Part 3 - Planning Tips for Your Mediterranean Cruise

This is last part of three series article which help you make a better preparation before you go for a Mediterranean cruise vacation, especially if you are the first timer. Please note that this checklist is essential before you decided to contact the travel agency or a Mediterranean cruise line. Check it out.

1. Check your budget!

You would not think about minimums for a Mediterranean cruise here. There used to be a "rule of thumb" that you needed to budget about $100/day/person (exclusive of airfare). That rule still seems fairly reasonable, although many Mediterranean cruise ships now charge extra for items that used to be included in the fare. You can decrease your budgeted cost some by shopping around or by:

- be a risk-taker and booking late (less than 2 months in advance).
- being conservative and booking early (more than six months in advance)
- having more than two persons per cabin

It is wise to consider that the minimum price on a mainstream Mediterranean cruise lines average about $500 per week.

2. How do you like your cabin would be?

Cabin selection is normally a function of how much you want to spend. However, many cruisers will book the cheapest room available at the time of booking, preferring to save their money for shopping or shore excursions. Deck plans for most ships are available in hard copy from the cruise line, travel agent, or you can view them online. If you book early enough, you will sometimes get an upgrade to a better cabin. You might also note that on most ships a cabin mid-ship and on a lower deck will "ride better" in rough seas than one near the bow or on a higher deck.

Do you suffer a little claustrophobic? If yes you might better be able to peer out your window in the morning to see the weather. In that case I recommend you book the outside cabin with a window or porthole.

There are also a balconied-cabins, which is very comfortable and you might not want to cruise again without one! Many of the newer ships feature private verandahs or balconies on most cabins, so they are getting less expensive. When determining your Mediterranean cruise budget, be sure to check to see how much more one of these cabins might be. It might be worth your money!

3. Who are you going to take aboard?

All age groups are welcome and planned for on a cruise ship. You will easily find a Mediterranean cruise line that will give any age group from toddler to great grandmother a memorable vacation. If you don't have kids or don't want to be around them while on vacation, there are some cruise ships that are almost adult only or won't have many children. Friends of mine with teenagers often say they have found it to be the best family vacation yet.

Hope this article helps you make good preparation. Enjoy your Mediterranean cruise!