Cruise Planning Tips: How to Budget, Book, and Prepare Right
Planning a cruise is more than picking a ship and packing a suitcase. From choosing the right cabin to budgeting for drinks, excursions and extras, the smartest cruisers know it pays to plan ahead. This guide walks you through every key decision — including one insider tool that lets you preview costs before you even book.

How to Plan the Perfect Cruise: Smart Decisions That Make All the Difference
Planning a cruise isn’t just about picking a ship and setting sail. It’s about creating the kind of holiday that fits you perfectly. One that matches your pace, your preferences, and your idea of a great escape. From the cabin you wake up in each morning to the excursions you choose onshore, every decision shapes your experience.
Over time, I’ve learned that the most memorable cruises aren’t simply about the views or the ship size. They’re about how well the trip fits you. When everything comes together because you planned ahead, knew what to expect, and made choices that genuinely suited your style, that’s when a good cruise becomes a great one.
Whether this is your very first sailing or you already feel at home on the ocean, this guide will help you plan with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy every moment from start to sail away.
Should You Book Direct or Use a Travel Agent?
Let’s start with one of the biggest questions in cruise planning:
Should you book your cruise directly through Royal Caribbean, or go through a travel agent?
The truth is, both options have their benefits. The right choice depends on what kind of traveller you are, how much support you want, and whether you prefer to manage the details yourself or let someone else handle them for you.
Booking Direct with Royal Caribbean
Booking direct means you’re in full control from the start. You can browse every itinerary, tweak your options, and manage everything through Royal’s Cruise Planner. Plus, if you're already a Crown & Anchor member, you’ll be able to apply your loyalty perks right away.
Great for:
Experienced cruisers who know what they want
People using onboard credit or rebooking offers
Last-minute bookers who want full control
Booking with a Travel Agent
A trusted cruise travel agent can be a total game-changer — especially if you're new to cruising or planning something special. Many agents offer the same price as Royal Caribbean, but with added perks, like onboard credit, group discounts, or exclusive deals.
Best of all? A good agent keeps an eye on price drops after you book — and can often rebook you into a better rate.
Perfect if you:
Want expert advice on room choice or itinerary
Don’t have time to watch prices every day
Like added extras and peace of mind
🎯 Royal Cove Tip: Booking through a reputable cruise agent doesn’t cost more — in fact, it can save you both time and money. And if your not sure where to start, then check out our Cruise Deals.
Picking Your Cabin: Not Just a Place to Sleep
Your stateroom is more than just a place to sleep. It is your personal space at sea, and choosing the right one can turn a good cruise into a truly unforgettable experience. Comfort, location, and the little details all play a part.
Here’s a closer look at the options available and what to consider with each.
Interior Cabins
The most budget-friendly choice. These rooms don’t have windows, but they’re ideal if you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ship, ports, and entertainment rather than lounging in your room. You’ll sleep well in complete darkness, save a significant amount compared to ocean views or balconies, and still enjoy full access to everything the ship has to offer. Great for solo travellers, budget-conscious couples, or anyone who wants to cruise more often for less.

Ocean View
A little natural light can go a long way at sea. These cabins include a window that gives you a front-row seat to the horizon, letting you wake up each morning to a glimpse of the ocean or coastline. While there’s no balcony access, the view adds a refreshing sense of space and connection to the outside world. It’s a great middle-ground option for cruisers who want to avoid feeling closed in but don’t need full outdoor space. Ideal for families, first-time cruisers, or anyone who enjoys natural light and a scenic touch.
Balcony Staterooms
Step outside without leaving your room and take in the sea air any time you like. Balcony cabins offer your own private outdoor space, perfect for sipping coffee at sunrise, watching the ship sail into port, or enjoying quiet moments away from the crowds. They're ideal for romantic getaways, scenic sailings like the Norwegian fjords or Alaska, or simply if you value a bit of peaceful personal space. The views alone often make the upgrade worthwhile — especially if you love being connected to the ocean throughout your journey.

Suites
If you're celebrating something special or simply want to cruise in complete comfort, suites deliver a premium experience from the moment you step onboard. Expect spacious layouts, upgraded furnishings, priority boarding, and access to exclusive areas like the Suite Lounge, private sun decks, and Coastal Kitchen on select ships. Many suites come with dedicated concierge service, complimentary internet, and enhanced amenities that elevate every part of your sailing. Perfect for families needing extra room, couples indulging in luxury, or anyone looking to make their cruise truly unforgettable.

🏝 What to consider:
Aft-facing balconies often offer larger verandas and jaw-dropping views
Mid-ship rooms feel more stable in rough seas
Connecting rooms are great for families
The Real Cost of a Cruise: What’s Not Included?
This is where many cruisers get caught off guard. Your fare covers your room, most meals, shows, and access to pools and activities — but the extras can sneak up fast.
Here’s what you should factor into your cruise budget before you book:
Drinks Packages
Royal Caribbean offers several beverage packages — from soda-only to Deluxe (which includes cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water and premium coffee). Prices vary, but deals often pop up pre-cruise.
If you’re likely to have more than 5–6 drinks a day, the Deluxe Package can be good value.
Shore Excursions
Excursions are where the magic happens once you step off the ship. Think ziplining through the rainforest in St. Lucia, exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, or sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard in Santorini. These experiences bring each destination to life, offering something you simply cannot get onboard. However, they are not included in your cruise fare, and the most popular options often sell out well in advance. It is always worth browsing and booking early to avoid missing out.
Wi-Fi (VOOM Internet)
If staying connected is important to you, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. It does come at an additional cost, but there are flexible options depending on your needs. You can choose a surf-only package for basic browsing, emails, and messaging, or go for the surf and stream package if you plan to use social media, video calls, or streaming services. It is a good idea to book in advance through the Cruise Planner, as discounts are often available before you sail.
Specialty Dining
Royal Caribbean’s complimentary dining is excellent — but if you’re a foodie, try places like Chops Grille, Izumi Sushi, or Wonderland. These venues offer a more elevated experience and are well worth a night or two out. Personally if your on an Oasis Class ship like Symphony of the Seas, then 150 Central Park is a must!
Gratuities
Daily gratuities are either prepaid before your cruise or automatically charged to your onboard account. These service charges go directly to the hardworking crew who make your experience seamless, including your stateroom attendant, dining room servers, and behind-the-scenes hospitality staff. As of 2025, the standard rate ranges from $16 to $20 per person, per day, depending on your stateroom category. While it’s possible to adjust the amount at Guest Services, most guests choose to leave the standard rate as a way of recognising the outstanding service Royal Caribbean is known for. If you're booking multiple rooms or sailing as a family, it's important to factor gratuities into your overall budget.
🔍 Know What You’ll Spend Before You Book
Here’s a game-changing tip most people miss:
👉 You can preview all the extras — drinks, excursions, dining — for any cruise before you even buy it.
Visit Royal Caribbean’s Cruising Power portal to view upcoming sailings and what’s available for each one.
You’ll get access to:
Drinks package prices
Excursion lists and costs
Dining reservations
Spa treatments
Internet packages
💡 This insider tool helps you plan your full cruise budget up front — no surprises later.
Travel Insurance: Essential, Not Optional
No one likes to imagine the worst happening on holiday, but setting sail without proper travel insurance is a risk not worth taking. Cruises are incredible, until something unexpected happens. I've seen first-hand how quickly plans can change. Friends of mine had to cut their trip short due to an accident and were left facing bills in the thousands. Without the right cover, that kind of cost lands squarely on your shoulders. It's not worth the gamble.
A solid cruise insurance policy should cover:
Trip cancellations or delays
Medical treatment onboard or abroad
Emergency evacuations (which can cost £10,000+ at sea)
Lost luggage or missed connections
If you're sailing from or via the US, make sure your policy includes cruise-specific cover and COVID-related protection where needed.
Final Cruise Planning Tips: Your Smooth Sailing Checklist
Before you hit "book now," take a moment to make sure you're fully prepared. A little planning now can save a lot of stress later.
✅ Decide whether to book direct or through a cruise-savvy travel agent
✅ Choose the right cabin based on your travel style, not just price
✅ Use Cruising Power to preview drinks, excursions and extras before booking
✅ Think ahead about Wi-Fi, specialty dining and onboard spending
✅ Take out a reliable travel insurance policy with cruise-specific cover
Ready to Get Organised?
Make cruise planning easier with our free tools made for cruisers, by cruisers:
🗓 Royal Cove Cruise Planner – Plan your sailing day by day, with space for your itinerary, reservations, packing list, documents and more.
🎒 Cruise Gear Checklist – A handy list of must-have items (with links!) so you’re never caught off guard again.
Your smoothest cruise yet starts here.