You have just seen what seems to be the one thousandth picture of your neighbor's recent cruise. With your eyes and ears on autopilot, you start to daydream about taking a cruise too. If anything, it would give you the opportunity to take your own thousand pictures to parade in front of your neighbor!



Where would I want to go? Which cruise line do I choose? How much is this going to cost me? Deciding the right cruise for you can seem a bit mystifying at first, but if you sit down and brainstorm on what you want, you can find a cruise line that closely fits your requirements.

For instance, where you live can be a deciding factor on which cruise you could take. If you live close to the ocean, chances are there is a shipping port of some sort nearby. You could drive to the port within a reasonable amount of time since most cruise lines have to temporarily dock somewhere to refuel and replenish supplies. However, if that is not an option, you would have to factor in the cost of flying in to an airport that is closest to a shipping port. Depending on your budget and location, this could be cost prohibitive for some people.

What destination you have in mind is also helpful in your decision to pick a cruise. You can cruise in practically any ocean in the world. Want to see Mexico? There are many Mexican cruises departing from Texas ports like Galveston. Perhaps you would like to take a cruise in cooler weather and head to Alaska to see its many glaciers and wildlife.

Where you go on your cruise can also dictate when you go. For instance, if you want to take that Alaskan cruise, plan to depart anywhere from May through September. Cruising those icy waters in the winter time can be dangerous. Also keep in mind that seasons are reversed in some areas of the world. Winter time in the United States might call for a South American destination like Rio de Janeiro because it is summer there.

The number of vacation days you can take off from work is also a factor in choosing the right cruise for you. The typical length of a cruise is anywhere from four days to twelve days. If you are close to a shipping port, then short two days cruises might be a great option for you.

Money matters in your cruise decision as well. Research what the cruise is offering. Some are all inclusive which means that your cabin, meals and entertainment are taken care of in your price. Any services offered on board like the spa, manicures, hair stylists and massages are extra. Liquor and extra food and drinks can be additional. Your cabin also determines the price of your cruise. Do you want the inexpensive cabins on the inside of the ship? Or do you want your own view with a large window, porthole or even your own balcony?

Once you have an idea of where you want to go, what you can spend and how long you can be away, then you are ready to shop around. If you are a member of an association like AAA, they can offer you great deals for cruise packages to a variety of destinations. Use the internet as a research tool and visit websites of various cruise lines for more information. Or if you prefer, talk with your neighbor about her experience and how she booked her cruise. Just be prepared for another round of pictures from her vacation!