Four Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Cruise

We know better than anyone that travel is a fun, important part of life that can help you in a variety of ways. We also know better than anyone that travel can quickly turn into stress and frustration if improperly planned. Cruises take away some of that stress: you don’t have to worry about a popped tire, for instance. But, there are still plenty of things you need to consider before hopping on a cruise ship for a week (or more).

One of the smartest things you can do before going on any vacation is to think about yourself and what kind of traveler you are. These are the types of traits that will totally change how you prepare. If you’re not sure what we mean, listen (read, we guess?) up, because we’re about to have a deep, self-reflective moment….

Am I a procrastinator?

This is a big one. Being a procrastinator has its nice moments (mainly the moments before you start actually working on what you’ve been putting off), but it can make traveling hard. There are plenty of people who are laying around the night before a trip, suitcases still in the closet. If that’s you, that’s okay! We accept you. But, at the same time, you also need to accept that about yourself and get to work. If you’re a procrastinator, take a few small steps to make sure you don’t put something off so long it’ll end up screwing you. If you don’t wanna pack now, make a list so that you won’t forget your toothbrush or your passport when you rush your packing later.

Do I like being around other people?

This is a tough question, because it can depend on your mood. What you’re going to want to do is imagine being on a ship for hours (or, sometimes, days) on end. Do you foresee yourself happily socializing the whole time, or do you want time on your own to read or relax? If you’re more of an introvert, avoid booking a room with your friends. If you’re extroverted, look for cruises that offer plenty of group activities or guided tours with others. There’s lots of options to pick from, and there’s definitely something that caters to everyone in this regard, but make sure you know your answer before making a reservation.

Do I like kids?

No, we’re not joking about this one! Being on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to be surrounded by yelling, playing children 24/7. There are lots of cruises out there that specifically cater to adults, with rules barring entry for children. There are additionally cruises that are so subtle and high-class that very few children will ever want to go on them, making them a safe-haven for those looking for a more mature crowd.

Do I sunburn easily? Do I get seasick?

Once again, not a joke! We guess not all these questions are deep introspection. You may not want to admit that you’re pale, but be honest with yourself if you’re the fairer type. The worst thing is to be stuck at sea without proper sunscreen. Likewise, not much is more torturous than sailing while nauseous. Know how your body physically behaves and prepare to deal with it before you’re on the ship itself.

While these obviously aren’t gonna cover everything, they’re a good place to start. Knowing what kind of traveler you are and what experience you want is everything, and in our opinion is just as important as getting an itinerary with the perfect list of ports and activities. So, next time you’re planning a cruise, sit down with yourself and make sure your trip is perfectly designed for you.