Cruise tips for first-timers, all ages, budget or splurge

Millions of Americans take a cruise vacation every year, but for a neophyte the prospect may be daunting. If you’re contemplating your first time, here are some tips for selecting the right cruise and making the most of the experience.

Saving your silver

Put your Web search skills to good use and shop around for the best deals. Avoid airfare if you can — fortunately, New York is a major cruise port city and near several others.

Once you’ve found a cruise, don’t book online — call instead. Reps can offer more deals and guide you to the best rooms. Speaking of rooms, decide what you want to splurge on; balconies are a great perk, especially on certain itineraries, but if you’re pinching pennies, opt for a window, porthole or even interior room.

If you book early, make sure to check back frequently to see if the price has gone down. Most companies will honor a lower price and credit you the difference or upgrade your room.

Once you’ve decided that you love cruising, put down a deposit for your next voyage on board; it’ll often get you perks for your next trip and most deposits are fully refundable if you change your mind.

Spots for all seasons

Where you go depends on when you can get away, what you want to see and how much you can budget for.

Different regions have their high, shoulder and low seasons, with various pros and cons for each. New England, for example, is best in September and October if you’re looking for a prime foliage experience. However, you’re best avoiding those months in the Caribbean, as it’s the heart of hurricane season.

High season in Alaska is the summer months, though if you want a chance at spotting the Northern Lights, wait till the end of the cruising season in September.

If you’re minding the purse strings, aim for shoulder seasons (such as October or November in the Mediterranean), as they’re often cheaper.

Finding the best match

Cruise lines offer different amenities and vibes. Some, such as Celebrity, Oceania and Holland America, cater to a more mature audience, while others, such as Disney Cruise Line, are best for families with young kids.

If you’re taking your tweens or teens, opt for lines that provide entertainment for them, such as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian, which offer rock-climbing walls, zip lines and dedicated spaces for young people.

Carnival is more budget-friendly and has a reputation as somewhat of a party line, while Princess provides all-around diversions for young and old.

Onboard antics

A good cruise should cater to your every need, so take advantage of the various amenities on board.

Missing those days at the gym? Head to the fitness center or sign up for a Zumba, dance, yoga or other fitness group activity led by cruise staff. Want to relax in your swimsuit? Grab your towel and head out to one of usually several pools, including some on certain cruise lines that are “adult-only.” Feeling tense? Book a spa treatment.

And of course, there’s daily trivia, a casino on board, bingo, an art gallery, high-end boutiques, entertainment, movies and plenty of food at almost any time of day.

Testing the waters

Several cruise lines, including Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess and Celebrity, offer weekend getaways or short three-, four- or five-night sailings, usually to the Caribbean or along the West Coast. They’re a great way to get your sea legs before committing to a longer voyage.