Want to set sail stress-free and get the best value? Follow this step-by-step guide to pick the cruise that truly fits you—for families, luxury escapes, the Mediterranean, or the Caribbean.
👉 Ready to go? Book your cruise now
Step 1 — Define your traveler profile & budget
Before looking at ships, get clear on:
- Who’s traveling? Couple, family with young kids/teens, friends, seniors
- Vibe: chill, festive, premium/luxury, expedition
- Pace: many ports vs. sea days
- Total budget: cabin + flights + transfers + gratuities + drinks + shore excursions + insurance
Mouna’s Travel tip: set a per-person, per-day budget (e.g., €150–€250 for mainstream Med in summer; €300–€600 for premium/luxury in high season).
🔗 When your budget is set, compare sailings: book your cruise.
Step 2 — Pick destination & season (Mediterranean vs. Caribbean)
- Mediterranean (Apr–Oct): culture & heritage (Italy, Greece, Spain, France). Perfect for first-time cruisers and families in summer.
- Caribbean (Nov–Apr): warm weather, beaches, turquoise water. Several sub-regions (East/West/South) and private islands.
- Shoulder seasons: softer prices, fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe.
Families: school holidays = maximum kids’ activities.
Luxury: choose shoulder months for quality & serenity.
🔗 See itineraries on your dates: check availability.
Step 3 — Choose the cruise line & ship
Each brand has its signature. Check:
- Ship size:
- Mainstream (tons of activities, water parks, big shows)
- Premium (refined service, gastronomy, quiet zones)
- Luxury (smaller ships, more inclusions, exclusive ports)
- Family services: kids/teens clubs, connecting cabins, kids’ menus
- Wellness & dining: specialty restaurants, spa, adults-only areas
- What’s included vs. extra: drinks, Wi-Fi, spa access, specialty dining
Luxury: prefer newer or refurbished ships, high crew-to-guest ratio, standout dining.
Family: check kids club capacity and minimum ages.
🔗 Filter by brand/ship and compare: book your cruise.
Step 4 — Lock in the itinerary & length (and the right pace)
- Length: 7 nights is the sweet spot. 10–12 nights = richer, less rushed.
- Pacing: alternate ports and sea days to breathe.
- Examples:
- Mediterranean: Barcelona – Marseille – Genoa – Rome – Naples – Palma
- Eastern Caribbean: Miami – Nassau – St. Thomas – St. Maarten – private island
- Western Caribbean: Miami – Roatán – Costa Maya – Cozumel – private island
- Time in port: aim for ≥ 8 hours to enjoy without rushing.
- Excursions: book through the line (simplicity/safety) or private (flexibility/price). Mix both.
🔗 Check dates & ports that fit your plan: see sailings.
Step 5 — Pick your stateroom (inside, oceanview, balcony, suite)
- Inside: best value if you’re rarely in the room
- Oceanview: natural light, fixed window
- Balcony: comfort + privacy (breakfasts, sunsets)
- Suite: space, dedicated services, lounge access, priority boarding
- Location:
- Mid-ship / mid decks = less motion
- Avoid directly above/below theaters, clubs, or busy venues
- Family: connecting cabins or family layouts (pull-downs, sofa bed)
- Luxury: suites with concierge, exclusive dining, priority tender
🔗 See what’s available on your dates: choose your cabin.
Step 6 — Optimize packages & add-ons
- Drinks: soft/alcohol packages (often pay for themselves from 5–7 drinks/day)
- Wi-Fi: streaming or messaging plans; book in advance (web rates)
- Specialty dining: plan 1–2 evenings to mix things up
- Gratuities: included or per-day charge—budget for it
- Excursions: mix ship-run + private; compare duration, distance, group size
- Travel insurance: cancellation, medical, baggage—non-negotiable for long-haul
- Deals: early booking for families (connecting cabins are scarce); last minute can work off-peak
🔗 Easily add packages to your booking: reserve or hold a cabin.
Step 7 — Book smart & prep like a pro
- Entry requirements (passport, visas, health rules)
- Home port & flights: arrive 1 day early to avoid stress
- Transfers: ship shuttle or private (great for families/luxury)
- Online check-in: boarding time, add your extras
- Daily plan: shows, signature experiences, quiet moments
- Packing: dress codes, swimwear, comfy shoes, adapters, mini first-aid
🔗 Secure your dates and lock in your cabin: book now.
Recommendations by style: Family • Luxury • Mediterranean • Caribbean
Family
- Med in July/August or Caribbean for Christmas/Feb break
- Ships with big water parks + teen clubs; connecting cabins
- Soft-drinks package + messaging Wi-Fi; 1–2 kid-friendly excursions
🔗 Find a family-friendly sailing: book here.
Luxury
- Shoulder months (May/June, Sep/Oct): quieter ports
- Suites with lounge access, signature dining, concierge
- Private tours, wellness time, culinary experiences
🔗 See premium/luxury departures: book your cruise.
Mediterranean
- Culture, food, “floating city breaks”
- Italy/Greece combos are super complete; note August heat
Caribbean
- Beaches, snorkeling, pure relaxation
- Combine a private island + 2–3 iconic islands; prefer longer port days
🔗 Compare Med vs. Caribbean on your dates: see options.
Mini-Checklist (save this)
- Dates & budget confirmed
- Destination & season chosen
- Cruise line & ship that match your style
- Itinerary with a good sea/port balance
- Right stateroom (balcony/suite/family) in a quiet location
- Extras optimized (drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, excursions)
- Insurance & entry requirements OK
- Flights day-before + transfers booked
- ✅ Reservation confirmed via the portal: maimounabadji.inteletravel.uk/booktravel.cfm
Quick FAQ
What’s the ideal length for a first cruise?
7 nights is perfect to try without rushing; 10–12 nights if you love a slower pace.
🔗 Browse 7-night sailings: book now.
Balcony or inside?
A balcony is a real upgrade (breakfasts, views, quiet). Choose inside if budget comes first.
🔗 Compare prices by cabin type: check availability.
Mediterranean or Caribbean with kids?
Mediterranean in summer (cities & discoveries). Caribbean in winter (beaches & water fun). Always check kids club ages.
🔗 Find a family departure: book here.
When should I book?
As early as possible for families (connecting cabins are limited) and suites. Off-peak, last-minute can be interesting.
🔗 See promos & availability: book now.
Want 3 tailored options?
Tell me your dates, travelers, budget, and vibe (family/luxury), and I’ll send 3 side-by-side proposals (cabin, itineraries, add-ons).
👉 Save time: reserve or place a hold now.
