Here are 5 outstanding first time cruise tips that will make your cruise vacation more affordable and full of satisfaction.

Book Early Or Late

This is a win-win situation for cruisers because you basically get all the best deals by booking in very early or at the last minute. You will get early-bird savings of 15-50% when you book your cruise three to six months before your departure. You can also choose from a wide selection of cabins.

You can also get cheaper deals by booking in at the last minute (2-3 weeks) but it’s going to be difficult to find a cheap flight because most cheap airfares require a 3-week advance purchase. You won’t also get a cabin of your choice and you will have to take in what’s available.

Get A Travel Agent

When you book a cruise, it’s often wise to get a travel agent that’s been at many cruises before. Although there are many websites offering the best cruise deals but it can actually be a difficult thing to book a cruise online. Get a travel who is not affiliated with a specific cruise line so they can give you their honest and unbiased opinions with the cruise lines.

Drive Instead Of Flying

Driving to a port is so much cheaper compared to flying. The cruise lines are doing their best to accommodate more passengers that’s why some of them are repositioning their ships into ports that are near driving distance of most regions in the U.S.

Try A Quick Cruise

You might want to try in booking a 3-5 day trip just to find out what cruising really feels like. I had a friend who is all excited on his first-time cruise but after the trip he felt that it was too limiting and boring.

Check Your Charges

Carefully check for the added charges that cruise lines are milking from you. Cruise lines can suck in your money without you realizing it so be sure to read their policies on everything.