Getting Started
"Cruising is a wonderful way to vacation and see the world. Carefree days at sea, excellent food, exciting ports of call; no wonder cruising is growing in popularity."
"There are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself when trying to decide on the best cruise for you. There are so many choices out there and not all cruise lines suit all travelers. The trick is to find the one that is best for you."
"I always get to know my clients and ask them many questions in order to match them with the right cruise line and ship."
"These are things you need to know in order to narrow down your choices:
- What does your family like to do on vacation? Are you active or do you prefer relaxing by the pool?
- Will your kids want to take part in an organized kids program?
- Do you mind crowds?
- What do you like to drink? Do you like a fine wine with dinner or a glass of pop?
- Are you willing to fly to the ship?
- What time of year do you want to travel?"
"The answers to these questions tell your agent a lot about you and which cruise line and itinerary will suit you best."
Cruise Line Tips
"Different cruise lines focus on different aspects of cruising. Here's a list of some of our preferred lines and what they offer guests:
- Royal Caribbean has excellent family programs and activities and offers good pricing for families.
- Holland America Line offers a more intimate, traditional experience. Ships are more subdued than Royal Caribbean and passengers tend to be older.
- For smaller ships with under 700 passengers there's Azamara Club Cruises, the small ships of Princess and Oceania Cruises.
- Celebrity Cruises has introduced fabulous new Solstice class ships with some outstanding amenities including an exciting new culinary program. These ships are more upscale than RCI but have the same excellent kids programs. The new VIP Kids program has special benefits like a photo with the Captain, behind the scenes tours, slumber parties and free or discounted group babysitting.
- Crystal Cruises is for discerning guests who want the finest service, food and attention to detail. Embarkation and disembarkation are easy and relaxed and you'll find the best enrichment program at sea aboard ship."
Destination Tips
- The time of year is a major consideration. You don't want to go in the rainy season, when it is too hot and for a lot of travellers, going in the off season when there are fewer tourists is important. Study your destination to get an idea of the best time to visit. Your agent can help with this too.
- Your agent will also know what is coming up for various destinations. For example, next year in Alaska there are exciting changes with new ships arriving and returning to the region. Australia is a region where cruising is on the rise so there are many new exciting itineraries coming available.
- Certain lines excel in different regions. In Alaska, Princess on their own lodges and coaches and is very experienced in organizing seamless cruisetours.
Stateroom Tips
- Having a balcony is the ultimate cruise experience. Being able to step out onto your own, private deck space and looking out from the stateroom through floor to ceiling glass doors is very special. It is more expensive but worth the extra money.
- Some cruisers prefer quantity of cruises over quality of experience. They are happy booking an inside stateroom with no window as they spend their time out and about around the ship, only staying in the stateroom to sleep, shower and change. This way they can enjoy cruising more often as inside staterooms are much less expensive.
- Outside staterooms have a window so you have a view plus you have daylight in your stateroom.
- Some Outsides have obstructed views with a lifeboat or piece of machinery blocking a full view from the window. If you want some sunlight in your stateroom but don't want to pay for an outside or balcony, an obstructed view is the way to go.
Pricing Tips
- Special amenities are a good perk and enhance the value of your cruise. See the list of our cruise promotions for the Southern Caribbean with special amenities.
- Positioning cruises, when ships move from one cruising area to another, offer good value, like in the spring and fall when ships head to and from Alaskan home ports for winter sailing in warmer places and more one way Hawaii sailings are offered.
- There are many promotions out there including early booking discounts. Prices do fluctuate and some lines do offer a guarantee that if the price drops, your booking will be automatically adjusted. Ask your agent to price check regularly to be sure you are getting the best price for your cruise.
"There is certainly a lot to consider when planning your cruise vacation. Find an agent who is willing to work with you and for you to create your best vacation yet."
By Susan Milne
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