Cruising is a very fun experience for most people. There are people that don't enjoy this because of either too many people or being on the ocean and get seasick. Or just feel they are trapped since they are on a boat and can't see land. So I am not saying cruising is for everyone.

Things to enjoy are a low cost per day per person for lodging, food and entertainment. You have the opportunity to enjoy many acitivites or just hanging by the pool and working on your tan, if you have cruised to get away from the harsh winter where you live.

For adults and people that can take a vacation anytime of year, this si a great option for Thanksgiving, Superbowl Weekend, and other times of low fares offered. For families, some are restricted to summer cruising, most of which is more expensive. The thing with crusing is do NOT be fixed on a one particular week or time. Look at a range or a month, that you want to travel. Think about it!! The cruise lines ships do not change their activities or itinerairies much. One ship will do two different itinerairies with maybe 2 number of days options. But regardless it is the same cruise. But one week of the month you may pay $100 a day per person where another week in same month is only $85 a day per person. Also months are different. Jan/Feb are very low except for New Years and if spring break fall into the mix. So why go on a high cost cruise when the exact same cruise goes on the same month but lower priced. So research is required. If you get in touch with travel agents they can help you and sometimes they can give you offers that include a lot of perks, but usually the total fare is going to be higher, or they are on cruise lines that the fares are higher.

Let talk cruise lines. There are several and usually they are set for catering to a particular class or style of cruising. Now if you have not gone before oyu might not know what might fit you or your budget. But if you are looking on the budget side only then you will start with Carnival Cruise Lines and find cruising affordable. If you start looking at other cruise lines, you will see the pricing goes up, but they include perks during promotions, but I have found that there is nothing free so even with these perks, it is more than Carnival. I have found at times where I wanted to go I had to use other cruise lines and I found things that worked for me. One thing to remember, always shop and watch for their specials. Typically they run a special for 1-3 weeks and then no special for a week or two and then another promotion. So watch and keep track of wher eyou want to go, estimated time and cruise line. Then once or twice every week, just on rates. I make a graph and keep it going for the cruise I want and keep tracking pricing. It may take a couple weeks or a month, but it is worth the savings. Also for most of you, you will be planning next years or right now, be planning your 2022 cruise. Can you think or plan that far in advance. If you can there are many savings to be had. Another nice thing about Carnival is that if you book and get the price guarantee, then you can watch and if they ever offer it cheaper, then you just use a form they have an get the lower price for our booking.

Also when you start cruising you might say you want a balcony or a suite. So the question is, how much time will you be in cabin. Do you like to have coffee and enjoy sitting on balcony in morning before you get dressed? Note, you can NOT smoke on your balcony. So it the cost of those worth it really.

Things to look for when you book:
Onboard Credits, Price Guarantee, Alcohol included, amount of your deposit, refund or exchange policy.

These things wil make your booking and trip a lot better if you understand them. Onboard credit is free money you get to spend on board. You have to watch though when loocing at options for a fare for the cruise. A cruise the is $800 without a $50 Onboard credit maybe be actually a better deal than the cruise for $875 with Onboard credit. Do not let the OBC fool you. Sometimes I see a $30 difference for getting the OBC. So is that really a deal? Up to you to decide. Also they give you a cheaper price if you let them assign you a cabin. If you want to pick your cabin then it could cost $50-$200 more per person pper cabin.

Single travelers note that your will pay for the cabin like two are in it even it not. The only savings for traveling alone is that you do not pay taxes, port charges or gratuities for second person. Also most cruise lines do not include gratuities in the primary cost of the cruise unless it is a perk for the sale you might find. I have a book that discusses how to find the right kind of cruise for you.

TXO Cruises - Cruiser handbook