Top Five Questions to Ask

Long before you ever contact a travel agent or begin searching the Internet for great deals, you'll need to answer a bevy of important questions.

 

1. Where do we want to go? Ocean liners leaving from Southern ports will take you to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and Bermuda.
    
2. How long is our trip going to last? Cruises can last a few days or stretch for months, but your itinerary will determine the length of your cruise. Southern Living reader Bette Pettit of Miami says she and husband Jim booked several short cruises first because they weren't sure if they'd like it. They've since signed on for longer trips, which they highly recommend.
    
3. What's our budget? Most cruises include standard meals, accommodations, kids' programs, and entertainment in their prices. Sodas, alcohol, shore excursions, alternative dining, spa treatments, and tips all cost extra. Plan to spend a minimum of a few hundred dollars per person in addition to the base price of your cruise.
    
4. Are we planning to fly or drive to meet the ship? A number of Southern ports―Galveston and Houston, Texas; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and Baltimore―have opened cruise terminals in recent years to service the drive-in market. Parking fees vary, so be sure to add this cost when calculating your budget. Whether you drive or fly, plan to arrive at least a day in advance, says Southern Living Associate Travel Editor Wanda McKinney. "You want to get there without being stressed out about missing your boat," she says. "The extra day also gives you a chance to explore the port city."
    
5. When can we go? As soon as you settle on the dates, you're ready to begin shopping for the cruise that best fits your needs. Be sure to check prices just before and just after your desired time frame to see if there's a significant difference. For example, prices for Caribbean cruises run highest from Christmas through mid-April, but you might be able to score a better deal if you go the week after New Year's.
    

NextLuxury Cruise Lines