8 ESSENTIAL Cruise Planning Tips You NEED To Know BEFORE Booking Your First Cruise
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
For the best prices in cabin selection, book your cruise 6 to 12 months in advance.
As a rule of thumb, for a first cruise, budget an extra 30 to 50% on top of the cruise fair to cover all of the costs.
Never ever fly or drive to your port on the same day that your cruise departs.
Booking with the cruise line is the safest, most convenient option.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
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About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
First Time Cruiser? Planning your first cruise and feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Cruise planning can quickly turn into analysis paralysis — from choosing the right cruise line and cabin to understanding the real cost beyond the sticker price. In this video, I break down everything first-time cruisers need to know before booking — including hidden cruise costs, the best time to book, how to choose the right cabin, drink packages, shore excursions, and the biggest rookie mistakes that can ruin your trip. Whether you’re cruising for the onboard experience or the destinations, this first cruise planning guide will help you book with confidence, avoid expensive surprises, and actually enjoy your vacation. 👉 Topics covered: How to choose the right cruise for YOU The real cost of cruising (and how to budget properly) Inside vs balcony cabins — what’s worth it? Drink packages: scam or smart buy? Why you should ALWAYS arrive a day early Shore excursions: cruise line vs independent Packing tips & embarkation day survival How not to miss the ship (yes… it happens 😬) If you’re new to cruising, this video will save you time, money, and stress. CHAPTERS... SKIP AHEAD IF YOU LIKE! 00:00 Planning Your First Cruise? Watch This First 01:00 Cruise Planning Tip #1: Ship vs Destination (What type of cruise do you want?) 02:30 Cruise Planning Tip #2: Choosing the RIGHT Cabin (Avoid These Mistakes) 03:55 Cruise Planning Tip #3: The REAL Cost of Cruising (Hidden Fees) 05:34 Cruise Planning Tip #4: Drink Packages & Wi-Fi — Worth It or Waste? 07:21 Cruise Planning Tip #5: The #1 Mistake That Can Ruin Your Cruise 08:26 Cruise Planning Tip #6: Shore Excursions — Cruise Line vs Independent 09:48 Cruise Planning Tip #7: The Ultimate First Cruise Packing Strategy 10:59 Cruise Planning Tip #8: Mastering Ship Life (Don’t Miss the Ship!) 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment below: Where do you want your first cruise to go? HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR JOURNEY! 🚢Watch Until The End. LIKE. COMMENT. ASK QUESTIONS. 🚢Share Our Content With Your Friends And Family, or ANYONE Who Likes Cruising 🚢Use The YouTube THANKS Button (Thank You!) LINKS: 🔗3 Common Questions That Cruisers Ask Us https://youtu.be/podZ7N-IuOM 🔗Playlist of Things To Do On A Cruise https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi7vAI8bcMKDwk6WooixMC2BmkoUxQN5M 🔗How To Get FREE Stuff On A Cruise https://youtu.be/8rRHHR-gGZU 🔗How To Get FREE Spending Money On A Cruise https://youtu.be/lw0YqAGYTCA?si=i1Y1EVC4L50grRbF 🔗How To Pay Less For A Cruise https://youtu.be/FZMz1pKyzSo?si=P5FVzesbTY1MxR-T 🔗Get Elite Status In 19 Days https://youtu.be/a8R5W-v5Z6s?si=69Ph-NC5_VyQvxJw 🔗Last Minute Cruise Deal Website Search https://youtu.be/gky3UDoq9do ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BOOKING YOUR FIRST CRUISE WITH PRINCESS? HERE IS A $25 BONUS FOR YOU! https://refer.princess.com/Victoria21!c92e68b1c1!a ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BOOKING YOUR FIRST CRUISE WITH HOLLAND AMERICA? HERE IS A $50 BONUS FOR YOU! https://refer.hollandamerica.com/xfnbt ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BOOKING YOUR FIRST CRUISE WITH CUNARD? HERE IS $100 https://refer.cunard.com/Kirk ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT BOOKING YOUR FIRST CRUISE WITH VIRGIN VOYAGES? Use my link and we both get $150 in free drinks! https://share.virginvoyages.com/vcarter!11ab187b26!n KIRK TORI STORY SOCIAL MEDIA 🔗Blog: https://www.KirkToriStory.com 🔗Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/KirkToriStory ABOUT KIRKTORISTORY: Kirk Tori Story is a channel about Kirk and Tori (their story) about how they sold their house in Canada to live a life of living on cruise ships. KirkTori Story offers great advice about cruising, including sharing experiences with Tips and Tricks, Budgeting for a cruise ideas, cabin tours, ship reviews, cruise port information and more. 🚢 Living the Dream 🚢 We sold our home and now live on a cruise ship! Join us on our journey around the world as we explore new destinations, share travel tips, and embrace life at sea. 🔔 Subscribe to KirkToriStory for more! Don't forget to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@kirktoristory?sub_confirmation=1 This Video was made for you by KirkToriStory