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The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

Lee Huffman

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Not all cruise sites are created equal. While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies. 

Before you book, though, have a look at these credit cards that come with cruise benefits to sweeten the pot even more.

What is the best way to book a cruise?

The best place to book a cruise will vary depending on what you're looking for out of the experience. We've broken out cruise booking sites based on common booking goals.

From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers.

For sailings across the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America: CheapCaribbean

CheapCaribbean.com is the best cruise website for the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. It offers a best-price guarantee plus limited-time offers and discounts.

If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

Best-price guarantee.

Customer service is available seven days a week.

Charges a $24.99 processing fee on reservations.

Must provide an email address to receive the best deals and promos.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

For consulting reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is an independent website that encourages community members to post reviews and share tips.

Its message boards offer ways for website visitors to ask questions and share feedback with others based on their personal experiences and opinions. The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites.

Read cruise reviews from travelers who've been on that itinerary before.

"Deal Score" ranks deals to find the best value.

Price tracker shows 90-day trends for cruise prices.

Must click through the deal to book your cruise on other websites.

Prices are not guaranteed and can change before booking due to fees and restrictions on the sites where the cruises are being sold.

To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect is the best cruise website when all you want are cruise prices. It doesn't offer hotels, flights, rental cars or other reservations you may want for your next vacation. CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site.

Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships.

Bonus offers on every reservation provide extra value.

Best-price guarantee and free reservation holds.

Buy now, pay later financing options.

Promos offered by cruise lines aren't exclusive to CruiseDirect.

Customer service can be unfriendly.

Video preview image

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

For budget-friendly options: Priceline

Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations.

Up to $2,000 to spend on board.

Waived deposits of up to $500 when booking your cruise.

110% best-price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more from the same site.

Must call Priceline to get exclusive offers and unpublished fares.

Restrictions make the best-price guarantee harder to benefit from.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best cruise deals

For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise.

Search over 70,000 cruise deals from more than 60 sites at once.

Dedicated ship pages share details, reviews, photos and itineraries.

Too many search results make it harder to narrow down your choices.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned website that matches travelers with a vacation planner based on their preferences. It's the best way to book a cruise using a travel planner because it offers a low-price guarantee without charging extra fees for the planner.

The downside is that online pricing is not "live." Therefore, you must speak with a travel planner to get the latest prices and book your cruise.

Match with cruise planners according to your needs.

Does not charge Avoya fees for booking, changes or cancellations.

Get a low-price guarantee and the expertise of a vacation planner without extra fees.

Must become a member to unlock the best deals.

Pricing on the website is not "live" pricing, so actual cost may vary.

Cannot book a cruise online. You must speak with an independent vacation planner.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance right now

To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel

American airlines cruises.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com . All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise.

If you have an American Airlines credit card, you'll earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles. These miles and Loyalty Points count toward airline elite status. Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines.

Earn miles and Loyalty Points toward travel and elite status.

Cardholders earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles on cruises.

Cruise experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cruise reservations are offered by a third party, so customer service issues can be a challenge.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase.

Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations.

Can earn up to 100,000 miles when booking a cruise.

Waives deposits when booking eligible cruises.

110% price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Most cruise awards are capped at 10,000 miles.

Miles earned are based on the length of the cruise, not the amount spent.

United Airlines Cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com .

When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase. If you have Premier status, you receive additional perks on select cruise lines, like wine and onboard credits.

Earn up to 7x miles on cruises.

United MileagePlus Premier members receive additional perks.

Can redeem miles to pay for some or all of your trip.

Not all cruises can be booked online.

Prices do not include a nonrefundable $24.99 processing fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

If you want to earn hotel points on your cruise, Marriott Cruise with Points is the best cruise website for you. You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Earn up to 6x points on your cruise, up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Marriott cardholders receive an extra 2x points when paying with their cards.

Can use Bonvoy points to pay for your cruise.

Redemption value of Bonvoy points is only 0.4 cent.

Must call to book cruises using points.

Processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards vs. hotel credit cards

For cruise package deals: Costco Travel

Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members. Through its Costco Travel website , members receive exclusive prices and benefits when booking hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Earn 2% rewards and extra perks with Executive Membership.

Some cruises offer Costco gift cards or onboard credit.

Must be a member to book reservations with Costco Travel.

Directly with the Cruise Line

In some cases, booking directly with the cruise line can be best because it eliminates a third party. If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other.

This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.

Simple search functions.

No hassles with third parties for problems, changes or cancellations.

Less likely to get scammed by fraudulent sites.

Miss out on deals offered by third-party sites.

Harder to compare prices, benefits and routes from multiple cruise lines.

Comparing cruise prices across websites

Without being able to compare prices, it can be a challenge to determine the best site for booking a cruise. To make it easier to compare, we priced out a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two adults. 

We selected the lowest-priced balcony room on Royal Caribbean departing from Miami in August 2023. Here are the results:

Mitigate cancellation policy risks with travel insurance

If you're worried your trip plans being disrupted by bad weather or a change of plans, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for cruises

Travel cards with cruise benefits

You can get even more perks by booking your cruise with the right card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

The Platinum Card® from American Express

on American Express' website

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Get 25% more value out of your points when you book cruises through Chase.

Book with your card to get automatic travel protections for your cruise.

Redeem miles as a statement credit to cover spending on cruises.

Book with your card to get automatic travel insurance coverage for your cruise.

Earn 2x points on travel spending, including cruises and some ship excursions.

Book with your card to get trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation coverage and other travel assistance services.

Get American Express Cruise Privileges Program benefits when you book at least five nights with eligible cruise lines. Terms apply.

Cruise program benefits include $300 credit redeemable toward dining and spa services plus amenities like wine, chocolates and champagne. Terms apply.

Booking a cruise recapped

When looking for the best way to book a cruise, the price is virtually the same on every website. The difference lies in how each seller sweetens the deal.

Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites. 

When prices are the same, we recommend cruise bookers compare the perks being offered, then book on the site with the most appealing bonuses, like onboard credits, airline miles, hotel points or cash back.

If you're searching for cruises on a third-party website, you may question the legitimacy of that site. This is especially true if the site doesn't look professional or some of the information is outdated.

For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers.

Yes, last-minute deals can be the best way to book a cruise. If your travel plans are flexible, these deals can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book your preferred destination or routing if it is sold out.

Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

best cruise planners

Ellie's Travel Tips

Cruise Planners: Free 42-Page Printable + Comprehensive Guide

Posted on Last updated: March 6, 2024

Ahoy, future cruisers! 🚢✨

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from countless oceanic adventures, it’s this: A spectacular cruise isn’t just about the destination or the ship—it’s also about meticulous planning.

But wait, before you start envisioning tedious spreadsheets and overwhelming to-do lists, let us introduce you to the magic of cruise planners.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or embarking on your maiden cruise journey, this comprehensive guide (alongside our free 42-page planner ) will ensure you navigate the vast seas of cruise planning with ease and expertise.

free cruise planners

Why Cruise Planning is Essential

Breathtaking sunsets, the gentle rock of the ship, exotic ports with adventures awaiting—cruising is an experience unlike any other.

However, as idyllic as it sounds, hopping aboard without a clear plan can quickly turn those dreamy sunsets into stormy clouds of stress.

Let’s dive into why plotting your course in advance is the real key to unlocking a memorable cruise.

1. Navigating Your Budget Like a Pro

The allure of the open seas can quickly become a daunting affair if costs spiral out of control. While most fun cruises are all-inclusive, there are many additional expenses—excursions, premium dining, spa treatments, and those irresistible souvenirs—that can take you by surprise.

Planning ensures you’re not only prepared for these expenses but can strategically indulge without breaking the bank.

2. Maximize Every Moment

Every cruise ship is a floating city, brimming with activities, shows, workshops, and more. Without a plan, you might find yourself overwhelmed by choices, leading to either a rushed experience or missing out on fantastic opportunities.

Knowing what’s on offer and pre-scheduling can help you strike the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.

3. Port-of-Call Perfection

Those few precious hours at a port can fly by. Having a clear itinerary ensures you experience the best of each destination without the last-minute scrambles.

Whether it’s exploring a hidden beach, tasting local delicacies, or embarking on a cultural tour, pre-planning helps you anchor your experiences to cherished memories.

4. Bypassing Common Cruise Pitfalls

Ever found yourself in the wrong dress code for a themed dinner night? Or realized too late that your dream excursion was fully booked?

Such hiccups can put a damper on the cruising spirit. A cruise planner helps anticipate and sidestep these common oversights.

5. Tailored to Your Taste

Cruise ships cater to a diverse clientele, from families with kids to honeymooners to solo explorers.

Planning ensures your cruise is tailored to your preferences, ensuring each day feels like it was crafted just for you.

In essence, a well-charted cruise plan is the wind in your sails, driving your ship towards sunny horizons and starry nights. So, as you look out to the vast ocean of possibilities, remember: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes (and a solid plan!). 🌟🗺️🚢

cruise ship at sea

Unveiling the Concept of ‘Cruise Planners’

Cast away the visions of old-school travel agencies, clunky brochures, and hour-long phone holds.

Enter the digital age of cruise planning, where the term ‘cruise planners’ doesn’t just refer to professionals, but also to modern tools and resources that make planning a breeze. Let’s set sail into this brave new world.

A Blast from the Past:

Remember when planning a trip meant visiting a travel agency, pouring over hefty brochures, and relying on the knowledge of someone who might have visited your desired destination once or twice?

Those were simpler times but not necessarily easier. The evolution of travel planning, especially for cruises, has brought empowerment to travelers.

The Rise of Cruise Planner Professionals:

Today’s cruise planners are a blend of travel agents, consultants, and experience curators. They’re armed with vast databases of information, partnerships with cruise lines, and personal experiences.

They don’t just book your tickets; they craft your journey. From ensuring you get the best cabin to curating on-shore excursions tailored to your interests, they’re your personal cruise concierge.

Digital Tools and Apps:

The internet era has birthed a multitude of platforms, apps, and tools specifically designed for cruise enthusiasts. From virtual ship tours to detailed reviews of every activity onboard, these digital tools provide invaluable insights.

Many come with user-friendly interfaces, allowing travelers to drag and drop activities into their itinerary, creating a visual blueprint of their cruise.

Community and Crowdsourced Knowledge:

The term cruise planners isn’t confined to professionals and tools; it’s also about the community. Online forums, social media groups, and cruise-focused blogs are treasure troves of first-hand experiences and advice.

Fellow travelers share hidden gems, tips to save money, and even recommendations on what to avoid. In many ways, today’s cruise planning is a collaborative effort.

Why It’s Trending:

The increased search and interest around cruise planners reflect a larger trend: travelers desire enriched experiences, not just trips. They seek a blend of relaxation and exploration, craving curated journeys that resonate with their personal tastes and interests.

As we steer through this section, one thing becomes clear: cruise planning has evolved from a task to an art form. Whether you’re leaning towards professional assistance or reveling in DIY, understanding the vast realm of cruise planners equips you for an unforgettable voyage. 🌐🛳️📲

free cruise planner

DIY vs. Professional Cruise Planners: Pros & Cons

In the vast ocean of cruise planning, two predominant approaches emerge: the independent, DIY route, and the guided path of professional cruise planners.

Both have their merits, and each carries a unique allure. But which one is your siren song? Let’s delve deep and weigh the anchors of each side.

DIY Cruise Planning:

  • Personalization & Flexibility: The cruise world is your oyster! Design each detail according to your desires, making on-the-fly changes whenever inspiration strikes.
  • Potential Cost Savings: No middleman means you might snag a few deals, especially if you’re a savvy researcher and bargain hunter.
  • Deep Dive Research: There’s a unique joy in scouring forums, reading reviews, and diving into blogs. You’ll feel a sense of achievement and anticipation building as you craft your dream cruise.
  • Time-Intensive: With great freedom comes great responsibility—and a ton of research. It can become overwhelming, especially for complex routes or long-duration cruises.
  • Possible Oversights: Without expert guidance, you might miss out on exclusive deals, hidden gems, or important logistical aspects.
  • Potential for Stress: Facing uncertainties or second-guessing choices without professional validation can lead to pre-cruise jitters.

professional cruise planners

Professional Cruise Planners:

  • Expertise & Experience: These professionals know the cruise world like the back of their hands. They can guide you to choices you might never have considered, enhancing your experience.
  • Time-Saving: Just share your preferences, sit back, and let the magic unfold. Your planner will handle the nitty-gritty, from bookings to special requests.
  • Exclusive Access: Many cruise planners have tie-ups with cruise lines, granting you exclusive deals, early-bird offers, or special amenities.
  • Potential for Higher Costs: Their expertise comes at a price. While you might get exclusive deals, the overall cost may be higher than a DIY approach.
  • Less Personal Touch: While professionals curate based on your preferences, you might miss out on the detailed personal touches that come from hours of personal research.
  • Dependency: Any changes or issues? You’ll need to go through your planner, which could cause delays or miscommunications.

Both paths, DIY and professional assistance, offer unique experiences in the world of cruise planning. It boils down to your personal style. If you’re a meticulous planner who loves diving into details and has the time for it, DIY might be up your alley. However, if you seek a hassle-free, expert-curated experience and are okay with a slightly higher budget, professional cruise planners are your best bet.

Whichever path you choose, remember: the journey of planning can be just as exciting as the cruise itself. So, hoist your sails, and may the winds of adventure guide you forward! 🌍🚢📖

post-cruise adjustment sailing

Sail Ahead with Our Exclusive Free Printable Cruise Planner!

Charting your next cruise adventure has never been this exhilarating—or easy! We’re elated to introduce our meticulously crafted, user-friendly, and absolutely FREE Printable Cruise Planner . Created with love and a passion for the seas, this planner is designed to be your trusty co-captain on your cruise planning journey. Let’s dive in and explore how this nautical gem can enhance your voyage from start to finish.

1. Crafted with Experience: Every page of our planner is imbued with insights from seasoned cruisers and travel aficionados. This isn’t just a planner; it’s a distillation of years of cruising knowledge, refined into a sleek, actionable tool.

2. User-Centric Design: Tired of scribbles, scattered notes, and losing track of your plans? Our planner’s intuitive layout ensures a smooth sailing experience. Segmented sections cater to all cruise planning facets, ensuring you never miss a detail.

3. All-in-One Organizer: From pre-cruise checklists, daily activity trackers, and excursion planners to budget worksheets and meal reservation logs, we’ve got you covered. It’s your one-stop companion for a stress-free cruise journey.

4. Personal & Flexible: While our planner comes with a recommended flow, its design embraces flexibility. Add, remove, or rearrange pages as you see fit. Plus, there’s ample space for personal notes, doodles, and those spontaneous ideas that pop up.

5. Sustainable & Eco-friendly: Designed to be printed at home or at your local print shop, our planner champions sustainability. We recommend printing on recycled paper, and its compact design ensures minimal waste.

6. A Continual Companion: Whether you’re cruising for a month through the Mediterranean or venturing into the Alaskan wilds , this planner is adaptable to any cruise type, duration, or destination. It’s a timeless tool you’ll find yourself reaching for, cruise after cruise.

How to Get Your Free Printable Cruise Planner: Excited to set sail with our planner by your side? Simply print it, bind it, and begin the delightful journey of crafting your dream cruise.

month-long cruise itineraries

A Comprehensive Guide to Using Our Cruise Planner

Embarking on a cruise journey entails much more than just boarding a ship. From the minute details of your cabin choice to the broader scope of your travel itinerary, every decision impacts the kind of memories you’ll craft.

And while spontaneity has its charm, a well-structured plan often guarantees a smoother, richer experience. That’s where our cruise planner shines. In this in-depth guide, we’ll navigate through its various sections, ensuring you harness its full potential. So, let’s set sail!

Budgeting for Your Voyage: Making Every Penny Count

Every memorable cruise starts with a realistic and well-thought-out budget. It’s the foundation upon which your voyage stands. With our cruise planner’s dedicated budgeting sections, you’re not just jotting down numbers—you’re crafting a financial blueprint for a stress-free journey.

Start with the Basics: Begin by filling out the primary expenses: cruise fare, flights (if applicable), pre and post-cruise accommodations, and travel insurance. These are the pillars of your trip’s financial structure.

The All-Inclusive Trap: Many cruises market themselves as all-inclusive, but there are always additional expenses. Use the planner to list potential on-board expenses: specialty dining, spa treatments, premium beverages, and onboard activities that might come with a fee.

Excursions & Exploration: While the ship offers a universe of experiences, the real adventures often lie ashore. Research potential excursions or guided tours. Also, account for impromptu local experiences, shopping, or meals at port cities. Allocate funds accordingly.

Buffer Budget: The seas are full of surprises! Always keep a buffer budget for unforeseen expenses. Whether it’s a sudden urge to try an upscale restaurant onboard or a local craft that catches your eye at a port, this safety net ensures peace of mind.

Track as You Go: A budget is not a set-in-stone document. As your cruise progresses, keep updating your planner with actual expenses. This helps keep a check, ensuring you stay within limits and can make adjustments if necessary.

Saving Opportunities: Dedicate a section for potential discounts, deals, or loyalty rewards. Cruises often have loyalty programs, early-bird specials, or last-minute deals. Tracking these can significantly reduce costs.

Budgeting with our cruise planner ensures you’re not just spending, but investing in experiences that truly matter. It’s about optimizing your resources for maximum joy. Remember, a well-planned budget is the wind behind the sails of your dream cruise, propelling you towards memorable horizons without financial hiccups.

west coast cruise ports

Itinerary Planning: Charting Your Course with Precision and Passion

Crafting the perfect cruise itinerary is an art, blending structure with spontaneity, must-dos with delightful detours. Your cruise will glide through beautiful regions, docking at exotic ports, each offering its unique array of experiences. Our cruise planner’s itinerary-focused sections are the canvas upon which you’ll paint your dream journey. Here’s your step-by-step guide to using it to its fullest.

Familiarize with the Ship’s Itinerary: Start by filling in the fixed elements of your trip: dates, destinations, docking times, and durations. This gives you a clear scaffold upon which to layer your personal plans.

Research Each Destination: For every port of call, delve into research. Look up the top attractions, experiences, local cuisines, cultural events, and hidden gems. Jot down what piques your interest.

Prioritize: With so much to see and do, prioritization is key. What are your non-negotiables? Maybe it’s the ancient ruins in one city or the famous beach in another. Highlight these in your planner.

Schedule Excursions: If you’re booking guided tours or ship-sponsored excursions, slot them in. Ensure you have a buffer time before and after, accounting for any unforeseen delays.

DIY Adventures: Perhaps you’re keen on exploring a destination at your own pace. Use the planner to sketch a rough route, noting down places of interest, local eateries, and spots to relax.

Onboard Activities: Your ship is a floating paradise, bursting with activities, shows, workshops, and events. Interweave these with your port days. Maybe you’d like a spa day after an intensive excursion or a special dinner on a night when the ship stays docked longer.

Stay Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, remember the magic often lies in unexpected adventures. Leave gaps in your itinerary for serendipitous discoveries.

Gather Local Insights: Interact with locals or fellow travelers to get recommendations. Perhaps there’s a local festival, a lesser-known museum, or a just-opened eatery worth checking out. Update your planner accordingly.

With our cruise planner, every day of your cruise transforms from a mere date on the calendar to a tapestry of vivid experiences, memories in the making. Itinerary planning isn’t just about filling slots; it’s about curating moments, both monumental and minuscule, that together create the symphony of your cruise adventure.

fun cruises on deck

Onboard Experience: Savoring Every Moment Aboard Your Floating Paradise

The sea’s gentle sway, the horizon stretching infinitely, the allure of a new dawn each day – life aboard your cruise ship promises experiences as vast as the ocean itself. Your vessel isn’t merely a means to get from one port to another; it’s a universe of entertainment, relaxation, and enchantment. Our cruise planner ensures you don’t miss a beat. Let’s set sail on this immersive journey!

Know Your Ship: Begin by exploring your cruise ship’s layout, offerings, and daily events. Familiarize yourself with entertainment zones, dining venues, recreational areas, and relaxation spots.

Day-to-Day Events: Most ships offer a daily bulletin or newsletter detailing the day’s activities. Extract the ones that intrigue you and slot them into your planner. Whether it’s a dance class, a wine tasting session, or a themed night, ensure you’re prepped and punctual.

Dine in Style: With a plethora of dining options, from casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants, plan your culinary journey. Make reservations for must-visit venues, and allocate days for spontaneous choices.

Recreation & Wellness: Cruise ships are wellness havens. Schedule spa appointments, fitness classes, or simply pencil in pool days. Remember, relaxation is as vital as exploration.

Nightlife & Shows: From Broadway-esque productions to jazz nights, your evenings onboard promise a whirlwind of entertainment. Mark out shows you can’t miss, and perhaps days you’d just like to stargaze from the deck.

Engage & Socialize: Many ships offer workshops, lectures, or group activities. Engage in ones that pique your interest. It’s also a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and make lasting connections.

Capture Memories: Dedicate some time to journal your onboard experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of a casino win, the serenity of a sunrise, or the novelty of a cooking class, your planner will become a trove of treasured memories.

The ship is more than just steel and sophistication; it’s the heart of your cruise experience. With our cruise planner’s dedicated section, each day onboard metamorphoses into a vibrant mosaic of moments, memories, and sheer magic. As you traverse the waters, let the ship not just be a vessel, but a vivacious companion on your epic odyssey.

cruise packing tips

Packing and Prep: Ensuring Smooth Sailing with Every Suitcase

The thrill of an impending cruise can often be juxtaposed with the dread of packing. But what if we told you packing could be as enjoyable as the voyage itself? With our cruise planner’s preparation and cruise packing segments, you’re not just stuffing suitcases but curating collections for every chapter of your adventure. Dive in!

Climate & Itinerary Checks: Examine the regions you’ll be traversing and their expected climates. Also, sync with your itinerary: a gala night, a beach excursion, or a hiking adventure will each demand different attire.

Essentials First: Start with the basics – passports, cruise documentation, medications, and other vital items. Use our dedicated cruise essentials checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Day-Wise Wardrobe: Instead of random outfits, consider packing day-wise or event-wise ensembles. It saves the daily decision-making hassle and ensures you’re always aptly dressed.

Tech & Entertainment: Remember chargers, converters, headphones, and any other tech essentials. If you’re planning relaxed days, perhaps some reading material or downloaded shows could be handy.

Toiletries & Personal Care: While most ships offer basic amenities, if you’re particular about brands or have specific requirements, pack cruise accessories accordingly. Consider the environment and opt for biodegradable products.

Snacks & Munchies: While food is abundant on a cruise, if you have specific dietary needs or just want some familiar comfort snacks, leave some space in your luggage.

Review & Reduce: It’s easy to overpack. Once done, review and ask yourself if you genuinely need every item. Shedding even a few unnecessary things can lighten your luggage and your stress.

Equipped with our cruise planner, packing is no longer a tedious task but a tantalizing teaser for the adventures ahead. It’s the prelude to your symphony, setting the rhythm for a voyage that’s as seamless as it is splendid.

cruise documents

Documentation and Legalities: Navigating the Nitty-Gritty with Ease

Cruises, with their promise of unhindered serenity and adventure, do come with an underbelly of necessary documentation and legalities . It might sound tedious, but with the right preparation and our cruise planner by your side, it’s just another step toward ensuring a smooth voyage. Let’s set your sails straight with this crucial aspect of cruise planning!

Passport and Visas:

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
  • Check visa requirements for every port of call. Some countries might offer visa-on-arrival, while others demand prior arrangements.

Cruise Tickets and Boarding Passes:

  • Always have a printed and digital copy.
  • Familiarize yourself with the boarding procedure, time windows, and the location of your embarkation point.

Medical Documentation:

  • If you have specific medical conditions, carry relevant documents or prescriptions.
  • Research on onboard medical facilities and what kind of health insurances they accept.

Special Requests & Accommodations:

  • If you’ve made special requests like dietary accommodations or accessibility provisions, have these documented and easily accessible.

Local Laws & Etiquette:

  • Brief research on local customs, laws, and etiquettes for each port can save potential hassles. It’s not just about compliance but also about showing respect to the cultures you’ll be immersing in.

Emergency Contacts:

  • A list of emergency contacts, including those of the cruise line, local embassies or consulates, and close family or friends, is crucial.

Backup & Digital Security:

  • Ensure all vital documents have a digital backup, perhaps in a secure cloud storage.
  • Protect your devices with strong passwords, and be cautious about using public Wi-Fi networks.

girl being mindful on beach

Post-Cruise Reflection: Reliving and Reveling in the Resonance of Your Journey

The end of your cruise isn’t the final chapter but the beginning of a beautiful reminiscence, a great way to end your mindful travel adventure . It’s a time to reflect, to capture the essence of your journey, to dream about future voyages, and to be grateful for the just-concluded odyssey.

Journaling:

  • Pen down standout moments, unexpected delights, and even fleeting observations. Over time, these become priceless recollections.

Feedback & Reviews:

  • Your experiences can guide future travelers. Take a moment to leave reviews or feedback, both for the cruise line and for specific excursions or services you availed.

Photos & Souvenirs:

  • Organize and backup your photographs. Maybe create a digital or physical album dedicated to this cruise.
  • Place your souvenirs in spots where they can serve as daily reminders of your voyage.

Connections & Friendships:

  • Did you meet like-minded travelers or forge new friendships? Note down their contacts and make an effort to stay connected.

Learnings & Takeaways:

  • Every journey teaches us something. Reflect on what this cruise added to your life’s tapestry – be it a new perspective, a rejuvenated spirit, or just a broader smile.

Future Cruise Wishlist:

  • Inspired for another trip? Start creating a wishlist for your next cruise, be it destinations, activities, or even a different cruise line.

Using our free cruise planner, the end of your voyage transforms into a heartwarming epilogue, a promise of many more tales on the tides, and a testament to the timelessness of travel memories.

cruise ports east coast

Tips and Tricks from Veteran Cruisers

Every cruise ship is a world in itself, with its own rhythm, rules, and revelations. And who better to guide you through these intricate cruise travel tips than the seasoned travelers who’ve charted these waters before?

The wisdom of veteran cruisers is akin to a treasure map, leading you to hidden gems and helping you steer clear of potential pitfalls. Dive into this treasure trove of advice with our curated collection of tips and tricks.

1. Embarkation and Disembarkation Mastery:

  • Arrive Early, But Not Too Early: Arriving a tad earlier than the suggested time can help you beat the crowds, but too early might leave you waiting.
  • Luggage Tags: Always secure and double-check your luggage tags. It ensures your bags find their way to your cabin efficiently.

2. Make Reservations Ahead: Whether it’s specialty dining, exclusive shows, or spa treatments, booking in advance ensures you get the best slots and don’t miss out.

3. Navigating Onboard Sales: Veterans often advise to be wary of the first-day sales pitches for spas, photo packages, and more. Wait for mid-cruise offers, which can often be more lucrative.

4. Stay Connected, Economically: Internet packages onboard can be expensive. Seasoned cruisers suggest investing in a package only if necessary and logging off when not in use to conserve minutes. Alternatively, many ports offer cafes with free Wi-Fi.

5. Room Location Matters: Picking a cabin mid-ship and away from high-traffic areas can reduce noise and motion, ensuring a more peaceful stay. Make sure to review the top cabins to avoid before you book your stateroom.

6. Pack a Day Bag: Since checked luggage might take a while to get to your room, always have a day bag with essentials – medication, swimwear, sunscreen, and any immediate necessities.

7. Go Off the Beaten Path: While popular excursions have their charm, often the best memories are crafted when you venture off on your own or pick less crowded activities.

8. Mind the Dress Codes: Cruise lines often have specific dress codes, especially for dinner or special nights. A quick check ensures you’re always dressed to impress.

9. Interact with the Crew: The ship’s crew are invaluable sources of information and stories. Engaging with them not only enhances your onboard experience but also offers insights you wouldn’t find in any brochure.

10. Stay Informed: Make it a habit to check the daily newsletter or bulletin. It’s your guide to the ship’s happenings, offers, and important announcements.

11. BYOB, with Caution: Some cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne. However, always check the cruise line’s alcohol policy to avoid any unexpected corkage fees or confiscations.

12. Embrace Flexibility: While planning is pivotal, sometimes the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions. Whether it’s a sudden deck party or an unplanned shore excursion, embrace the unpredictability of the journey.

Drawing from the vast ocean of experiences of veteran cruisers, these tips and tricks are your compass, ensuring smooth sailing and memorable moments at every turn. Remember, every cruiser starts as a novice, but with the right guidance, each journey can be navigated like a pro.

NCL things onboard

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

As we anchor down on this comprehensive cruise-planning journey, it’s important to remember that each voyage is as much about the destinations as it is about the journey itself. Cruises offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, all set against the majestic backdrop of the vast ocean.

Every Cruiser’s Evolution: It’s a given – your first cruise will be markedly different from your tenth. With every voyage, you’ll learn more about your preferences, the quirks of different ships, and the nuances of navigating the high seas. Embrace this evolution, knowing that every experience, whether smooth or turbulent, contributes to your cruiser’s repertoire.

Trust in Preparation: While the allure of spontaneity is undeniable, there’s a unique comfort in knowing you’re well-prepared. Our cruise planner, coupled with the wisdom of countless cruisers before you, ensures that you’re equipped for every eventuality, allowing you to relish every moment to the fullest.

The World Awaits: Beyond the confines of your ship lies a world rich in culture, history, and natural splendor. Whether you’re wandering through bustling markets, lounging on sun-kissed beaches, or exploring ancient ruins, cherish these moments of discovery and connection.

Your Cruise Community: From fellow passengers to the dedicated crew, the connections you forge onboard often endure well beyond the journey. These shared experiences, stories, and laughter become the hidden gems of your cruising adventures.

best cruise planners

FAQs on Free Cruise Planners

What exactly is a Cruise Planner? A cruise planner is a comprehensive tool designed to help travelers plan and organize every aspect of their cruise vacation. It covers everything from budgeting to itinerary planning, ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Why should I use a Cruise Planner? Using a cruise planner allows you to consolidate all the crucial information in one place. This ensures you’re well-prepared, reduces stress, and allows you to make the most of your cruise experience. Plus, with everything organized, you’re less likely to overlook important details.

Can I use a Cruise Planner for any cruise line or ship? Absolutely! Our cruise planner is designed to be versatile, accommodating the specifics of any cruise line or ship. Simply adjust and fill in the relevant details according to your chosen cruise.

I’ve cruised before without a planner. What’s the added advantage? While many seasoned cruisers have their own systems in place, a cruise planner provides structure, consolidates information, and ensures you don’t miss out on new experiences or opportunities. It’s also a great tool for reflection and keepsakes.

How do I incorporate budgeting into the Cruise Planner? Our cruise planner has a dedicated section for budgeting, which covers everything from cruise fares to excursions and onboard expenses. By noting down and tracking your expenses, you can ensure you stay within your budget and make informed financial choices.

Is the Cruise Planner digital, printable, or both? Our cruise planner is primarily designed as a printable tool for hands-on planning. However, with evolving digital tools, you can easily use apps or software to fill it in digitally if that’s your preference.

How can I make the most of the onboard experience using the Cruise Planner? The cruise planner provides sections for you to note down daily activities, events, and shows you’re interested in. By planning ahead, you can optimize your time onboard, ensuring you participate in all the activities that pique your interest.

What if my plans change mid-cruise? Flexibility is the essence of any vacation! The cruise planner is designed to accommodate changes. It’s a tool for guidance, not rigidity. Always feel free to adapt and evolve your plans as your journey unfolds.

How does the post-cruise reflection section help? Reflecting on your journey allows you to savor and process your experiences. The post-cruise section is a space to note down memories, learnings, and even things you’d like to do differently next time. It becomes a cherished keepsake of your voyage.

Can I share the Cruise Planner with fellow travelers? A: Absolutely! Sharing the cruise planner is encouraged. Whether they’re first-time cruisers or seasoned voyagers, everyone can benefit from a bit of structured planning.

free cruise planner

  • Plan My Cruise

Cruise Vacation Planner

Benefits of using a cruise vacation planner, save time and money with a cruise vacation planner.

Cruise Vacation Planners can offer you the most unique travel experience at a very competitive price, plus exclusive vacation packages, low fares and special amenities. As an American Express Travel Representative , our cruise vacation planners are a selected few that offer American Express cardmember benefits such as Pay with Points and Mariner Club sailings. Cruise Planners travel agents are some of the top cruise vacation planners and have a tremendous reputation for quality, service and very competitive pricing for all your travel needs. You'll save money when you take advantage of our exclusive cruise travel deals and travel agent deals. Some of our vacation travel specials also have onboard cruise credits in which you can use to make your vacation more enjoyable.

The average traveler spends countless amount of hours searching for the best cruise deals for the hottest destinations. Unfortunately, this causes a lot of stress, and takes away time from actually preparing to go on an enjoyable vacation. Furthermore, the travel deals found online are for the general public, travel agents have access to exclusive deals and user their partnerships, and business relationships to get the best deal for their clients.

Bottom line, traveling should not be stressful, and that is where cruise vacation planners come into play. Not only do our travel agents assist you in saving money while traveling, they can also help you save time, and not to mention take the stress out of traveling. Booking the perfect cruise vacation, and packing to go on your journey has never been easier! Stop waiting for Groupon travel deals, special cruise prices from Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, and other major online travel agents who require you to spend hours searching through their cruise listings. With your own personal cruise vacation planner you'll gain access to extra benefits such as onboard cruise credits, and many more amenities that you won't find online.

  • We have access to low travel fares and special amenities on thousands of cruise sailings and tour departures.
  • We accept all major credit cards.
  • We are experts in specializing in destination reunions , destination weddings , clubs and associations.
  • We're destination specialists and experienced travelers.
  • We're your personal advocates and just a phone call away - 888-582-2150
  • We offer exclusive American Express Cardmember benefits.

Cruise Planners is a licensed, bonded, and insured travel agency . We are members of CLIA ( Cruise Line International Association ), NACOA ( National Association Of Cruise Oriented Agencies ), and ASTA ( American Society of Travel Agents ). 

Find a Cruise Vacation Planner

We have cruise vacation planners located throughout the United States that are experienced in booking travel to some of the most sought after destinations across the world. Like a personal shopper, our cruise vacation planners can provide a one-stop travel shopping experience for you. We can handle air arrangements, rental cars, shore excursions, cruise accommodations and hotel stays, tours, weddings and events, honeymoon and celebration registries, travel insurance, passport and visa services and so much more- with suggestions that are in the best interest of you. Take advantage of our one-stop shop travel agency and enjoy the convenience of a personal travel advisor managing your travel affairs while you enjoy your vacation the way you should, stress free!

Locate a local travel agent that will get you great Vacation Travel Deals so that you can enjoy your next vacation like you should. You may also contact a travel agent directly by calling 1-800-683-0206.

Cruise Planners travel agent is merely a selling agent and makes no warranty expressed or implied. Each Cruise Planners is Independently Owned and Operated. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here.

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The 9 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

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Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

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Booking a cruise isn’t always simple. It can be a complicated, time-consuming process that involves dozens of open tabs and maybe a spreadsheet or two. But knowing the best site to book a cruise can help a lot.

And while would-be travelers are accustomed to clicking around on travel search engines to find the best deals on flights , hotels , and rental cars , many people don’t realize that they can use these same types of sites to book cruises, too.

But is there one best site to book a cruise? That depends on what you’re looking for. Sometimes the best cruise website is actually a cruise line’s own site—since technically, cruise booking websites aren’t allowed to undercut the prices that the cruise lines set.

Often, though, the best cruise search engines are indispensable for locating incredible deals, including ones that throw in booking incentives worth hundreds of dollars—in Amazon gift cards, complimentary shore excursions, onboard freebies, and so on.

To save you the hassle, SmarterTravel investigated the glutted space of cheap cruise sites to determine which are worthy of listing as the best cruise websites; below are a few that come highly recommended.

The Best Sites to Book a Cruise

  • Expedia (including Travelocity and Orbitz )
  • TripAdvisor

Avoya Travel

Cheapcaribbean.com, cruisedirect, cruise critic, costco travel, cruisewatch.

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Expedia

Expedia is an obvious first mention in a list of the best cruise booking sites, in part because it’s an absolute juggernaut (Expedia also owns Travelocity and Orbitz ). Its cruise-booking interface is simple and straightforward, only requiring you to enter your preferred sailing destination and date range, as well as how many passengers you’ll be bringing along. Then Expedia does the heavy lifting for you, with comprehensive results that make it one of the best cruise search engines.

On Expedia, it’s common to find bookable cruises for 70 percent off face value, with the ability to sort by price so the best cruise deals come up at the top of the list, saving you the scrolling. A sample search for a mid-June cruise to Alaska, for example, quickly came up with a seven-night itinerary starting at $389 per person—that’s less than $56 per person, per night for a mostly inclusive weeklong vacation.

Expedia’s cruise deals tend to come paired with other enticing offers, including steep discounts on pre-departure hotels when you book both your cruise and hotel through Expedia. There’s also a dedicated 800 number that lets you speak to Expedia’s cruise experts and, often but not always, a generous amount of onboard credit thrown in for good measure.

Best feature: Sheer search power. Expedia’s easy-to-use cruise search engine generates a useful and well-ordered list of the best cruise deals, without much effort required from the user. Also, Expedia’s prices frequently match what the cruise lines themselves offer.

Check out Expedia

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Priceline

Priceline is another powerhouse among cheap cruise websites. The initial interface comes off a bit clunkier than, say, Expedia’s or Kayak’s, but the tradeoff is that you can quickly search by cruise line, both standard and luxury, as well as by cruise length and departure port.

Using the seven-night Alaska example, Priceline brought up an itinerary aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas that starts at just $374 for the full week—roughly $53 per night. Hard-to-believe cruise deals like this show up on Priceline with regularity, which is part of what solidifies it as one of the best cruise websites.

Also adding to the appeal: deals exclusive to Priceline, plenty of bonus amenities (examples include $50 in onboard credit, third and fourth guests sailing free, and free specialty dinners for two), no money down to book certain sailings, frequent onboard credit sales, an 800 number to call should you need assistance while booking, and a loyalty club that’s ties in with every cruise line’s loyalty program. Priceline also lets you click a “senior discount” box if that applies to you.

Best feature: Priceline’s “ 110% Best Price Guarantee ” promises that if you find your cruise listed at a lower price on another website within 48 hours of booking, then Priceline will refund you 110 percent of the cost difference, including port charges.

Check out Priceline

Tripadvisor

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Tripadvisor

Many people think of Tripadvisor mainly as a travel review site, where you go to get real talk on hotels and attractions, and to see non-glamorized photos of places as seen through actual travelers’ eyes. But Tripadvisor is also an excellent site for travel deals, including on cruises.

Tripadvisor Cruise , which launched in April 2019, is among the best websites for cruise deals—it lets you nab the lowest price by comparing more than 70,000 ocean and river cruises from some 60 of the best cruise websites. It’s got an attractive, inspiring landing page, and its newest function, “Explore Ship-tinerary pages,” lets you browse full ship profiles, details, photos, and itineraries.

Though Tripadvisor is technically a meta-search site for cruises, which means that it will send you elsewhere to actually book, its search engine lets users sort by destination, length, cruise line, and month of travel. The default search results are ordered by “best value”, unless you specifically click that you’d rather see the results organized by price, cruise length, departure date, or cruise ship. Even when you click on “price,” the lowest-priced offering doesn’t always come up first, though it only takes a few seconds of scanning to determine which itinerary has the lowest price—that seven-night Royal Caribbean International trip to Alaska came up on Tripadvisor starting at $365.

Best feature: What makes Tripadvisor one of the best sites to book a cruise? In addition to having one of the best cruise search engines, Tripadvisor lets you read other cruisers’ candid reviews of the cruise that you’re considering, so that you get the non-sugarcoated truth about each sailing.

Check out Tripadvisor

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Ship

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Avoya Travel

A rarity on the internet, Avoya Travel is a family-owned company that has been dealing in travel for more than 55 years. Avoya is one of the best sites to book a cruise in part because of its patented technology that lets travelers search cruises by destination, date range, cruise line, and last-minute status—and then get matched up, in real time, with one of Avoya’s expert vacation planners, who use that algorithm to customize a cruise booking to your specific preferences. (From Avoya’s website: “…we combine the ease of online search, with the expertise and personalized service of Independent Vacation Planners, plus secure exclusive deals and extras so you get more out of every vacation.”)

Avoya’s team of staffers and wide network of independent agencies make for a cruise booking website that’s a bit different from the rest. Its front page shows the “Best Travel Deals,” which might include half-off cruise fares, onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, and free or reduced airfare.

Like several of the other best cruise websites, Avoya offers a low-price guarantee; if you book a cruise with Avoya and then find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking, Avoya will refund the difference.

Best feature: Avoya offers free membership, and members get exclusive deals and discounts, access to unpublished fares, first dibs on promotions, the ability to save favorite searches, and the right to book, change, or cancel travel without incurring any Avoya fees.

Check out Avoya Travel

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of CheapCaribbean.com

When looking for the best site to book a cruise, don’t be put off by CheapCaribbean.com ’s overly specific moniker. Despite the site’s name, it offers cruises all over the world. The site’s vibe is beach-oriented and a bit cheeky, with a front page that can overwhelm—but click on the “Cruises” tab, and a cleaner interface appears. There you can search by cruise line, ship, destination, departure date, and departure port.

CheapCaribbean.com offers refunds on 24-hour cancellations (within certain parameters) and a “ 110 percent best price guarantee, ” a promise that if you find a lower price on the same cruise within 48 hours of booking, the company will refund you 110 percent of the difference. The site also lists traveler reviews about each cruise ship (as supplied by Cruiseline), though the reviews often include comments about the ship’s destinations other than the one you’re considering, which isn’t entirely helpful. There’s also a live chat widget if questions come up while booking.

Best feature: Helping to make CheapCaribbean.com one of the best cruise search engines is the fact that it lets you check boxes for additional discounts, including a senior discount, discounts by state (just enter your ZIP code), and past guest discounts if you’ve previously sailed with, say, Princess, Norwegian, or Disney.

Check out CheapCaribbean.com

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of CruiseDirect

Its front page is clunky and sort of in your face, but CruiseDirect is still one of the best cruise sites for a variety of reasons. As a cruise-only company, CruiseDirect doesn’t deal in flights, hotels, or rental cars, allowing it to focus its full capacity on helping you find the best cruise deal possible. On the site, you can search by destination, departure port, month, length of cruise, and cruise line. There’s real-time online chat and a contact number for support from a cruise expert. If you aren’t quite ready to buy, you can “heart” cruises to save them as favorites to refer back to later.

CruiseDirect offers perks on most sailings, like onboard credit, free drinks, free Wi-Fi, free gratuities, free travel insurance, or a free specialty dining experience—check out the “Bonus” box on the cruise listing you’re considering to see what extras it comes with.

Best feature: Like some of the other cruise websites on this list, CruiseDirect offers a “ best price guarantee ,” which means that if you find a lower price on another cruise booking website within 24 hours of your initial booking, you’ll get refunded the difference. But one key difference between CruiseDirect and the other cruise sites is that you don’t have to pay the cost of your cruise up front, just a deposit—and then if your cruise fare drops before you’ve made your final payment, CruiseDirect will readjust your rate accordingly.

Check out CruiseDirect

5 Crazy Themed Cruises You Can Take in 2022 and 2023

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Cruise Critic

A subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic has similar search results to that site, but it offers a bit more comprehensive information for seasoned cruisers who want more details before they book. Cruise Critic has tons of filters and sort options to help you find what you want, including everything from cruise line to cruise style (family cruises, luxury cruises, cruises for the disabled). Each itinerary clearly lists what is and isn’t included in the fare; Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and port taxes and fees are among the common exclusions.

Certain itineraries are marked with graphics declaring that the ship has won one of the site’s “Cruisers’ Choice” awards, denoting vessels that Cruise Critic members declare to be the among the best in categories such as cabins, entertainment, and family-friendly features.

You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops.

Once you’re ready to book, Cruise Critic shows you a variety of offers from some of the best cruise booking sites, including bonuses such as onboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Then you click off to the site of your choice to make your purchase. Prices generally match what’s advertised on Cruise Critic.

Best feature: Under each search result is a tab for “reviews” where you can read reviews from Cruise Critic members who’ve previously traveled on the ship. On certain cruises you can click over to a full-length write-up of the ship by one of the experts on the Cruise Critic editorial team, including detailed information on dining options, cabins, entertainment, dress code, and more.

Check out Cruise Critic

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Costco Travel

When you think of Costco, you probably think of bulk food and toilet paper. But the next time you’re booking a cruise, it’ll be worthwhile to pull up Costco Travel , which is, unexpectedly, one of the best cruise websites.

The site doesn’t look fancy—it’s pretty bare-bones, visually—but the upside of going with a no-frills cruise-booking website is that Costco Travel offers extremely competitive prices, as well as some of the most attractive incentives, usually in the form of Costco Cash delivered to you after you get home from your cruise.

Though there’s no single point of contact if you need to call and discuss your cruise booking, Costco Travel’s call center is staffed with helpful agents from early morning until evening, seven days a week, and passengers can rest assured that Costco won’t go out of business before they set sail. Note that a Costco membership (starting at $60 per year) is required to book with Costco Travel, and that Costco doesn’t accept American Express.

Best feature: Rock-bottom prices—plus lots of cash back if you play your cards right: Costco Citi cardholders earn 3 percent cash back on cruise purchases, which can combine with the 2 percent Costco Reward for Costco Executive Members for a total of 5 percent back on Costco Travel’s already super low cruise rates.

Check out Costco Travel

Laptop showing the cruise search homepage of Cruisewatch

Pondering which is the best site to book a cruise? Keep Cruisewatch in strong consideration—more than a typical cruise booking website, Cruisewatch bills itself as a “digital cruise advisor” that couples data power with personalization.

As an artificial intelligence cruise advisor, Crusewatch created technology that makes searching and booking a cruise more efficient—the first, it calls “Cruise Price Prediction.” In short, Cruisewatch collected and stored the daily price for each ship and cabin over a span of five years, resulting in millions of data points—and a massive database that informs exactly when cruise prices are lowest, and when the greatest saving potential exists.

Thanks to this comprehensive price history, Cruisewatch can predict cruise prices and drops with an accuracy rate of around 80 percent. Using the site’s cruise price prediction alerts, travelers can save up to 71 percent just by booking at the right time.

In addition to being able to predict prices, Cruisewatch tailors user search results to match their established preferences through customizable profiles and other similar features. This means you won’t waste time wading through cruises that may be cheap but don’t align with your vacation goals.

Best feature: Cruisewatch’s easy-to-set price alerts, based on tons of data, allow users to be notified in real time of the best new cruise deals the minute they come online.

Check out Cruisewatch

Book a Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

Need a place to stay the night before you set sail? Search SmarterTravel Hotels for great accommodations in your port of call.

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Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter  @avitalb  or on  Facebook .

Editor’s note: Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

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The Best Cruise Planners for Your Next Vacation

by Contractor | Dec 16, 2020 | resources | 0 comments

Cruises are a fantastic way to explore various new locations without worrying about planning all the details. Cruises come with the perk of constant entertainment onboard, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Yes, everything is taken care of for you once you step on deck, but what about planning which cruise to choose in the first place?

Picking a cruise for your upcoming vacation can be an exceptional challenge, especially if you have limited travel experience. There are four exceptional agencies that will dedicate their services to providing you a life-altering cruise experience: Cruises Only, Cheap Caribbean, Cruise.co.uk, and Cruise Direct.

Keep reading for the best cruise planners for your next vacation. Up next, we’ll share what the best and most reliable cruise planners have to offer, discover why agents are such an asset to your vacation planning, and how to best determine which agency is worth your trust.

Top 4 Cruise Planners

best cruise planners

When all else fails, and you just want a quality cruise planner without jumping through research hoops, these four options are guaranteed to provide you with exceptional services and an unforgettable vacation.

Although common booking websites/ agents such as Expedia and Booking.com are always great options, the planners in this list are exclusively focused on planning for cruise vacations.

Cruises Only

Boasting the title of “America’s Largest Cruise Agency,” Cruises Only has quite the reputation to uphold, and it does this without fail.

Virtually every major cruise line has awarded Cruises Only as “Partner of the Year” or as an “Agency of the Year” at least once over the past decade. Those are some significant references. Not only does the company pride itself on exceptional customer service, but its team also has the credentials to ensure it.

The average Cruises Only member has at least four years of experience with the company. Every member has gone through significant training and programs to be professionally certified in their position. So, rest assured, you’re dealing with experts here.

Cruises Only provide an extensive list of deals for users, from family packages to group discounts, to last-minute deals.

They also work with a long list of cruise lines, including luxury cruises such as

  • Viking Ocean

Partnering with a vast amount of cruise lines also ensures that there is a wide range of destinations to choose from. Common trip locations include

  • the Caribbean
  • the Bahamas
  • various regions of Europe

Cheap Caribbean

best cruise planners

Don’t let its name fool you. Although Cheap Caribbean prides itself on ensuring that cruising is an accessible vacation option for all, regardless of budget, they do not sacrifice quality in the process.

Since its founding in 2000, this agency has provided fulfilling and affordable vacation packages to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

The company site provides all-inclusive packages, promo codes, coupons, and Discounts for Heroes, a $150 discount reserved for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and members of the military.

Their exceptional agents’ work has been recognized through numerous awards such as the 2018 Shorty Social Good Award – Best in Hospitality and Travel and placing gold for the HSMAI Adrian Award in public relations. Customer service is also available weeklong for any questions or changes you might want to discuss with your agent.

If your ideal trip includes sandy beaches, clear blue oceans, and perfect sunny weather, then the Cheap Caribbean is the agent for you.

Cruise.co.uk

For our European readers, Cruise.co.uk is not only one of the most popular planners in Europe, but it was also awarded the ‘World’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent’ from 2009 to 2013 in the World Travel Awards. Their highly trained and well-reviewed consultants are dedicated to providing you with a stress-free and unique experience.

Cruise.co.uk provides thousands of packages to a wide array of destinations. Common locations include the

  • Mediterranean
  • North America

Additionally, this company provides more unique vacation destinations such as

  • the Galapagos Islands
  • Norwegian Fjords
  • New Zealand

One of the perks that set Cruise.co.uk apart from its competitors is that it not only offers a wide arrange of ocean cruises but river cruises as well.

Travelers can explore rivers worldwide, from the Yangzte of China to the Rhine in Europe to Po in Italy. River cruises have their own charm because they are typically on smaller, faster ships, which means you might have scenic cruising but no sea days.

These smaller ships can also allow passengers to visit regions that are too difficult for ocean cruisers to reach.

As you can see, Cruise.co.uk is an optimal agency for travelers that want a large pool of trip options to select from. Their dedicated team will ensure that whatever your aspirations might be, they will find the cruise and excursions to best fit your dream trip.

Cruise Direct

With departure points all around the world, Cruise Direct is a highly accessible and reputable agency. The company recently celebrated its 15 th anniversary of serving half a million customers, demonstrating that they are widely trusted by a significant sum of travelers annually.

Cruise Direct’s website is easy to navigate, and their agency provides a wide range of trip options from river cruises to luxury to budget-friendly. Cruise Direct has various deals to help minimize vacation costs, especially for families.

Depending on the cruise line, travelers can enjoy perks such as kids traveling for free, up to 60% off of additional guests,  tips, drinks, and features included in your booking cost, or even a gifted credit to spend on ship activities.

Cruise experts are also available for consultations every day of the week, and Cruise Direct guarantees that their customers pay the lowest rate possible.

Additionally, the company allows flexible payment plans and does not charge booking fees. As a result, Cruise Direct is an agency that ensures the cruise experience is stress-free and affordable for anyone.

Why Hire a Cruise Planner?

best cruise planners

Many people are drawn to cruises to appeal that food, beverages, entertainment, and lodging are all taken care of for the entirety of your vacation with just one booking.

However, choosing the cruise with features and an itinerary that best suits you can be a massive decision to make. Luckily, you can hire some help. Here are five reasons you might want to work with a travel agent when planning your next cruise vacation.

You’re New to Cruising

With the vast array of available cruises with limitless features and varying itineraries, it can be difficult to weed out the ones that don’t suit you and your vacation plans, especially if you’ve never booked one before.

Cruise planners will provide a personable experience but also take the stress of planning off your shoulders. All you have to do is tell them what you’re looking for in terms of cruise style, preferred stateroom, potential trip itinerary, as well as your budget, and they will match your specifications to the best option.

If you are new to travel, you probably have limited experience with finding the best prices or figuring out details, such as how to get from point A to point B in a new region or country.

Travel agencies will take care of all these details, from flights to excursions to booking a room, so you don’t have to let lack of experience hold you back. Agents do this for a living, so they are constantly learning new tricks from working with previous clients and will ensure your entire trip flows smoothly.

You’re on a Budget

Cruises typically have fixed rates for their experiences, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t clever tricks to make the trip a little cheaper.

For one, travel agencies will compare cruise features and experiences to find which ones provide the most bang for your buck. For example, some cruises include drinks, tips, or special features such as spas packages for free, while others will charge fees.

Agents will also spend the time to keep an eye on cruise costs in case there are any deals for what is included as well as potential price drops or incentives such as the reduced price for paying with a particular credit card.

Many agents will have access to special rates or additional incentives that they will use to help reduce the cost of your cruise as well. They will also compare various cruise lines to determine if any supply coupons or discount codes may apply to your trip or group size.

Let Someone Else be in Control

Even if you’re the one that’s used to doing it all, it’s nice to let someone else take charge for once. This is much easier if it’s someone you’re not traveling with.

But also, planning a trip can be exhausting, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. Hiring a cruise planner will put your mind at ease and take the responsibility of planning every little detail off your shoulders.

All you have to do is tell them what you want, pay for the experience, and enjoy. With a cruise planner, you’re mind is truly free to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer.

Of course, for some, planning a trip is a fun process in itself, so it might be hard to give that responsibility away, especially if you have very specific plans in mind for your trip. If you prefer to have control of your trip, that’s great, but it doesn’t mean you don’t need an agent.

After all, not all control is good. For instance, if you need to make a change to your reservation, you might be subject to a tedious roundabout process of holding on to the phone and waiting for answers. This is something your agent can do for you.

Cruise planners are also valuable resources purely for their experience. They can provide insight into where you are going, top-rated experiences you should have, and providing discounts, and being a great form of insurance should something go wrong and you need a quick car rental or plan ride out.

You can do as much or as little of the planning as you’d like, and they will provide support and ensure everything is booked to your liking.

Cruise Planners are Inexpensive… as in Free

A common misconception about travel agencies is that you’re paying for their assistance on top of your vacation fees. For the majority of agents, this is not true.

Planners are typically paid through commissions from hotels, airlines, and, in this case, cruise lines.  The agents help these companies book their rooms and experiences, so they are the ones who compensate the planners, not you.

So, in a sense, you are getting invaluable experience and assistance at no extra cost, so why wouldn’t you hire some help?

You Don’t Have to Do All the Work Yourself

Travel agents pride themselves on being highly personable and fully supporting their customers throughout the entire vacation process. From planning to boarding to experiencing to departure, they will be with you the whole way.

Planning a cruise vacation can be stressful, which, in turn, might ruin your experience. It is always a relief to have someone available to answer any questions you might have, reduce some of the planning burdens, or purely have a conversation about the exciting potential of your trip.

Even if you are fully capable of booking a cruise experience on your own, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a confidante in your corner.

How to Choose a Good Cruise Planner

best cruise planners

After determining that you want to hire a cruise planner, you must now determine which agent to trust for the duration of your trip. This decision can feel like it requires as much research and hard work as planning the trip itself. So, here are some tips to help you find the cruise planner that is best for you.

Check Their Credentials

Just like you would ask for someone’s resume before hiring them for a position, you should check a cruise planner’s history and referrals before delving too deep into what they can do for you.

There should be reviews available about the agents from previous clients that you should read to see what highlights or issues these individuals had with the company or their individual agent.

Most reliable and reputable cruise planners are also labeled as:

  • Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)
  • Master Cruise Counselor (MCC)
  • Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC).

This means that the agents took extensive courses in cruise training, ship inspection, and cruise experiences. Therefore, the agent is educated on which cruises are safest and provide the best overall experience for their passengers.

Other exceptional references for your potential travel agency would be:

  • the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies (NACOA)
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  • American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

You can never have too many credible references, and seeing these companies backing your agency should put your mind at ease that your vacation and your hard-earned cash are in the right hands.

Interview Potential Cruise Planners

best cruise planners

As mentioned previously, the ideal cruise planner is highly personable, detail-oriented, and efficient. Therefore, when you finally speak to a potential agent, you should treat this conversation like an interview with a potential employee.

Have questions ready for the agent regarding why you should hire them over a competitor and have all the necessary details regarding your ideal vacation available.

If the agent is of true merit, they will ask for a wide range of details. They should ask you about your:

  • Attraction destinations

And these are just the basics. A great cruise planner will ask additional questions to figure out exactly what your perfect cruise might look like. The more questions they ask, the more they’ll learn about you to help find the cruise that’s right for you.

If they offer you a potential cruise without asking for or receiving any of these details, then this agent is not prioritizing you and your vacation experience, and you should search for another.

Check with Cruise Lines for Recommended Planners

If you’ve done some light research on potential cruises you might want to book for your vacation, but you want a planner’s opinion, see if the cruise line has any recommendations.

It is not uncommon for cruise lines to have agent recommendations on their websites that you can research and compare.

Sometimes, these agents merely appear on a map of who is close to you, but that in itself can be beneficial because you can research the agent down the street and then personally meet with them to determine if they are right for you.

Final Thoughts

Cruises are a great way to travel because it will include nearly all expenses and have your itinerary all laid out for you. Travel agents will take this planning one step further by choosing the best cruise that suits you and your needs so you can relax throughout the whole process.

It is rare to have the opportunity to travel to new regions and not have to be responsible for all the particulars along the way.

If you want to have an added thrill to the experience, let your travel agent pick your destinations and excursions for you. Merely describe the activities and trip aesthetic that interest you and let them surprise you at every corner for a completely unique and sensational vacation.

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Royal Caribbean's Certified Vacation Planners give you a one-way ticket to a sea of cruising opportunities. Are you looking to bask in the warmth of the Caribbean, experience the charm of the Mediterranean or even go north to explore the natural beauty of Alaska? Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or not, our Certified Vacation Planners have the knowledge to point you in the right direction.

Royal Caribean's Certified Vacation Planners give you a one-way ticket to a sea of cruising opportunities. Are you looking to bask in the warmth of the Caribbean, experience the charm of the Mediterranean or even go north to explore the natural beauty of Alaska? Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or not, our Certified Vacation Planners have the knowledge to point you in the right direction.

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  9. Best Cruise Planners for Your Next Vacation - A Cruising Couple">The Best Cruise Planners for Your Next Vacation - A Cruising...

    Keep reading for the best cruise planners for your next vacation. Up next, we’ll share what the best and most reliable cruise planners have to offer, discover why agents are such an asset to your vacation planning, and how to best determine which agency is worth your trust. Top 4 Cruise Planners

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