First-Time Cruising

Why Take a Cruise Ship Tour

Updated April 5, 20255 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

Affiliate disclosure: Cruise Compass is reader-supported. When you book through our CruiseDirect links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read more.

The short answer

A cruise ship tour offers a convenient and cost-effective way to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of changing hotels.

A cruise ship tour is an excellent way to see the world while enjoying the comforts of a floating hotel, with typical prices ranging from $800 to $2000 per person for a 7-night cruise, depending on the time of year and cabin category.

In this article, we'll cover the benefits of taking a cruise ship tour, including the variety of onboard activities, dining options, and shore excursions available, as well as the trade-offs to consider when choosing a cabin location, such as being close to the ship's amenities versus having a quieter room.

Ready to price it up?Check current sailings and fares on CruiseDirect before you commit to a cruise line.

Compare prices →

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Cruise ships offer a wide range of onboard activities, including fitness classes, spas, pools, and entertainment options like theaters, casinos, and nightclubs, with something for every interest and age group, from kids' clubs to wine tastings, and these activities are often included in the cost of the cruise, although some specialty classes or services may incur an extra fee.

For example, the Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships feature an ice skating rink, a rock climbing wall, and a zip line, while the Norwegian Escape has a ropes course and a water park, and these activities can be a great way to meet new people and make friends on the ship, with many cruisers forming lasting bonds with their fellow passengers.

fitness classes like yoga and Pilates
live music and theater performances
casino games and tournaments

Dining Options and Cuisine

Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, including fine dining restaurants, buffets, and casual eateries, with a range of cuisines to suit every taste, from gourmet meals to comfort food, and the quality of the food is generally high, with many ships featuring celebrity chef restaurants and wine lists.

For example, the Carnival Cruise Line's Chef's Table experience offers a multi-course meal prepared by the ship's executive chef, while the Holland America Line's Tamarind restaurant features Pan-Asian cuisine, and these specialty restaurants often incur an extra fee, but can be a nice treat or special occasion dinner.

fine dining restaurants with gourmet meals
casual eateries like burgers and sandwiches
specialty restaurants like steakhouses and seafood

Shore Excursions and Destination Highlights

One of the best things about a cruise ship tour is the opportunity to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of changing hotels, and many cruise lines offer a range of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port, from guided tours to adventure activities like snorkeling and hiking, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the excursion and location.

For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise might include stops in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, with shore excursions available to visit famous landmarks like the Dunn's River Falls and the Stingray City sandbar, and these excursions can be a great way to experience the local culture and see the sights, with knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation.

guided tours of historic landmarks
adventure activities like snorkeling and hiking
cultural experiences like cooking classes and local markets

Pricing up first-time cruising?

Once you know what you want, the only way to know what it costs is to check live fares. CruiseDirect compares sailings across all the major cruise lines in a single search.

Search cruise deals →

We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep these guides free.

Cabin Location and Accommodations

When choosing a cabin on a cruise ship, there are several factors to consider, including the location, size, and amenities, with prices ranging from $500 to $2000 per person for a 7-night cruise, depending on the cabin category and time of year, and the location can be a major factor, with cabins near the ship's amenities like the pool and restaurants often being more convenient, but also noisier and more expensive.

For example, a cabin on a lower deck near the ship's engine room might be quieter and more affordable, but also farther from the amenities, while a cabin on a higher deck near the pool might be more convenient, but also more expensive and noisy, and it's often a trade-off between these factors, with the best cabin for you depending on your priorities and budget.

oceanview cabins with private balconies
interior cabins with lower prices and quieter locations
suite cabins with extra amenities and priority service

Budgeting and Planning

When planning a cruise ship tour, it's essential to budget and plan carefully, with costs including the cruise fare, shore excursions, and extras like drinks and gratuities, and it's often a good idea to set a budget and prioritize your spending, with the cruise fare being the largest expense, but also including other costs like flights and hotel stays before and after the cruise.

For example, a 7-night cruise might cost around $1000 per person, plus $200 for shore excursions and $100 for drinks and gratuities, for a total of $1300 per person, and it's often a good idea to research and compare prices, as well as consider factors like the time of year and cabin category, to get the best value for your money.

cruise fare and cabin category
shore excursions and activity costs
drinks and gratuities packages

Tips and Tricks for First-Time Cruisers

For first-time cruisers, there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind, including researching the ship and itinerary, packing carefully, and arriving at the port with plenty of time to spare, and it's often a good idea to read reviews and talk to other cruisers to get a sense of what to expect, with many cruise lines offering online forums and social media groups for passengers to connect and share tips.

For example, it's often a good idea to pack a carry-on bag with essentials like a swimsuit, sunscreen, and medication, in case your luggage is delayed, and to arrive at the port at least two hours before departure, to allow time for check-in and security, and these tips can help make your cruise more enjoyable and stress-free.

researching the ship and itinerary
packing carefully and arriving early
reading reviews and talking to other cruisers

Key takeaways

consider the benefits of a cruise ship tour
research and compare prices and itineraries
choose a cabin location carefully
budget and plan for extras like shore excursions

Where to book this cruise

When booking a cruise ship tour, it's essential to research and compare prices and itineraries carefully, considering factors like the time of year, cabin category, and shore excursions, and to read reviews and talk to other cruisers to get a sense of what to expect, and to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking to get the best value for your money, as prices and availability can change quickly, and it's often a good idea to work with a travel agent or cruise specialist to get personalized recommendations and advice.

Check today's fares on CruiseDirect

Compare every major cruise line side by side, filter by date, port and cabin type, and see the real price before you commit. Searching costs nothing.

Search CruiseDirect deals →

We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep these guides free.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of a 7-night cruise?

The average cost of a 7-night cruise can range from $800 to $2000 per person, depending on the time of year, cabin category, and cruise line.

What are the most popular cruise destinations?

The most popular cruise destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, with many cruise lines offering itineraries to these regions.

How do I choose a cabin location?

When choosing a cabin location, consider factors like the proximity to amenities, noise level, and price, and research the ship's layout and deck plans to get a sense of the different options.

What are the benefits of booking a shore excursion?

Booking a shore excursion can be a great way to experience the local culture and see the sights, with knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, and can often be more convenient and cost-effective than planning your own activities.

How do I budget for a cruise?

To budget for a cruise, consider costs like the cruise fare, shore excursions, and extras like drinks and gratuities, and set a budget and prioritize your spending to get the best value for your money.