A College Student’s Guide To Choosing The Best Cruise

Coming on board today with great information for college-age travelers is new lifestyle writer Aimee Lawrence.

A cruise can be an affordable and relaxing way to recuperate from the excess energy externalization that college requires. They allow you to see multiple destinations in one go and most of them will cater to your needs just like any great hotel. All you have to do is consider how much you are willing to spend and what you are interested in experiencing.

First, note that cruises vary highly in character. Some offer a brilliant night life while others offer a focus on relaxation. If you are travelling with others, try to find a cruise that meets everyone’s needs. 

Common questions answered

Some common facts that people ask about when searching for cruise getaways are:

  • Cruise lines are often all-inclusive, but not always. Most offer at least some free entertainment and catering, though check in advance what will be freely available to you.
  • “Research in advance which cruise lines are best for your age group. If you are in your 20s, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian often have higher younger to older ratios.” Says Joseph Brassell, travel writer at Essay Writers UK and State Of Writing. Cheaper, shorter and warmer cruises typically attract younger passengers. 

 Some cruise lines also have age restrictions on who can board alone – ranging mostly from 18 to 21. Not adhering to age restriction and chaperone rules could cost you your ticket. 

  • Drinking on board depends on what waters the ship is in. Essentially, the rules will follow the drinking laws of the region. For example, when in European waters, the limit is 18, though when in American waters the limit remains at 21. Smoking is also rather restricted, with most areas on ships being smoke-free. Most cruise lines, except Alaska cruises, allow passengers over 18 to gamble as well. 
  • Wi-Fi is likely to be slow and expensive when at sea. The idea is that you put the phones and laptops down as much as possible to enjoy the cruise experience, though if you really do need to access high-speed internet, opt for cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, which have that available.

Money matters

There’s a misconception that cruises are always expensive getaways. However, just like searching for cheap flights away, there are cruise websites that offer the same service. For students on tight budget, consider spending more up-front on an all-inclusive cruise, as this often works out cheaper in the long run. 

Destination in the distance

“Of course, the destination is one of the most important factors to consider. Most people want to escape to somewhere warmer. Remember to always check in with the weather forecasts for your potential destinations.” Says Peter M. Peoples, educator at Research Paper Writing Service and Custom Papers For College

Cruise ships offer a vast range of activities, from buffets to parties to massages. They an even offer rich and interesting short courses that will broaden your general knowledge. Also consider what activities you will be able to get involved in off the ship. If you’re looking for a specific activity such as riding a camel or subathing on the beach, be smart and look first at destinations that can cater for those wants at the time of year the cruise is happening. 

If you are a student looking for a great night life when away, you may be better off checking out the ship itself. Most cruises offer a wide range of bars and themed events, depending on the cruise line. Nightclubs and comedy nights are also very common; there’s definitely many things for everyone’s tastes. 

There are also many cruises that centre themselves on an external event, such as a music festival abroad. Booking a getaway like this means two beautiful experiences in one, and a time for many memories that will last forever. 

Booking a cruise

The main options available are to book directly with a cruise line’s online retailer, or via telephone. This may seem like the easiest option, though a travel agent can often help guide cruise-seekers to the most relevant cruises based on their interests and budgets. 

However you choose to cruise, following some or all of these tips will enhance your experience. May you have a fantastic time!

Aimee Lawrence is a lead education and lifestyle writer at UKWritings and Type My Essay. Her work is mostly about how young people transition as they go through the schooling system, and how parents can best guide their children. Aimee spends time with wildlife conservation projects in her spare time and also tutors at Custom Essay Australia