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Cruisin' for a HolidayHow to Shop for a Cruise VacationBy Treva Braun
How to Book a Cruise Although almost any travel agent can book your cruise, most major travel agencies have specially trained cruise consultants with in-depth knowledge and experience in the cruise market. Shop around until you find someone that you feel comfortable with. The cruise companies can also furnish you with extensive information about their offerings. Check out the sampling of company websites listed below. What’s Included, What’s Not?
Flights If you’re flying into the port of departure, you can usually book the flight and airport transfers as part of the cruise package, although you won’t necessarily get the lowest airfare on the market. Check around for flights separately as you may be able to find a better deal, but remember that a canceled or delayed flight that was booked through the cruise company is usually their responsibility, whereas one you booked on your own is yours. What to Consider When Selecting a Cruise Factors to consider when selecting a cruise include the departure point and ports of call, length of the cruise, features of the ship and total price. The size of the ship may also be a relevant consideration. Some people prefer a smaller, more intimate group while others like the intensity and anonymity of a virtual city-at-sea. Most large cruise ships will have a similar array of onboard activities such as swimming, fitness classes, saunas and live entertainment. Some companies have theme cruises featuring art displays, special speakers and the like. If you are traveling with children, many cruises offer excellent youth programs and babysitting services on board. Prices vary depending on the itinerary, quality and rating of the cruise line, age of the ship and when it was last upgraded, location and features of your stateroom, season of travel and any specials being offered. Consider the features that are most important to you, and let your booking agent know. Common Routes and Alternative Choices
Special Requests Special meals, wheelchair accessibility and room requirements for the handicapped can be arranged with the ship ahead of time. If you are celebrating a special occasion and you mention it when you book your cruise, you will likely enjoy a little extra attention on board. Planning for the Big Day
FOR MORE INFORMATIONCruise Lines International Association: www.cruising.org A Sampling of Cruise LinesRoyal Caribbean:
www.royalcaribbean.com A Sampling of Alternative Cruise LinesDisney Cruises:
http://www.disneycruise.disney.go.com/disneycruiseline Images courtesy of Crystal Cruises and Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. |
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Are you in need of a relaxing and hassle-free holiday?
A cruise might be just the ticket. If you’re thinking of setting sail on
your next vacation but aren’t quite sure where to begin, these quick tips
will help you get started. 
The published rates for most cruises will include your
stateroom accommodation, meals ranging from casual snacks and room service
to fine dining, and the majority of entertainment on board. Port taxes,
cancellation and medical insurance and visas (if required) are additional
expenses. Optional extras to consider in your budget include beauty and
barber salons, alcoholic drinks, gambling, shore excursions, boutique
purchases, personal ship-to-shore communications and gratuities. Bring U.S.
cash or traveler’s checks and a major credit card.
The cruise industry today is extremely sophisticated,
so the choice of itineraries is limited only by the availability of a large
water body and the size of your bank account. Some of the most common routes
in North America are the Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Trans-Panama Canal, and
Alaska in the summer. European destinations are also quite popular. Exotic
cruise itineraries are offered in the Orient, Africa, South America, the
South Pacific and many other destinations. If you’re up for something a
little different, consider a river cruise or the more casual and relaxed
atmosphere of the sailing ships offered by companies such as Windjammer or
Windstar. For a learning or adventure-based cruise, try companies like World
Explorer. 
A typical seven-day cruise will have two formal
evenings. Attire for these occasions includes cocktail dresses (short or
full length) or suits for women and a suit or sports jacket and tie for men.
Depending on your destination, casual pants or dresses, walking shorts,
exercise gear, swimwear and comfortable walking shoes (preferably with
rubber soles for around the deck areas) are recommended. If you are
traveling by air to meet your cruise, bring a carry-on bag with your travel
documents, necessary toiletries and medications, a change of clothing, your
bathing suit and one formal outfit in case your luggage is “misplaced” by
the airline.