Proper planning beforehand ensures you'll be able
to enjoy your cruise once onboard.
Photo © Aaron Saunders
Personally, I enjoy the planning stage of a cruise as much as the actual voyage itself. I pour over deck plans, itineraries, brochures and guide books, eager to learn as much about the line, ship, and destination I'm considering as possible.
But not everyone is as ravenous for knowledge. For many, they know where they want to go, and when they want to go there. After all, a cruise is a vacation, right? It is indeed – but there's still some important information you should check first before booking your next cruise.
Every ship is unique and different, and tailored toward
providing a certain type of experience.
Pictured here is Holland America's Zaandam.
Photo © Aaron Saunders
The Ship Matters
For those who say a ship is just a ship: no it's not! Each ship has its own distinct personality. Some writers and seafarers have even gone so far as to say a ship has a soul – a theory this blogger firmly believes. I've heard people complain they wanted Cunard when they're on NCL and vice-versa. Once you're onboard, its far too late to do anything about it.
Even sister-ships can have different decor, features
and amenities. Pictured here is the attractive Observation Lounge
aboard Silversea's Silver Shadow
Photo © Aaron Saunders
So spend time checking out the cruise line's website. Many have virtual tours of their fleet, letting you get a glimpse inside the ship before you've physically stepped aboard. Even within a single line, many ships may have different interior designs, colors, and amenities. Don't assume that because you've sailed on the Zuiderdam that you know what Nieuw Amsterdam will be like.
An inside stateroom aboard NCL's Norwegian Star.
Located on the newly-refurbished Deck 12, it features
different decor from similar categories on lower decks.
Photo © Aaron Saunders
Know Thy Stateroom
This sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how often stateroom selection can create problems. Take deck plans: they can be a color-coded mass of confusion to the first-time cruiser. Knowing how to properly read a deckplan can help you choose the perfect stateroom, every time.
Choosing what type of stateroom is relatively easy: do you want an interior, oceanview, balcony stateroom, or a suite? Beyond that, however, things can get complicated. For example, there may be five different categories of oceanview staterooms; which one is best?
A computer rendering of a suite aboard Oceania's new Marina.
Photo-illustration courtesy of Oceania Cruises
A comfortable standard oceanview stateroom
aboard Holland America's Rotterdam.
Photo © Aaron Saunders
Usually, multiple categories offer a slightly more desirable location within the ship. A balcony stateroom on an upper deck may command a higher category – and price – because of its location rather than its features. If location isn't as important to you, this can be a great way to save some money and still get what you want.
A section of the deck plan for Baja Deck 11 aboard
Princess Cruises' Crown Princess.
Note the symbols next to the stateroom numbers; in this case,
the red dot means the stateroom can accommodate up to four
people; the black triangle means it can accommodate three.
Illustration courtesy of Princess Cruises
Also check the description of any symbols on the stateroom you've selected; some rooms may offer an additional pull-out bed (sometimes called a pullman or berth), while other symbols can denote rooms with specific features, such as a tub or shower.
A section of deckplan from Silversea's Silver Spirit.
Note how the elevator and stairwell banks line
up perfectly between Deck 5 and Deck 6, allowing
prospective passengers to accurately see
what is above and below them.
Illustration courtesy of Silversea Cruises
Finally, don't assume the deckplans line up properly; chances are the graphic design guru who laid them out in the brochure has never been on a cruise before. To properly determine what is above and below you, first find an elevator bank or staircase on the deckplan. Then look at the next deck. If the stairwells line up, the plans are properly laid out. If they don't, that lounge you think isn't below your chosen cabin might actually be.
Be Port Savvy
Properly researching your ports of call can save you plenty of time and unwanted stress. This can be extremely important in Europe, where the port your ship docks at may not be the key attraction. A good example:
Day 2 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece – 9am to 5pm
The key attraction here is Athens, Greece. But Athens is inland, which typically poses a problem for cruise ships. Ships instead dock in the town of Piraeus, roughly an hour outside of Athens. While Piraeus is mighty nice, you won't find the Acropolis or the Plaka district here, limiting the options of those who want to just get off the ship and wander. The further away the main attractions are, the more you'll want to take a shore excursion in order to experience them.
The historic port of Southampton, England - pictured here -
is sometimes listed as the gateway to London.
Photo © Aaron Saunders
It's also important to pay attention to these “dual ports” if one happens to be your embarkation or disembarkation port. Another good example is London, England. While a few vessels are small enough to dock right in the heart of London, the vast majority will tie up in Southampton or Dover.
But most importantly...
Have Fun!
Stay tuned to From the Deck Chair, as we run more helpful planning articles during the month of January.
