Recommended Cruises: Questions We Hear Every Week
These are the questions travelers ask our advisors most often once they know what kind of trip they want.
How far ahead should I book a recommended cruise?
For Alaska, the Mediterranean in summer and holiday sailings, nine to twelve months ahead gives the best cabin choice. Caribbean cruises can often be booked closer in, though popular weeks still sell out.
Is a longer cruise better value?
Often per night, yes, because flights and hotels are a smaller share of the total. But a shorter cruise is the smarter first step if you are unsure you will enjoy it.
Should I choose the line or the itinerary first?
The itinerary, then the ship, then the line. Once you know the route and season, compare the lines that sail it. Recommended Cruise Lines profiles each line family to help.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
US citizens on closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same US port can usually sail with a birth certificate and government photo ID, but a passport is strongly recommended in case you must fly home from a foreign port. Check the current rules with your line before you sail.
What about travel insurance?
We recommend it for any cruise you would lose money on if you had to cancel, and especially for hurricane season and trips abroad. Read what each policy covers before buying.
What if our group wants different things?
Pick a big ship on a route with varied ports. Large resort ships give each person their own kind of day, and a mix of beach, nature and town stops keeps everyone happy ashore. Meet up for dinner and let the days be flexible.
Is a repositioning cruise a good recommendation?
For flexible travelers who love sea days, yes. Ships move between regions in spring and fall, often on long one-way voyages with many days at sea. They are not ideal for first-timers or anyone who wants a port every day.
Can a travel advisor really save us money?
An advisor costs you nothing extra on a cruise booking, can apply promotions you might miss and handles changes if fares drop before final payment. If you are curious about the job itself, see Be a Travel Agent.
More Help From Our Network
For lines, see Recommended Cruise Lines. For travel beyond cruises, the Official Travel Directory and the Official Cruise Directory list our network’s guides. And if planning trips like these appeals to you as a career, Be a Travel Agent explains how to get started.
How to Use These Recommendations
Start with the goal page that matches your trip, then shortlist two or three sailings that fit its advice on length, route and season. Compare them on the same terms: the same cabin type, the same month and the full cost including taxes, gratuities and the extras you are likely to buy. If two options are close, let the ports decide; a better itinerary is remembered long after a slightly cheaper fare is forgotten.
Then send the shortlist to our advisors. We will check availability, tell you about promotions that apply and flag anything that might trip you up, such as a port that requires tendering or a sailing that falls during a holiday week.
Still Deciding?
Send us the goal, the dates and who is coming. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will reply with two or three recommended cruises and free quotes.
Ask Our Advisors