Some AI experience - ready for templates
Choose the template (A. Destination Explorer, B. Price Optimizer, or C. Ship Comparison) that best matches your cruise planning goals. These are your starting prompts.
NOTE: You can mix and match any of these templates (A. Destination Explorer, B. Price Optimizer, or C. Ship Comparison) to make an amazing AI template!
Simply replacing [brackets] is good; adding strategic context is better. Before using the template, consider:
Incorporate these strategic details directly into your template if possible.
After filling in the template, add one of these lines to guide the AI's output. This step helps you get more actionable results.
For AI with Web Search (e.g., ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, Copilot):
"Please search for current cruise availability and pricing based on the above criteria and present the top 3-5 options in a table format, including cruise line, ship name, price, dates, itinerary highlights, and any promotions."
For AI without Web Search (e.g., standard free ChatGPT, Gemini):
"Based on general cruise industry knowledge, provide a strategic search plan to find the best deals for this trip. Include specific websites to check, when to book, and any cruise booking hacks like repositioning cruises or last-minute deals."
This is the most critical step. AI is a powerful research assistant, but you should always verify its findings.
For researching destinations, comparing itineraries, and finding the perfect cruise route
Copy and fill in the brackets:
Help me find the perfect cruise destination: - Travel season: [Month/season] - Region preference: [Caribbean/Alaska/Mediterranean/etc.] - Trip length: [Days] - Experience type: [Relaxing beaches/Cultural exploration/Adventure activities] - Must-see ports: [Specific destinations if any] - Budget range: $[Amount] per person Compare top 3 itineraries and recommend which cruise line and ship offers the best value for my preferences.
Example Filled:
Help me find the perfect cruise destination: - Travel season: December 2025 - Region preference: Caribbean - Trip length: 7 nights - Experience type: Mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration - Must-see ports: Cozumel, Grand Cayman - Budget range: $1,200-1,500 per person Compare top 3 itineraries and recommend which cruise line and ship offers the best value for my preferences.
For finding the best deals, timing your booking, and maximizing value
Copy and fill in the brackets:
Help me optimize my cruise budget: - Destination: [Region/specific itinerary] - Travel window: [Dates or flexible months] - Travelers: [Number of adults/kids] - Cabin flexibility: [Inside/Oceanview/Balcony/Suite or "flexible"] - Departure port flexibility: [Can drive to multiple ports? Which ones?] - Max budget: $[Amount] total or per person Provide strategies for: best booking timing, promotional periods, cabin category comparison (value per sq ft), hidden costs to budget for, and money-saving hacks like repositioning cruises.
Example Filled:
Help me optimize my cruise budget: - Destination: Alaska - Travel window: June-August 2026 (flexible on exact weeks) - Travelers: 2 adults - Cabin flexibility: Considering inside cabin vs balcony - Departure port flexibility: Can sail from Seattle or Vancouver - Max budget: $3,000 total Provide strategies for: best booking timing, promotional periods, cabin category comparison (value per sq ft), hidden costs to budget for, and money-saving hacks like repositioning cruises.
For comparing ships, analyzing amenities, and finding the best onboard experience
Copy and fill in the brackets:
Compare cruise ships for my trip: - Ships/Classes to compare: [Specific ships or "recommend best ships for..."] - Travel style: [Relaxed/Adventure/Luxury/Family-friendly] - Key priorities: [Dining/Entertainment/Activities/Relaxation] - Special requirements: [Accessibility/Kids programs/Adult-only areas] - Group type: [Solo/Couple/Family with kids ages X/Multi-gen] Create a decision matrix comparing: ship amenities, dining venues, entertainment options, activities, cabin quality, passenger reviews, and best fit for my travel style.
Example Filled:
Compare cruise ships for my trip: - Ships/Classes to compare: Royal Caribbean Oasis Class vs Quantum Class - Travel style: Family-friendly with adventure activities - Key priorities: Kids programs, water slides, diverse dining, shows - Special requirements: Good teen clubs, variety of dining for picky eaters - Group type: Family with kids ages 8 and 14 Create a decision matrix comparing: ship amenities, dining venues, entertainment options, activities, cabin quality, passenger reviews, and best fit for my travel style.
Use these strategies to conduct thorough cruise research with AI
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