Cruising has become one of America’s favorite vacations. And there are
lots of choices so spend some time and investigate your options. A good travel agent can
really be a big help also. One of the reasons that cruising is so popular is that it’s
a real vacation for a family. Mom gets a break from planning and cooking meals, Dad gets
a break from weekend chores and the kids get a break from Mom and Dad trying to schedule
everyone’s activities. And did I mention the food? Oh yeah. This is not the time to
start a diet; although, if you have diet restrictions you will find most cruise lines
very accommodating. And there are no scales in the cabins!
Choosing a Ship:
Size (small and intimate, large or somewhere in between)
Activities and programs provided on ship and costs
Areas, activities, programs restricted by age
Off-ship excursions available and costs
Destinations
Prefer ship that caters to kids, singles, couples, adults only or families
Prefer more time at sea or in ports
Attire (casual or formal)
Food (gourmet or just good food, requests accepted, healthy alternatives, specialty diets)
Meal seating (assigned or flexible)
Dining choices (specialty restaurants with dress and age requirements)
Prefer activities or relaxation
Trip price (savings or unlimited). Rates are quoted for double occupancy so bring a friend.
Seek the knowledge of a travel agent Tip: Compare the price of a cruise to a regular vacation.
Choosing a Room:
Determine how rooms are categorized
Cabin expense (luxury or budget)
Cabin size (regular room, suite, etc.)
Cabin location (small, inside location, balcony, etc.) Tip: Avoid cabins closest to bow or nearest the stern of the boat. These can be noisy when docking and undocking from the vibration and sounds of the anchor and bow thrusters.
Discount Tips:
Negotiate the price but make sure that your bargain price includes everything the normal fare includes
Book early – a year in advance is not too early to earn a discount
Book late – if your schedule is flexible, cruise lines often fill vacant rooms at a discount
Choose a repositioning cruise (cruise that leaves out of one port and returns to another spending most time at sea)
