How do you choose a cruise ship based on your budget and preferences?

Think in terms of home much you are prepared to spend daily for hotel, food, entertainment, excursions, lectures, drinks, etc. Multiply your daily spend by the length of your trip. $250 per day per person for 10 days is $2500 per person.

> Clearly outline desired amenities, destinations, and cabin type to narrow down options. > Consider additional costs like onboard spending, excursions, and potential gratuities. > Research multiple cruise lines, comparing prices, inclusions, and passenger reviews to find the best fit.

There are so many places that cruise ships can take you, beyond the major Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska routes. South America has started to be offered, including small ships to The Galapagos Islands. Imagine a Northern Lights cruises, in the North of Norway, Russia, Sweden! Even more esoteric, you can board cruise ships to the South Pole and some extremely isolated islands nearby! If a cruise ship is a floating hotel, then start with WHERE you would like your hotel located, what you would like to see while on the cruise, even starting the finishing destinations, where you can extend your trip. If you cruise from nNw York to England, for example, it would make perfect sense to spend a few days in each destination, while you are there!

Destinations include choices of countries, cities, shore excursions, culture, museums, shopping, music, food, weather, etc. Some destinations like Tokyo and NYC are expensive. Others are more carefree and affordable.

Cruise ships can stop in a port from 4 hours to over night. Expeditions may limit off boat experiences due to environmental concerns. Large ships take time to get on and off the vessel. Large ships can only stop in ports that can dock them or have available space to tender you between your ship and your land. All considerations for choosing an itinerary.

There are some cruising that have attractive lost cost advertising, but you will never exit the ship spending that little. Big decision, do you want an ala carte menu where you are spending for everything, or do you prefer an all inclusive cruise that has no bill to pay when you leave the cruise? It may seem, all inclusive is more expensive, but in my experience it is not.

Size and location of a cabin will determine the price. The higher you go the more you pay. Choosing whether you are inside with no windows, a port hole window, obstructed view by tender boards or a balcony will have a major difference in price. Ask yourself how much time you will actually be in your cabin beyond sleeping, bathing and dressing. For most people, not much. Choose wisely.

Assess the ship size and onboard atmosphere. Ship size can significantly impact your cruise experience, as it affects the number of passengers, the range of amenities, and the overall atmosphere on board. Smaller ships tend to provide a more intimate and relaxed experience, while larger ships offer a wider variety of activities and entertainment options. Consider your preferences for crowd size, personal attention, and onboard activities when choosing a cruise ship.

Evaluate the quality of onboard enrichment programs. Many cruise lines offer onboard enrichment programs, such as lectures, workshops, and classes, to enhance the cruise experience. These programs can cover a wide range of topics, such as local history, culture, art, or even cooking. If you enjoy learning and engaging in educational activities during your travels, consider the quality and variety of enrichment programs offered by different cruise lines.

For passengers concerned about being seasick, consider viewing the horizon with a balcony or oceanview suite. Look for an itinerary that spends more time on land, docked at port, than on sea, heading to destinations. Eastern or Western Caribbean cruises can have most of the time spend on land with your floating hotel - obviously a transatlantic voyage is probably not for you! Certain cruise lines specialize in huge 5000 passenger cruise ships - that gives you more choice, more amenities. Smaller cruise lines - and there are many of them, lesser well known - give you less crowded feelings, more personal service and attention from start to finish, and less of the "hurry up and wait" that comes with getting 5000 people on and off a ship!

Factor in the environmental impact. As responsible travelers, it's essential to consider the environmental impact of the cruise line you choose. Look for cruise lines that have implemented eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction measures, and responsible sourcing of food and materials. Choosing a sustainable cruise line can contribute to the preservation of the destinations you visit and reduce your environmental footprint.

Consider the age and demographics of fellow passengers. Cruise lines often cater to specific age groups and demographics, which can affect the onboard atmosphere and activities. Some cruises cater to families, others to couples, and some even focus on solo travelers or senior citizens. Research each cruise line's target audience to find the one that best matches your preferences and travel companions.