Booking & Planning

When is the BEST time to book a cruise?

In the cruise industry, timing is everything. If you are looking for the absolute best deal, mark your calendar for Wave Season (typically January through March). This is when cruise lines roll out their most aggressive promotions, often bundling perks like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, or onboard credit. Another great time is Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, which can sometimes be even better than Wave Season.

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• Pro Tip: If you miss Wave Season, try to book as soon as itineraries are released (often 18–24 months out). Prices usually only go up as the ship fills.

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Is there more to consider than just where the ship goes?

A common rookie mistake is booking solely based on where the ship goes. A quiet couple looking for relaxation will be miserable on a neon-lit mega-ship packed with 6,000 people and waterslides. Conversely, a family with teens might find a luxury small ship "boring."

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• Research the Vibe: Read reviews on the specific ship, not just the cruise line. Older ships are often smaller and offer better value, while newer ships have the "wow" factor but command premium prices.

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Where on the ship should you book your cabin?

"Guaranteed" cabins (where the cruise line picks your room for a lower rate) save money, but they are a gamble. If you are prone to motion sickness or sensitive to noise, choose your own room.

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• The Sweet Spot: Look for a cabin mid-ship (the most stable part of the vessel) and sandwiched between two decks of other cabins. Avoid rooms directly under the pool deck (chair scraping noise at 6 AM) or above the nightclub (thumping bass until 2 AM).

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Should we fly in the day of the cruise?

This is non-negotiable. With the current unpredictability of air travel, flying in on the day of your cruise is a recipe for disaster. If your flight is delayed and the ship leaves, it won’t wait for you. LEAVE AT LEAST A DAY EARLY!

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• The Plan: Fly in the day before. Enjoy a nice dinner in the port city, sleep in, and arrive at the terminal refreshed and stress-free.

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Should we buy the drink package?

Cruise lines push "unlimited" drink packages hard, but they aren't always a deal. If a package costs $80/day, you might need to drink 6–8 cocktails every single day to break even. Also, if one person buys the drink package, EVERY person must buy the drink package (minors will need to get the soda package). This rule is in place to make sure that only one person doesn't buy the package and give half of the drinks to the other non-paying passenger.

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• The Hack: If you aren't a heavy drinker, pay a la carte. Also, check the policy—many lines (like Carnival and Royal Caribbean) allow you to bring one or two bottles of wine per cabin onboard for free.

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When should we book specialty restaurants and shows?

On modern mega-ships, the popular comedy shows, certain performances, and specialty restaurants can fully book up weeks before the ship even sails. On Virgin Voyages, all the restaurants require booking through the app. Waiting to book your restaurants will lead to disappointment and unpopular dining times.

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• Action Step: As soon as you book, log into the cruise line’s online portal. If the booking window isn't open yet, set a calendar reminder for when it does.

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Is the app necessary and how soon should I get it?

Paper schedules are disappearing. The cruise line’s app is now your key to the world—literally (it often opens your door). You will use it to complete your safety drill, check restaurant menus, and track your onboard spending.

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• Don't Wait: Download it at home while you have fast Wi-Fi. Trying to download a 200MB app on spotty terminal data is a frustration you don't need.

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Should I book my shore excursions through the cruise line?

Booking excursions directly through the ship is convenient and guarantees the ship won't leave without you if the tour runs late. However, they are often crowded and expensive.

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• The Alternative: For short, easy ports, consider booking through our shore excursion partner (www.ExcursionOptions.com) or simply taking a local taxi to the beach. You can often save 30–50% for a smaller, more personalized tour.

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Is trip insurance worth it?

It sounds boring, but medical care on a ship is expensive and generally not covered by domestic health insurance. If you need a medical evacuation by helicopter, the bill can run tens of thousands of dollars. You can purchase it through the cruise line or through a third party provider.

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• Peace of Mind: Ensure your policy covers "medical evacuation" and "trip interruption."