With AI being so prevalent these days, I thought it would be interesting to have ChatGPT try to plan an upcoming cruise for me.
While the ideas and suggestions were mostly standard and lacked any truly eye-opening concepts, it was still intriguing to see what it came up with.
This is what I asked ChatGPT, and below you will see what it came up with: “I am a 63-year-old married female who would like to go on a 7-day cruise in March with my husband. I live in central Florida and would like to sail out of one of our ports. I am very active and would like an itinerary that will keep us active on and off the ship. Also, provide the cost for each option.”
Eastern Caribbean active escape on Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas
Departure port: Port Canaveral
Ports of call: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Perfect Day at CocoCay
- Interior cabin: from $1,275 pp
- Oceanview: from $1,589 pp
- Balcony: from $1,935 pp
Why it’s great:
- Onboard activities: Zip lining, rock climbing, surfing simulators, pickleball, walking tracks, dance classes.
- Shore adventures: Hiking to mountain viewpoints in St. Thomas, snorkeling in St. Maarten, kayaking, jet skiing, and water park thrills at CocoCay.
Western Caribbean adventure on Carnival Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration
Departure port: Port Canaveral
Ports of call: Cozumel (Mexico), Costa Maya, Roatán (Honduras)
- Interior cabin: around $821 pp
- Oceanview: approximately $834 pp
- Balcony rate not listed
Why it’s great:
- Onboard activities: Rollercoaster (BOLT), fitness classes, dance nights, walking track, spa & wellness.
- Shore adventures: Mayan ruins and jungle ATV rides in Costa Maya, reef snorkeling in Cozumel, ziplining and hiking in Roatán.
Southern Caribbean sampler on Norwegian Escape or Norwegian Getaway
Departure port: Port Miami
Ports of call: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Great Stirrup Cay
- Interior cabin (March 30, 2025 sailing): approx $784 pp
- Oceanview and balcony rates not listed
Why it’s great:
- Onboard activities: Ropes course, fitness center, dance lessons, live shows, and walking decks.
- Shore adventures: Waterfall hiking in Puerto Plata, kayaking in Tortola, ziplining and paddleboarding at Great Stirrup Cay.
ChatGPT’s cruise recommendation
For an active vibe and easy access from Central Florida:
- Best fit: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas—larger ship, balcony cabins from ~$1,935 pp, and the most activity-rich infrastructure.
- Best value: Carnival Celebration—only ~$821 pp for interior cabins, with fun onboard options like a roller coaster and water park.
- Balanced choice: Norwegian Escape—solid mid-range option (~$784 pp), with a large ropes course and freestyle dining.
Pro cruise tips from ChatGPT
- Book early: March cruises are popular with spring break crowds, so booking 5–7 months ahead is ideal to lock in the best fares.
- All‑in pricing: Listed fares include taxes and port fees, but onboard gratuities, drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and travel to the port are additional.
- Cabin types matter: Interior cabins are the most budget-friendly; oceanview and balcony options add comfort and space, which is especially nice on sea days. Great for morning yoga stretches and ocean breezes.
- Port preference: You mentioned wanting to sail from Central Florida—Port Canaveral (for major cruise lines) is a convenient, close-to-home option.
- Activity-focused lines: Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cater especially well to active travelers, with onboard options like rock climbing, ropes courses, fitness classes, and thrilling ports of call.
So, did ChatGPT do a good job?
Having AI plan my cruise was a fun idea, and it offered a mix of standard recommendations and familiar options.
While the suggestions lacked the spark of unique or out-of-the-box ideas, it still provided a helpful starting point.
AI is a great tool for organizing the basics, but for a truly personalized and memorable experience, there’s no substitute for adding a human touch. Nonetheless, it was a fun way to explore the possibilities and get some fresh inspiration for my upcoming trip.
