Here is some good information that will help you start your planning:
Knowing cruise terminology will help make everything from pre-cruise planning to disembarkation a little less confusing. Even if you are a rookie cruiser you don't have to sound like one!
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The more questions below you can answer, the easier it will be to plan:
1) Cruise Destination - Do you have any specific destinations you would like to go to? Caribbean Cruise, Alaskan Cruise, European River Cruise
2) Cruise Embarkation Port - Are you looking to cruise from the closest embarkation (see terminology link above) port to you? or are you willing to travel to another embarkation port further away with additional ship and itinerary options?
3) Budget - Is their a budget you are looking to stay within? You can cruise on a wide range of budgets, but if you are trying to cruise for the least amount possible it will eliminate some cruise lines, longer cruises and limit you most likely to cruising from your nearest embarkation port due to the savings from additional travel expenses.
4) Dates - When do you want to go? Just a general time of year, or do you have specific dates.
If it's your first cruise I would recommend no more than a 7 or 8 day cruise. Cruising is not for some people and doing more than that your first time maybe a little too much.
If you are traveling from Mississippi your closest ports are New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL. You will have more choices going out of New Orleans. If cruising out of New Orleans try to avoid cruising around their festivals like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, etc. Prices will be significantly higher if you plan on staying overnight in town prior to or after the cruise.
Cruising during the summer or during time when kids are out of school (spring break, holidays, etc.) will generally mean there will be more children onboard and also typically means the prices will be a little higher. This may be something you want to consider.
From there you can start to look at Cruise Line options and Cruise Ship options. Then comes cabin selection and any excursions you would like to do.
This resource will also be helpful:
The Cruising Earth - Pre-Cruise Checklist will help you keep organized so you don't miss anything important in your cruise planning and preparation. Whether you are a rookie cruiser or have been around the Earth a few times on a ship this...
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