek company was all inclusive (cruise, drinks, tips, port charges and select excursions) for the price of the main line cruise company's. Granted the ship is smaller older but can get into most ports without a tender or closer to the pier. The number #1 in how to pick the perfect trip is just doing research first then repeating the research before booking.

[@alliemac4302]

#5 I don’t fly then destination!

[@debbie2663]

🙏❤️🙏

[@conniejohnson9393]

location and price

[@Travelwith_Adrienne]

Prices, and ports.

[@sugarjones731]

Second

[@CrazytodoList]

FIRST HAHAHAHAHA