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The first step to putting together a great cruise vacation is to find yourself a travel agency that specializes in cruises, or to book directly through a cruise vacation Internet site. Before you contact the travel agent though you need to determine when youre going, where youre going and from which port youll depart and to which youll return. There are some seasonal rules of thumb about your destination. If youre limited in the time of year you can get away then youre also somewhat limited in your destination. You cant, for instance, cruise the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska any time during the summer. Europe has about the same seasonal restriction as well. If youre planning on heading out in the spring or fall you might want to consider an excursion up and down the Panama Canal. Just about any time of year, including the winter, you can cruise to Asia or the Caribbean. Determine who is going to go with you. Knowing if children or seniors will be a part of your vacation group will effect which trip offers the best choices of entertainment for your party. In fact, its best to gather everyone together, or conduct a phone or e-mail discussion of what everyone wants to do. You need to know if crafts are important; how many are going to lounge by the pool; who wants to get off and explore at the first land stop; who prefers exotic locations and whod rather just play shuffleboard. The size of the ship can be important as well. Larger ships have a vast variety of entertainment options, such as dancing and stage shows, although smaller ships may provide a lower guest to staff ratio, and thus more personal attention to your needs. Know how much you and the others can spend. If money is a critical factor look for discounts for booking early, or starting out on a different day or different week from your original request. Staying flexible can save you considerable money. Ask about port fees as well. These are not usually included in the quoted cruise cost and may cost you dearly. Youll also be expected to tip room stewards and wait staff. If youre not going as a large group and you might be interested in getting to know your fellow passengers then be sure and inquire about the usual demographics of these travelers. If youre 20 something and its a baby boomer cruise youre apt to be bored. If you bring your grade schoolers and most of the other kids are in their teens they wont have enough playmates and youll be their entertainment for the extent of the cruise. One very important inquiry to make of your travel agent as well is the formality of the cruise that youre considering. If you show up with a suitcase full of swimsuits, shorts and sunscreen only to find out formal dress is required at dinner youre going to be embarrassed or hungry the entire excursion. |
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