Step by Step Guide: How to Book the Cruise of a Lifetime

DIY Cruise

In my Travel Scams blog, I recommend doing all of your own bookings.

The following instructions follow the same do-it-yourself trend for booking a cruise.

I’m a frequent cruiser and most of the time I do it solo.

I have no affiliations with Carnival Cruise Lines. I’m simply building my loyalty status by cruising exclusively with them.

The main reason that I like Carnival is that their cruises are more cost-effective.

The second reason is that they’re called ‘the fun ships’ and live up to their name.

When I was younger, Carnival did not have the best reputation. They have come a long way!

I enjoy myself tremendously while on board.

My only complaint is that the quality of the shows can use some improvement.

I decided to write this blog because I get the most questions about cruises.

The Price is Right

Travel (in general) does not have to be expensive. The same goes for cruises.

You can pay the cruise amount off in full or make payments.

I use Priceline.com to make all of my cruise bookings.

You have up to 3 months before the cruise to finish paying off the balance.

Before searching for a cruise its helpful to have a destination, date/nights, cruise port and ship in mind.

If you’re not sure you can do a general search. That means you will have more options (can be hundreds) populated.

Cruises can vary from 1 to over 12 nights. If you’re a beginner a 3 night should work out fine.

Choose a Destination/Dates

Go to Priceline.com and select a cruise of your choice.

The Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas are very popular destinations and usually cost the least.

The 7-day Western Caribbean cruises are a good bang for your buck when booked early.

The Caribbean islands can be broken down into eastern, southern and western parts.

TIP: Before booking, check the dates on a calendar. Some cruises leave on weekdays, others may depart on weekends.

Cruises in these regions are the least expensive from the month of September to November.

This is during hurricane season so there is a risk of cancellation/itinerary change.

If you are traveling solo, there are cruise lines that offer a special single rate/cabin.

In most cases, you have to pay double occupancy (the price shown times two plus taxes.)

TIP: For destinations requiring a passport, it must be valid for at least 6 months after travel.

Ports

I have the luxury of living near the most popular cruise port (Port of Miami).

Make sure you know how you will get to and from the cruise port. See this blog for travel tips.

Florida conveniently has several ports.

When cruising to Cuba was still new, Carnival wasn’t sailing from the Port of Miami.

I had the option to drive or fly into Tampa.

If you have to fly into a port, I recommend doing so a day early.

This is the best measure against travel delays.

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Ships

I’m not picky when it comes to ships.

Some cruisers may want to be on the latest fleet or want to experience a certain ride being offered.

If that’s you, you may want to Google the ship’s name to see all of the features, restaurants, and images.

You can check out Youtube. Sometimes cruisers have full ship walk-through videos and reviews of excursions.

Each ship (Carnival) is assigned its own cruise director. This is the person that is in charge of keeping you entertained throughout the cruise.

If you have a favorite, you can also check their schedule through fan social media accounts.

Cabin Type

The basic cabin types to choose from are interior (windowless), ocean view (closed window view), balcony and suite.

Priceline offers a diagram/map of the cabins.

If you’re new to cruising, you may want to call Priceline and speak with an agent. They will explain which cabins are near elevators, closer to the action, or away from it all.

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Book it

Once you’re ready to book, you can do it directly on Priceline.com. There is a $25 processing fee for a solo traveler.

The amount increases depending on guests.

Booking directly with the cruise line is double that amount at $50+.

TIP: Make sure to add pre-paid gratuity. It’s a set tip for the whole staff and you won’t have to worry about it later. If you book online, call to add it.

Priceline offers promotional onboard credits which are money you can spend however you’d like on the ship.

Follow the booking confirmation instructions to ensure that it’s posted during your cruise.

TIP: Screenshot your cruise confirmation/itenirary page. The cruise line’s booking # is different from Priceline’s.

Making an Online Payment

Go to Priceline.com, click on customer service at the bottom of the page.

Enter in confirmation #, your email and last name. This page will always have your current balance due.

In the meantime, you can set up an account directly through the cruise line’s website with their confirmation number.

You cannot make any purchases towards the cruise until the full balance with Priceline is settled.

TIP: Add travel insurance with your final payment since it is due once added. Or you may get your own insurance.

All Aboard

Viola, this is the simple task of booking that cruise of a lifetime!

These floating hotels are all-inclusive and a great way to save and see the world at the same time!

Stay tuned for future blogs on the complete cruising experience.

Any questions? You can write them below.

~Poof…Bee Gone

© 2019, Poof Bee Gone, All Rights Reserved

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