While it has only been a little over 6 months since my last international trip (yikes, and almost the same since my last post!), I can’t seem to think of any reasons to not go abroad again!  Ok, so money is always a slight deterrent- but to me, adventure far outweighs any material good.  (Plus this is quite a different style of trip than my last.)  Rather than traveling via plane or train to hostels, hotels and dorms, my room itself will be transporting me to different tropical paradises.  Yes, that is right… I booked a cruise.

Now, I haven’t been on a cruise since my entire family celebrated my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary years ago.  And at that time, I was pretending to be 16 to gain access to the dance club.  I think it is safe to say that my experience this time will be slightly different.

Prior to booking the cruise, different ideas of All-Inclusive resorts throughout Mexico were enticing but when it came down to the actual price for a 1 week adventure, it was shocking.  (Even more so, when you include cost of transportation to just get yourself to Mexico.)  It was a little disheartening at first, but then it hit me… What if our hotel just took us to Mexico instead?  I had remembered from my undergraduate days at the University of Florida how cheap cruises were during the spring (really, anytime of the year) and immediately started searching.  Within no time, it was set!

For anyone interested in booking cruises, I would highly recommend comparing prices on the discount sites (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity) with the actual cruise line.  The prices are generally similar, however either the discount site or the cruise line will offer different incentives.  Through Expedia, we were able to book our 7-day cruise and received $150 in on-board credit, which can be applied to drinks/spa treatments etc.

Now, there are few things that people seem to forget about cruises (ok, so I forgot, since I was much younger before)…

1) They do not include gratuity in the price, and you should pre-pay this prior to departure.  It is usually nominal, (roughly $12 a day, depending on the cruise line) but covers tips for all employees you encounter aboard.  By pre-paying, it helps solidify your trip budget, as you will not receive a bill at the end of your stay.

2) Drinks (soda and alcoholic beverages) are not included in your overall price.  Soda cards can be purchased at ~$5 a day and all-inclusive beverages (including alcohol) can be purchased at ~$50 a day.

3)  Speaking of drinks – many people know that no outside alcohol is allowed.  Not completely true.  Ok so it probably depends on the cruise line- but we are able to bring in our luggage, 1 bottle of wine per person with no extra charge.  More than 1 bottle is subject to a $15 uncorking fee by the ship.

4) Excursions really do fill up fast.  If the excursion that you are interested in fills up, still opt to be on the waiting list!  They will try to get extra space for you and your party.  (Pro tip – the discount site that you booked through also offers discounts on certain excursions offered through your cruise line.)

5) Not all food is free.  There are many free options, from buffets to the traditional sit down dinners.  Many cruises offer a different assortment of restaurants to choose from and some charge a “cover-charge”.  These charges can range from $15-200 depending on the services.  Most ships will have a detailed account of their restaurants on their websites.

6)  Days at sea.  No matter your destination, whether it is one port or more, you will have days at sea.  If you are not one who can sit idly by and relax by a pool (or visit the buffet 20 times in one day), then perhaps a cruise isn’t the most ideal fit for a vacation.  I, for one, cannot wait to just be poolside sipping on a margarita and enjoying the day.

Now, while this is an abbreviated list of pre-departure pointers (and various things to think about before you book), I will be sure to update from the ship (if I am able) and have a whopping review of the trip upon my return!

I must say, after all the cold weather Colorado has had these past few weeks, I am looking forward to retreating to sandy beaches and warm waters.  The only thing left for me to do is pack and look forward to embarking on a new adventure TOMORROW!