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Cruise port choices: Can good cruise port choices help prevent cruise remorse?

The answer is YES. Good ship choices are a significant step to avoiding cruise remorse.

Choosing the correct ship is also essential.

First, consider that many factors go into choosing the correct cruise port for you. In this travel blog, I would like to address the question: Where is your cruise’s nearest cruise port of embarkation? Are you traveling with children, as a couple, or as a single person? Every ship is different, and people are different. These variables are essential to consider.

What is the length of your trip? Does the ship’s culture match your lifestyle? What are your service expectations? Does the cruise line offer a variety of on-ship activities? What excursions are provided at the ports of call? Are food and dining times compatible to your liking?

What amenities are provided on the ship?

As you can see, there is much to consider in this quest to optimize your cruising experience. Is the port of embarkation convenient to your home location? I live in Florida and have multiple choices. Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Merritt Island, Jacksonville. I usually debark from Merritt Island. Driving four and a half hours is not an issue for me.

That dream cruise would be best, considering how long you will go. You may consider staying near the port overnight if driving is longer than five hours. You are leaving for the port the day before the cruise. There are packages offered by hotels near the port that provide parking and a shuttle service to the port. Yes, all for a fee, of course. The service and convenience are well worth it, especially if you do not have to pay for airfare.

Short drive to the port? Consider site parking with a shuttle service to the port. Save a few dollars. Even if you are flying in for your trip, staying overnight at the hotel with a shuttle service is not a bad option. It would be great if you had the time and money. In addition, they match travel status to a ship line. Special tour deals cater to groups of travelers. All these suggestions are intended to combat cruise remorse.

Singles, couples, and families with children. Some couples may prefer not to have children on their ship. Single’s may want to mingle. Taking a trip on the love boat meeting that special someone. Families have needs of their own. Does the ship have childcare on board? Perhaps there may be a provision for teens as well. They are offering activities tailored to their needs. All this gives the grown-ups a break. When everyone’s needs are taken into consideration, we avoid cruise remorse.

You are on vacation, after all. What length of trip fits your budget and timeline? The size of the ship will also determine ports of call. It simply takes longer to get to places like Aruba and Bonaire. Extra sea days are needed, leaving ports on the east coast of the U.S. This would typically be an eight-day trip. The Bahamas, Cayman, and the private ship line islands are great four-day trips. Again, a lot depends on what you want from the trip. Furthermore, some stay on the ship at the ports; I’ve seen and done that already.

They want to relax around the pool or have a spa day.

There’s nothing wrong with that! Perhaps you would like a shorter trip if you are a first-timer. I have talked to folks who find cruising is not for them. Something about not seeing land makes them feel uneasy, and some folks get terrible seasickness. Cruise remorse can be avoided.

I am very fortunate I do not take anything or use a patch while at sea. Choosing the vesicle size can also make a difference in your trip experience. I have experienced six thousand passengers and three hundred passengers. I prefer more anonymity with a more giant ship. The culture of the ship line can vary.

Learn more about the onboard culture at the link below.

I like Carnival for its laid-back “FUN SHIP” culture. It’s not stuffy or pretentious. I read a recent article from a passenger traveling on Carnival for the first time, who said they could have packed a different suitcase. This with less formal attire, enjoying the more laid-back culture. The writer said they felt more relaxed with less emphasis on formality.

As I have said, match your style with the culture for the right fit. Like hotels, service differences in the staff vary from ship to ship. Do you want good, better, or best? I choose better. The better rating gives you a balance in the middle range money-wise. This way, I have a sensible expectation of the service I  receive. I am a pre-paid gratuity person.

The ship porters – servers work their butts off seven days a week. This is for endless months away from their families. In addition to the pre-pay, I give individuals gratuity based on service level. What are the ship’s amenities like? Do they offer an adults-only pool area? Is there a play area for small children? What is the workout area and spa-like? Are there places where you can find a quiet space to unwind?

These are all important and should be developed around cruisers’ needs. Are the large community spaces inviting with good sound systems? What is the quality of the entertainment? Does the ship line consider the difference between  PG and adult-appropriate entertainment? Are there different kinds of specialty dining options? Is there a casino? What types of games are offered? Are there specials for casino frequenters? Ship lines listen to the passengers, which helps lessen cruise remorse.

Do you even want to be on a ship that has a casino? Does a particular ship line offer any dining, or is it a rigorous schedule that must be planned around each day? Siting with the same people you may not care for. What kinds of activities are offered while at sea? Do the excursions offered meet your off-ship needs for adventure or relaxation? All these things are essential in planning your next trip. Choosing the ship line you book with. Considering these factors, avoid cruise remorse. I hope you found this information helpful in planning your dream trip. See the post below for more details.