An Internet Cruise?

Caveat Emptor

By Bill Panoff

Welcome to the world of cyber space, but I’m not here to introduce you to the Internet. However, from its inception, computer-savvy people have been using the World Wide Web to inform others about their cruise experience. And this form of information exchange -- from chat rooms to cruise auctions -- is becoming ever more popular as neophyte, hooked-up consumers begin to scope out the biggest bang for their vacation buck via the 56k modem. But is this good or bad for the cruise experience?

During a recent industry conference called SeaTrade in Miami Beach, chief executive officers at the biggest cruise lines debated the merits of using the Internet to book a cruise. While some cruise lines are embracing it, others disdain it. Some have Internet sites that allow consumers to book up to a certain point and then have a travel agent take over, others are just informational and have no consumer booking capabilities. And it wasn’t too many years ago that cruise lines debated the merits of an 800 number for consumers.

The reason for the hesitancy of some cruise lines to embrace something like the Internet isn’t the technology, but the tradition of using a travel agent; someone who has stepped on board your ship; slept in its cabins and dined on the food to inform you about their experiences.

And, most important, a travel agent matches you to a cruise line; if you’re a mature passenger, you would placed on a ship that caters to quiet dinners and evenings, while if you want a wild and crazy time, there are cruise ships for you, too. My only advice for those using the Internet to book a cruise is: caveat emptor.

What’s At Sea: Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ new 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator will be circumnavigating the continent of South America, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale from Oct. 28-Dec. 17. … It’s not too early to plan your Christmas at Sea. Holland America Line is offering two-for-one savings during its Caribbean cruises on the Nieuw Amsterdam and Westerdam. … IST Cultural Tours is hosting two cruises on the Elbe River Sept. 1 and Sept. 29, that visit Berlin, Prague, Potsdam and Sanssouci aboard the shallow-draft vessel, Konigstein. … Royal Caribbean International has announced that it will offer expanded Mexico/Mexican Riviera programs in winter 2000 and spring 2001 aboard the Vision of the Seas. The Vision of the Seas will join two other RCI vessels sailing this part of the world, the Rhapsody of the Seas and the Viking Serenade. … Porthole Cruise Magazine recently raised over $40,000 to benefit the United Way of Miami-Dade and the Jackson Memorial Breast Health Center during its second annual golf tournament.

-Updated 6-23-99-

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