Summer is right around the corner, and now is when you want to start planning a summer cruise vacation.
It seems a lot of people make the common mistake of waiting too long to start planning a cruise, and that's true of a summer vacation.
According to a survey by The Vacationer, nearly 82% of all American adults intend to travel this summer. Without a doubt, that will encompass cruises to Alaska, Europe, and around the Caribbean.
If you start now, there's enough time left to get in on a good deal and lock in the sort of popular activities most people want out of their cruise.
Here are eight things I would do now to prepare for a summer cruise.
Don't wait any longer to book
If you haven't actually booked a summer cruise, you'll want to do that right now.
You should book a cruise as early as possible, but waiting any longer and you risk really missing out on the cruise you'd want to take.
Cruise ships are booked so well already for 2025, that there's not going to be a lot of choices left if you're still sitting on the sidelines.
My advice is to book now and lock in a reservation before anything else sells out.
People tend to wait until the last minute to book a cruise, but that's going to leave few options, fewer cabins, and high fares.
With spring break about to conclude, you'll want to get your cruise ship and cabin booked and deposited so you can ensure you get the best choices available.
Caribbean cruise? Prepare for the possibility of a hurricane
If you have a Caribbean cruise, you should also be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane.
A summer cruise in the Caribbean will take place during hurricane season, which begins on June 1 and goes through November 30th.
The reality is most hurricanes hit later in the summer, with the worst months being mid August through mid October.
There's a low chance a hurricane will actually change your cruise, but it could happen.
I'd recommend buying travel insurance for your trip. I think you should have it for any cruise, but it's doubly important with the possibility of a hurricane impacting your plans.
You should also have as flexible plans as you can for your cruise, meaning opt for refundable options where you can. Shore excursions, hotel reservations, and anything else you reserve before the cruise begins. You never know if your cruise might get re-routed to avoid tropical weather.
You'll need money for Alaska or Europe
Shore excursions, and pretty much everything, are more expensive in Alaska and Europe than on a Caribbean cruise.
The first time I visited either region on a cruise, there was a bit of sticker shock.
Alaska cruises are quite remote, so the cost of everyday items is simply higher. Plus, access to glaciers and other special areas is limited, and demand drives up the cost.
In Europe, you'll find organized tours tend to cost more than their Western Hemisphere counterparts.
In either case, you could try to save money by doing tours on your own, where planning self-guided exploration would cut down on those costs.
Here are some ideas for how to plan out DIY tours in both Alaska and Europe.
Otherwise, you should plan on dedicating more money to your vacation budget for this summer.
Start booking shore excursions
If you're like me and booked a summer cruise a long time ago, consider this your reminder to start booking shore excursions.
Because I book cruises so far in advance, I neglect to start booking tours until its too late.
Lots of people have gotten the memo about pre-booking tours, and you really need to reserve shore excursions before the cruise begins. In fact, you should be doing it months early to avoid them selling out.
You might also take into consideration it's much hotter in the afternoon, so if you're planning anything outdoors and requiring a lot of physical activity, to do it in the morning before it gets too hot.
Or you could plan walking around a city in the morning, and then plan to hit the beach by lunch when the sun becomes intolerable.
Here are recommended tours to try in Alaska and Caribbean to start researching.
Now is the best time to book a summer flight
The Points Guy recommends starting searching three months before the dates you want to travel for finding the cheapest prices, which is right about now.
International travel requires booking flights even earlier, about 3-5 months in advance.
Speaking of flights, make sure you don't make one of the top cruise mistakes and fly the same day your cruise begins.
Instead, fly in at least one day before the cruise begins. For an international flight, I'd recommend two or three days early.
Make a reminder to book shows
One of the top regrets cruisers have is not seeing the amazing shows on Royal Caribbean ships, so set a reminder now to book the shows.
Royal Caribbean typically opens up reservations for shows 30 days before the cruise begins.
Advanced reservations for shows are only available on the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships and it's free to do so on the Cruise Planner site or Royal Caribbean app.
There's no option to make show reservations on older ships because it's not necessary.
Sun protection is essential
You can get sunburned anytime of year, but summer time is when it's easiest for it to occur.
Always remember to pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, plus hats, sunglasses and cover ups to protect your skin. (Contains an affiliate link which costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission if you buy something)
Buy cooling items
If your summer cruise is taking you to the Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, or Caribbean, I'd recommend finding every way to cool down.
Summer temperatures in these regions can easily reach 90 degrees or higher, and being hot and sweaty is not what anyone wants.
Two ideas to consider packing for your summer cruise to help keep you less-sweaty are cooling towels and a handheld fan.
I'd also recommend planning to avoid the pool deck in the afternoon when it's hottest. Instead, stay inside your ship and enjoy trivia, karaoke, or the casino.
