Themed cruises are cruise vacations that focus on a specific customer, a specific theme like a type of music or a skill like gourmet cooking or painting.

Essentially theme cruises allow passengers with similar tastes to enjoy a relatively all-inclusive vacation that tailors specifically to their interests.

To learn about the different types of theme cruises from family themed vacations to adults-only themes, keep reading for great tips on how to find the best theme cruise ship for you.

Theme Cruises for Families

Theme cruises for families are typically centered on a theme that appeals to children. Popular themes include pirates, undersea adventure or popular animated characters.

For example, Disney Cruise Lines offers a number of ships and sailings that are designed for the whole family. Much like a trip to Disney World or Disney Land, kids are greeted by their favorite characters, can go see a full, live-action performance and can indulge in activities that focus on their favorite Disney films and television series.

Typically, most theme cruises for families also offer activities for adults. They’re a great opportunity for the whole family to actively enjoy a safe vacation that allows for quality together-time, but also much-needed private relaxation.

Theme Cruises for Couples

Most cruise lines offer specific sailings that are targeted directly toward couples who are looking for a private and romantic getaway or a quiet cruise for a wedding or anniversary.

Most often these romantically-themed cruises include couples’ dining tables rather than large, group dining, romantic touches like champagne on arrival and extra room service, spa packages that include treats such as couples’ massages and also age restrictions.

Typically, age-restricted cruises only allow unmarried passengers over the age of 25 or married passengers over the age of 21. Check with your individual cruise line’s age restriction policies before booking.

Singles’ Cruises

Some cruises are targeted specifically toward single travelers. They often include social mixers, activities designed to get passengers interacting with one another and group dining.

Singles’ cruises can be a great way to meet new people.

Skill Cruises

In addition to the above cruises, many lines offer cruises that are geared specifically toward painters, golfers, athletes, aspiring chefs, wine lovers, bicyclists, runners and many more. Typically, these cruises offer classes, workshops and shore excursions that appeal directly to those interests.

If you have the inclination to take a cruise and prefer general commonality among the passengers, a themed cruise adventure might be right up your alley!

Despite the brochure’s claims, most cruises - whether with Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, Holland America or just about any other cruise line - are not all-inclusive. So, as a responsible traveler, you need to set a budget that goes beyond your basic cost of passage. The question is, what are those extra costs?

To learn about the additional expenses that come along with a cruise vacation, keep reading to find out how you can budget for shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, service tips, rounds of golf and much-deserved spa treatments.

Shore Excursions

Typically, most cruises do not include the price of shore excursions. When budgeting for your cruise, add several hundred dollars to participate in popular shore activities like scuba diving, guided town tours, paragliding, sea kayaking, golf and more.

Typically, you can go online or refer to the cruise line’s brochure to get an idea of the shore excursions available on your trip and how much they cost.

Often, you can book your shore trips in advance of the your time at sea, but try to set a bit of your budget aside for the whimsy - you may decide halfway through your cruise that, yes, you do want to try horseback riding after all.

Drinks and snacks

Check in advance what your cruise does and does not include in “all-inclusive.” Typically, meals are included but not specialty drinks or snacks.

Again, every cruise line is different, with some offering assigned and monitored dining while others include 24-hour buffets and alcoholic beverages.

Tips

If you’re unsure of whom to tip and how much, then simply call the cruise line and ask them what’s expected of passengers. On most ships the steward or cruise director will make announcements about tips, including tip etiquette.

Typically, you’ll be able to include a tip when signing a bill for drinks or service. You’re also able to include a service tip either as a flat day fee on top of your on-board account or at the end of the cruise in the form of cash in an envelope, given to either your steward or cruise director.

The latter method is less frequent. The average amount is about $10-$15 per day per passenger, but that can depend on the ship and level of service.

Extra Activities like Golf and Spas

Cruise ships are becoming more elaborate, including new amenities like driving ranges and spa facilities. When budgeting for a cruise vacation, set some money aside for extras like a facial or a bucket of balls at the driving range.

And while you’re considering extra activities on-board the ship, remember that you want to work within your budget, but you also don’t want to deprive yourself.

Finding a real cruise bargain or even just a high quality cruise that fits within your budget is a combination of good planning, timing and a splash of good fortune.

Also, what counts as a “special,” “good buy,” or “great deal” is a matter of perception, differing for most individuals depending on their budget, cruise ship experience and the amenities they expect to receive.

The Price Range is Broad

Remember, like any product, you often get what you pay for with cruises. That doesn’t mean there aren’t good deals to be found.

But much like the hotel markets, cruise ships will range from top-of-the-line deluxe ships with five-star restaurants and all-inclusive amenities to outdated boats with basic rooms and cafeteria-style buffets.

Because of this discrepancy in accommodations, food and facilities, cruises can range in price from less than $100 per day for a person to over $1000 a day.

You may think you’re getting the deal of your life and soon find yourself in an inside cabin with no windows, sailing on a boat that charges you $8 for a glass of soda and doesn’t even have a pool.

Take Time to Get Accurate Knowledge

First time cruise buyers should either consult directly with an experienced travel agent or be willing to invest a lot of time reading online customer reviews and consulting with friends about ships and lines to look for, and those to avoid.

The easiest way to stay on budget or find great deals is to either be incredibly flexible or thoroughly planned. The first option of total flexibility allows you to look on discount travel web sites for either last-minute deals or unexpected specials.

If the destination and dates are of little importance to you, this can be a great way to pick up a fantastic discount.

Staying Within Your Budget

Your second option is to choose a cruise destination, set a maximum travel budget and start surfing the web sites of cruise lines that interest you. Most cruise line companies will advertise their weekly or daily specials directly on their web sites, allowing you to quickly scan for deals that fit your timeline, wants and cabin requirements.

Another way to save money is to opt for an inside cabin on an upscale cruise. Admittedly, your room will most likely be small and windowless, but if you book on a luxury cruise with a wide range of amenities, you’ll be spending the majority of your time outside your cabin anyway. You’ll also have more of your budget available for treats like shore excursions and spa treatments.

Along with the glamour and fun associated with cruise travel comes a real need to be aware of your personal health and safety. If you’re concerned about health and safety issues on board a cruise ship, keep reading for great tips on how to stay well during your next cruise vacation.

1. Check a Boat’s Report Card

The Vessel Sanitation Program operates through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their job is to inspect ships regularly. They look for cleanliness issues, food storage facilities, food preparation methods, water sanitation, hygiene, pest control and a ship’s disease prevention methods.

After the Vessel Sanitation Program inspects a ship, they issue a report card. That report card is then made available on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site. So, before you book your next cruise, research and read your proposed ship’s report card and check their score.

2. Visit Your Doctor Before You Depart

Make an appointment with your family doctor at least a few weeks before you’re scheduled to depart. Be sure you have all necessary vaccinations that will be required, an extra supply of your medication and, if you have specific health problems, a copy of your medical chart.

For cruise vacationers who need a yellow fever vaccination, you may want to plan farther in advance to book a vaccination at a local public health or travel clinic.

3. Be Diligent About Germs

Remember that a cruise ship is an enclosed space holding a lot of people. Germs and disease can spread quickly on board a ship, so take precautions like always keep your shoes or a pair of flip-flops on at all times, use hand sanitizer regularly (carry some in your pocket) and wash your hands often.

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Cruise ships are typically safe for water and food, but if you’re planning on any shore excursions, only drink bottled water and try to only eat at reputable and “safe” restaurants. You don’t want your cruise adventure tarnished by a bout of food poisoning.

5. Put Your Children’s Safety First

If you’re booking a cruise with your children, even a “kid’s cruise,” always be aware of the cruise line’s policies regarding child safety. Ask them about how they screen their child care employees, whether or not all crew are required to have first aid certification and - even if you’re cruising with the best - always be aware of where your children are on board at all times.