Cruising for Beginners

• Disney
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian
• Princess
• Celebrity
• Norwegian
• Cunard
• Virgin (Adults Only)
• Carnival

Disney cruises (although the best IMO) aren't the only amazing options for families. Each of the other cruise lines have their own version of well thought out, safety-minded fun childcare and entertainment. 

We will discuss where you want to go, your budget and what kind of experience your family is interested in and begin the vetting process. We'll also look at current deals and promos to find the best value for your family.

Cruising has it's own vocabulary - so here I'll get you started with some basics.

Ship Lingo

• Decks (floors)
• Port - left side when facing the front of the ship.
• Starboard - right side when facing the front of the ship.
• Forward (bow)- front of the ship.
• Midship- middle (and most desired) of the ship. There is less motion felt mid-ship.
• Aft (stern) - back of the ship.

Stateroom Types

• Inside (no windows, some offer digital windows)
• Courtyard Balcony - a balcony overlooking the central park on Royal Caribbean ships - ocean is not visible
• Oceanview - a port hole or seated window with a view to the ocean. Port holes vary widely in size from ship to ship.
• Balcony/Verandah - exit onto a balcony with chairs and a private view of the ocean.
• Suites/Havens/Lofts/Oh My - these are the more expensive options and typically include an expansive balcony, full length windows in the main area, bedrooms and or bathrooms. 

Categories

• Each ship has it's own category that includes location and stateroom type on the ship. It's important to compare apples to apples when looking at pricing. A balcony can have numerous categories which determines if it's obstructed view, mid ship, forward, aft, and which deck it's on. 
• Staterooms that are midship, and on higher decks have a higher category and thus price. 
• Guarantees - these stateroom types are often offered at a significant discount, however it means that you're guaranteed a stateroom type, but not a location when you book. The cruise line will tell you where the stateroom will be. Often rooms that are a guarantee may have additional restrictions or not qualify for certain promotions or have an obstructed view - but are usually the least expensive options onboard. 

Other Vocabulary and Costs

• Port of Embarkation - the port you begin your cruise in.
• Port of Debarkation - the port you end your cruise in. Many cruises are one-way, so be aware of that when looking at sail dates. 
• Non-Refundable Deposits - Some cruise lines offer a lower stateroom price when you book a non-refundable deposit. This means you are unable to get 100% of your money back as soon as you book if you should need to cancel, they often will offer you a future cruise credit as an option if cancellation is necessary. 
• Ground Transfers - transportation from the airport or resort you're staying at to the port and back.
• Gratuities - Each cruise line charges a per person per night additional fee for gratuities that are not included in the fares they quote. Typically they range from $16 - $20 per person per night. 
• Travel Protection - I always get travel protection on a cruise because it covers you if someone gets sick on the ship, in a port and if you need to be airlifted from the ship. Costs you don't want to imagine without the coverage. Prices vary between cruise lines and are often determined by the total cost of your vacation. 
• Pre-Night Stay - I highly recommend booking a hotel near the port to stay at the night before your cruise. Many of them offer a cruise and stay option to cover the parking for your car during your cruise.
• Post-Night Stay - some people may want to spend a night in the city they disembark in, allowing them to get their "land legs" back before they travel home.
• Terminal/Port Parking - You can park at the cruise terminal