10 pitfalls to steer clear of when booking your cruise

Planning a cruise can be daunting, whether you're new to it or a veteran traveler. With countless details to juggle, mistakes can easily occur. These can be minor oversights (like picking the wrong sailing date) or major blunders (such as selecting an incompatible cruise line or ship for your vacation preferences).

What are the consequences of a cruise booking blunder? If you catch the mistake early, it might not be a big deal to fix. However, if it’s a significant error or too much time has passed since you made your deposit or final payment, you could face unexpected fees, lose your desired cabin—or even miss out on the cruise you were looking forward to altogether.

If you're gearing up to plan your cruise getaway, we're here to help you navigate the turbulent waters and sidestep the typical errors many make when booking their cruise.

Selecting the incorrect date

Choosing the wrong date while booking online can happen more easily than you might think. Common mistakes include accidentally selecting a different departure date for the same itinerary, mixing up day and month formats on European cruise sites, or mistakenly booking for the following year instead of the current one. If you realize the date error months later, penalties could range from losing your deposit to forfeiting your entire cruise fare.

Fixing the issue—and any costs involved—will depend on the cruise line, your sail date, and the fare type you booked. If you catch the mistake before the final payment deadline (usually 90 days prior for a week-long cruise), you may only lose your deposit or perhaps nothing at all. However, if you try to rebook for the correct date, you might find the fare has increased or that you lose any promotions or benefits from your original reservation.

If you opted for a nonrefundable fare or have made your final payment, transferring your booking to another date may not be possible, leading to a full cancellation. Depending on when you cancel, you might lose just the deposit, a percentage of the cruise fare, or the entire cruise cost. If the cruise line allows you to rebook or offers future cruise credit, you could incur change fees or be required to sail within a certain timeframe (like within a year).

Before finalizing your online booking, make sure to carefully review all details, especially the sailing date. Check the fine print in your cruise contract to understand the cancellation policies in case you need to modify or correct any booking errors.

Failing to compare prices and perks

While experienced cruisers grasp the intricacies of cruise pricing and how to snag the best deals, newcomers often mistakenly believe they’ll receive the same offer regardless of how they book. In reality, pricing and included benefits can differ based on whether you book directly with a cruise line, through a travel agent, or via an online travel site.

To avoid missing out on savings, take the time to shop around. Visit the cruise line's website to check current deals and promotions, or chat with a sales representative about what’s available. Many cruise lines regularly offer discounts or complimentary perks like free airfare, beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, excursions, and onboard credit. You may even find offers where children or additional guests can sail for free.

Keep in mind that a representative from one cruise line may have in-depth knowledge about their offerings, but they won't help you compare prices and benefits with other companies. If you haven't settled on a specific cruise line or ship, compare similar cabins on alike itineraries to see if you can save by opting for one ship over another. A knowledgeable cruise travel agent can assist you in evaluating deals across different lines.

More independent travelers can explore options across various lines using an online aggregator site. These travel platforms may offer additional complimentary perks that the cruise lines themselves do not, making them worth a look before you finalize your booking. As a savvy shopper, you could discover a better deal with more inclusions than your initial offer.

Overlooking pricier cruise options without considering the details

Don’t dismiss higher-priced cruise lines or cabin categories without crunching the numbers first.

"You might find that upgrading to the next category is only $25 more per day per person, and it could provide extra space and amenities," says Anne Scully, partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency in New York. "Understanding the benefits of different stateroom categories is essential for identifying true value." If you're traveling with a large family, consider whether booking two less expensive cabins might be better than squeezing everyone into one, and weigh the advantages of having one balcony versus two bathrooms.

If you're accustomed to booking premium cabins or suites on mainstream cruise lines, it's a mistake to overlook the fares offered by smaller all-inclusive (or more inclusive) lines. If you don't require all the flashy amenities and high-tech entertainment of the larger, newer ships, you may find that prices are competitive once you factor in the cost of extras on those bigger vessels. Specialty dining, gratuities, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and other expenses beyond the base fare can accumulate quickly.

Neglecting the fine print of your fare class or cruise contract

Each online booking platform and cruise line has its own contracts and policies regarding specific fare types and cancellation conditions. Overlooking these terms and conditions can lead to trouble later if you miss important details that could impact your finances.

Booking certain nonrefundable or promotional fares, as mentioned earlier, may restrict your ability to make changes or cancel without facing penalties. Special fares might not be compatible with other offers, so it's wise to verify before trying to stack discounts.

Additionally, free booking perks may come with unexpected fees. For example, did you know there's a 15% to 20% gratuity on "free" drink packages? Or that many airlines' cruise sites, which promise miles for bookings, often add a $24.99 processing fee for each transaction? Promotions advertising cash back or onboard credit typically don’t deliver the full amount unless you book an expensive suite. An ad might claim "up to $500 onboard credit," but your interior cabin may only qualify for $25.

You also want to make sure you’re not booking a cruise you can’t actually take. For instance, most cruise lines allow expectant mothers up to 24 weeks pregnant to sail, provided the cruise concludes within that timeframe. If you don’t have a passport, you may be restricted from certain itineraries. It’s always best to understand the rules before booking, rather than having to change your plans after payment.

Choosing a cruise line that doesn’t align with your travel style

Even if the price seems appealing, it’s crucial to align your personal style and travel preferences with the right cruise line. For example, if you’re a couple seeking a tranquil getaway, a Carnival cruise during spring break might not be ideal. Alternatively, if you have energetic young children, a more relaxed Holland America cruise may not suit your family’s needs.

The larger cruise lines — particularly their newer ships — primarily target families and younger travelers who desire constant entertainment and attractions like water parks, climbing walls, roller coasters, and racetracks. If you’re more interested in culinary and educational experiences, consider opting for a line like Oceania Cruises or Viking, which focus on those aspects.

If you’re seeking a peaceful vacation free from kids weaving through the buffet line at breakfast or splashing around the pool, consider an adults-only cruise, a small luxury cruise line tailored for adults, or longer journeys on the older, smaller ships of mainstream cruise lines.

Delaying your cruise booking

"The biggest blunder is not booking early enough to secure your preferred stateroom," says Scully. If you’re fixated on a specific cabin or suite but hesitate to book in hopes of a better deal, you risk losing the accommodation you desire — or one located where you want on the ship.

With cruise bookings significantly rising this year, you may find that suitable accommodations are scarce if you wait too long to reserve and the ship fills up.

Definitely don’t delay locking in rates and rooms for extended cruises. Grand voyages and world cruises are now being booked two years in advance, according to Anne Scrivinach, senior vice president of Cruise Specialists, a luxury travel agency based in Seattle. Many world cruises sold out at record speed in 2022 — some in under an hour. Since discounts on cabins for these types of cruises are unlikely, it’s wise to book those dream trips early before they disappear.

Failing to book shore excursions, dining reservations, and other activities ahead of time

While spontaneity can be enjoyable when traveling, it might not be the best approach for maximizing your cruise experience. Scully advises having all your arrangements finalized before you set sail. Once you're on board, it may be too late to secure excursions, dining reservations, or other activities (such as spa treatments). However, you can adjust the times if needed once the cruise has begun.

Why is advance planning necessary? The most sought-after shore excursions tend to fill up quickly, especially those with unique experiences and limited availability. If you wait to book until your ship has departed, you may miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime tour. Fortunately, most cruise lines allow you to cancel early without penalty, so booking in advance is often risk-free.

"You don’t want to miss the best that a destination has to offer," Scully cautions. Additionally, booking ahead lets you bypass long lines at the excursions desk on the ship, and you might even snag a discount for early reservations.

The only drawback is that most cruise lines do not permit the use of onboard credit for tours booked online. To secure the best selection of excursions, plan to log in when bookings open for your sailing. This is the optimal time to make your reservation, particularly for tours included in your fare.

Dinner reservations at popular specialty dining venues fill up quickly. You may end up waiting in a long line once onboard to ask about a reservation, only to discover that your preferred days or times are already booked. It’s advisable to make these reservations before you embark. Many lines also provide discounts on specialty dining and beverage packages when booked in advance of your cruise.

Neglecting to consult a travel agent

Engaging a travel adviser doesn’t cost you anything, but not using one could end up being costly.

Experienced travel advisers who specialize in cruises can help you navigate the often confusing process of selecting a cruise line, a specific ship, and an itinerary that fits your budget. They also have access to exclusive pricing and perks (such as in-cabin Champagne and flowers, or private cocktail parties) that go beyond the current deals offered by the cruise lines.

Cruise specialists can also help arrange your travel details, such as coordinating flights and pre-cruise hotel stays to ensure you don’t miss your ship. They will make sure you have the necessary documentation for boarding. Arriving on embarkation day without the correct paperwork — like the right form of ID or a visa for your destination — could mean being denied boarding. Cruise specialists stay updated on constantly changing protocols, so you know exactly what to bring to the port.

They serve as a vital resource and advocate in case of any issues while you’re on the ship or if you require assistance due to an illness, especially when traveling abroad.

When choosing a travel agent, Scully recommends looking for someone knowledgeable about the region you’re visiting. "It's an investment. Avoid those who are merely blocking space on the ship."

When you're ready to work with a cruise specialist, seek out an agent certified by the Cruise Lines International Association, indicating they have undergone cruise-specific training. You can also look online for preferred partners with various cruise lines or agents affiliated with luxury consortia like Virtuoso.

Ultimately, the ideal travel planner will depend on your personal rapport with them, but at the very least, you want a respected and knowledgeable travel agent.

Neglecting to purchase travel insurance

Safeguarding your cruise investment with travel insurance is always wise, yet many travelers err by postponing its purchase. The best strategy is to buy coverage as soon as you make your cruise deposit.

Why is this important? Most insurance plans will only cover preexisting conditions if you buy your policy within a specific timeframe (typically two weeks) after booking your cruise. Additionally, any new medical issues that arise between your cruise booking and the purchase of insurance won't be covered.

For instance, if your travel companion suffers a car accident two months prior to sailing and cannot travel due to injuries, both of you could potentially recover the costs of the canceled trip under most travel policies, provided the insurance was secured at the time of the accident. However, if you delayed purchasing travel insurance until a month before sailing, this scenario likely wouldn’t be covered.

Even if you forget to buy travel insurance right after booking, don’t abandon the idea of trip protection. Insurance is still beneficial even if acquired later, as it can assist if problems arise during your travels. If you get injured or fall ill while on vacation, certain medical plans (like Medicare) may not cover you outside the U.S. With the right travel insurance, you could recover some of your medical expenses incurred abroad or the cost of returning home if you need to cut your trip short.

Similar to any contract, it's crucial to review the benefits and limitations of your travel insurance policy before making a commitment. Companies like Allianz Global Assistance provide a 15-day review period during which you can cancel for a full refund if the terms aren't satisfactory, as long as your trip hasn't started yet.

Failing to pay the final amount on time

Typically, cruise lines require only a deposit when booking, with the balance due 90 days prior for cruises lasting five nights or more. If you miss the final payment deadline, you risk losing both your cruise and your deposit. The cruise line won’t reach out to you; they’ll simply cancel your booking and apply any fees according to their cancellation policy.

If you have a travel agent, they should remind you of the final payment due date — yet another benefit of working with a planner. If you're handling the booking yourself, make sure to mark your calendar and aim to pay several days before the deadline. You wouldn’t want to miss your cruise due to a simple payment oversight.

In summary

Booking a cruise can feel overwhelming. There are numerous opportunities for mistakes, but thorough research and attention to detail can significantly reduce the chances of errors.

If you enjoy exploring promotions and deals on your own and have a specific cruise in mind, you might feel confident planning your trip independently. Just remember to read all the fine print and consider getting travel insurance after you make your deposit.

If you prefer not to handle the planning solo, consider hiring a cruise specialist you trust to help arrange your trip. Be sure to inquire about available upgrades, perks, and amenities, alongside the best pricing, to maximize the value of your vacation investment.

The booking process doesn’t conclude once you pay your deposit. Ensure everything is organized before your cruise — including reservations for shore excursions, dining, and activities — so you can truly unwind once aboard the ship. Complete the essential tasks first to fully enjoy your time at sea.