Cruise writer Zippy Sandler has been sailing for decades: budget ships, luxury ships, river cruises, mega-resorts. At 72, she has seen it all. And she told Parade the same lesson keeps coming back no matter which ship she boards.
The best cruise isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one planned around you.
Today’s ships come loaded with roller coasters, private islands, Michelin-worthy restaurants, Broadway-style shows, and wellness sanctuaries. All of that is wonderful. It also means more choices than ever and more chances to book the wrong vacation.
Here are her 13 rules for getting it right.
1. Figure Out What You Actually Want
Before you look at destinations or cabin prices, ask yourself one question: What does the perfect vacation look like?
If relaxation is the goal, look for ships with large spa facilities and adults-only areas. If adventure calls, find itineraries packed with exciting ports and shore excursions. Couples might lean toward quiet specialty dining and peaceful outdoor spaces. There is no perfect cruise, only the perfect cruise for you.
2. Know Your Real Budget
The fare you see advertised is rarely the final number. First-time cruisers are often surprised by extras that add up fast.
Those can include taxes and port fees, daily gratuities, beverage packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, casino play, professional photos, and premium coffees or ice cream outside the main dining room.
None are required. But if you haven’t budgeted for them, the bill at the end of the cruise can be a real shock. Estimate the full cost before booking, not just the advertised fare.
3. Choose the Right Cabin, Not Just the Cheapest
A cabin is more than a place to sleep. For some people, an inside cabin is perfect; they spend every waking hour exploring. Others love sipping coffee on a private balcony while watching the sun rise over the water.
Compare the numbers carefully. Some lines offer spa-category cabins with thermal-suite access included. On other ships, a standard veranda cabin plus a few spa passes can cost significantly less and deliver nearly the same experience. The right cabin depends on how you actually plan to spend your days.
4. Choose the Ship Before the Destination
Many travelers pick an itinerary first. Sandler says experienced cruisers usually do the opposite; they pick the ship first.
If you are sailing somewhere you have visited before, the ship itself may become the destination. Newer ships often feature more elaborate entertainment, innovative restaurants, and activities that can easily fill several sea days. If your dream is exploring Alaska or the Greek Islands for the first time, spending more on excursions may matter more than sailing on the newest vessel.
5. Book Early, Then Keep Watching
Cruise fares shift constantly. A cabin can drop hundreds of dollars overnight, then climb right back up. Booking early locks in the best cabin selection, but the job isn’t finished there.
Many lines allow price adjustments or promotional upgrades before final payment. Watch for cabin upgrade sales, added onboard credit, reduced fares, and included beverage or Wi-Fi packages. A quick call to your travel agent can sometimes get you a better cabin or valuable perks without spending another dime.
6. Pack for Comfort, Not Just in Case
Overpacking creates stress before the cruise even starts. Most travelers wear only a fraction of what they bring; Sandler says she’s done it herself plenty of times.
Choose clothes that mix easily and layer well. Comfortable walking shoes and a simple crossbody bag matter far more than an extra formal outfit. Your feet and back will thank you.
Don’t forget the essentials: prescription medications, chargers and power banks, swimwear, sun protection, a lightweight sweater for cool ship interiors, a refillable water bottle, and motion sickness remedies if you need them. Many ships have moved away from formal gown-and-tux nights; check the dress recommendations before packing a wardrobe you may never wear.
7. Arrive the Day Before Embarkation
Weather delays, flight cancellations, and traffic accidents happen every day. Flying in the morning of departure leaves almost no room for the unexpected.
Arriving one day early lets you relax, enjoy the departure city, and start your vacation before you even step onboard. Sandler calls this one of the smartest travel investments you can make.
8. Don’t Rush Embarkation Day
Board at your assigned time. Too many passengers arriving at once can back up the terminal and leave you standing in a long line.
Once on board, slow down. Find your cabin, have lunch. The buffet is always open, and some ships offer dining room service as well. Walk the outdoor decks. Find the pools, the quiet spots, and the secret corners before the crowds do. If specialty restaurants, shows, or spa appointments require reservations, make them early. The first few hours often set the tone for the whole cruise.
9. You Don’t Have to Do Everything
Ships offer an enormous menu of activities every single day: trivia, dance classes, cooking demonstrations, fitness sessions, wine tastings, pool games, shows, casinos, art auctions, lectures, and live music around every corner.
Trying to fit it all in can leave you exhausted and in need of another vacation. Skip anything that doesn’t genuinely interest you. Sometimes the best cruise memory is reading a good book by the pool while everyone else races from one activity to the next.
10. Not Every Port Needs an Excursion
Shore excursions can be wonderful. They can also be unnecessary. Some ports are easy to explore on foot. Others require organized transportation to reach any of the major sights.
Before spending hundreds of dollars, research each destination. Look at a map to see if the town is walkable. Find out where the nearest taxi stand is and whether it is reliable; many ports don’t yet have rideshare like Uber or Lyft. For bucket-list destinations or complicated logistics, cruise-sponsored excursions offer peace of mind. For walkable ports, wandering on your own can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
11. Leave Room for the Unexpected
You don’t have to schedule every moment. Some of the best cruise memories happen when you aren’t trying.
Find a hidden observation deck. Watch dolphins racing alongside the ship. Sit in a small lounge after dinner and catch a great jazz performer you didn’t know was there. Meet fellow travelers from around the world. Sit on your balcony and watch the sun drop below the horizon. Leave empty space in your days, and let those moments come to you.
12. Let the Crew Take Care of You
The crew’s job is to make your vacation seamless. They know how to do it well, and Sandler says the service is what made her fall in love with cruising in the first place.
Crew members work hard to learn who you are and what you love. Over the years, Sandler has become close enough with certain crew members that she gets a hug the moment she walks onboard. Getting to know them — your server, your cabin steward, the hostess who remembers your name — can make a cruise feel less like a vacation and more like time spent with good friends.
13. Don’t End the Trip in a Rush
Disembarkation goes much smoother with a little advance planning. Review your onboard account the evening before you leave. Set aside your passport, medications, chargers, valuables, and travel documents, you will most likely put your main luggage out the night before, so keep those items in a carry-on or tote bag.
If you are flying home, allow plenty of time between leaving the ship and your flight. There is no faster way to ruin a perfect cruise than ending it with a frantic sprint through the airport.
The Best Cruise Is the One Built Around You
That is the real secret Sandler keeps coming back to. No two cruises have to look alike. You might spend every day exploring ancient ruins while your travel partner moves happily between the spa, the pool, and a quiet balcony with a book. Both vacations happen on the same ship, and both are exactly right.
You don’t have to have the vacation everyone else is having. Build the one you will still be smiling about long after you’ve unpacked your bag.
