1.YOUR BUDGET: You don't wanna under or over spend so ask me what the choices are for you mid range. Under spending leads a ship or room that is sub-par for you and no one wants to over spend. Your budget on a cruise goes 10 TIMES further than what it does on land since a cruise includes food, entertainment, sports ( like mini golf, basketball, etc), sometimes drinks, and your room, PLUS the transportation around the Caribbean or whereever it takes you. Don't be afraid to stick to your budget and let me work my magic!
2. The SHIP & WHAT IT OFFERS: The ship does matter. The ship offerings matter especially on a 4 night or longer cruise. You don't want to be stuck on a ship and hate it. The events, shows, pools, dining venues, and more will make or break a cruise. It doesn't have to be the largest and newest either, in fact a lot of cruisers prefer a medium sized ship. If you aren't happy about the ship amenities you won't have a good cruise. If you don't have a good cruise, you won't go again.
3. Room Choice: The stateroom matters. It is not JUST for sleeping.. Most cruisers, especially first timers will assume that they won't spend time in their cabins. This is where you come to relax from the hustle and bustle of the day. It's where you can hang out in-between activities...This is where you veg out, where you get ready for dinner, where you come after being out in port, where you wake up and get a start on the day. If you hate your room it won't be a good start to your day, you'll hate being in it and that leads to regret about going on the cruise in general. Your stateroom choice also depends on how many people are in your party. Sometimes it's cheaper to get 2 versus putting more in a cabin and being cramped.
4.Ports of Call: Choose ports of call that interest you and that you are drawn to. Part of cruising is exploring. Choose ports that you will want to get off at. Just because you get off doesn't mean you have to spend money on an excursion either. Most ports will have a shopping area right off the ship or can walk out of the cruise port area at no cost! It never costs money to walk around in any port. I have experienced so much by choosing ports that are stunning or that have activities I have always wanted to try! Again choosing ports that you may not like may have you on the ship extra and can lead to getting cabin fever.
All of these and more can affect your cruise in positive or negative ways. I am here to help guide you in a direction that is BEST FOR YOU... not me, not what you've seen online, but FOR YOU. Cruising can be AMAZING. I hope this helps you find some direction on your specific cruise. My services are complimentary ALWAYS and I'd lovey to help!
-Jess, Your Travel Guide & Friend
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