Travel Cruise Review

Brad Alexzander17 asked:


For any of your travel needs, you may face the problem of knowing whether to use a travel agent for your cruise or if you should book the trip yourself online. This is something that you will ultimately need to decide on yourself, but if you would like to compare your options, read on. There are many advantages to both sides of this coin. In all actuality, it depends on what is more important to you. What is true is that the cruises that are offered by your agent are the same cruises that are available through the online services on the web.



Using The Travel Agent

If you do use a travel agent to book your next cruise, you will have some benefits. Sometimes, they are able to get you into a cruise that is booked. Some agents, especially the larger ones, will have their own amount of rooms to sell. That means that the online agents may run out but some of the travel agents still may have some available. This little bit of leg work in calling them may be tiring but it also may be well worth it. Also, the travel agent offers that personal touch that the online agencies do not. You can ask questions at both, but you can do it in person with your travel agent and have immediate results.



Using the Online Travel Services

There are plenty of online travel services available to you on the web to use. These services will provide you with the best rates that are possible. Because there are several of them, you can easily go from one to the next to find the best rates that are available. You can even compare the various cruises that are available to find the very best option for you. Again, the largest benefit of using these services is that you can usually get a better rate for the packages and cruises that you would like to have. But, you do not have to use them at all. In fact, you can get a good idea of the price of every aspect of your cruise and then go somewhere else to see who has the best rates.

The ultimate decision is up to you. You are going to find a wide range of options not matter what you do, but the best way to find the ones that are right for you is to take the time to look at several. Comparison shop the cruise and the rates to find out what best fit for your budget and your dreams for your cruise.

Mary Hanna asked:


Choosing a travel agent should be easy. Go to travel agents that specialize in cruising. I cannot stress this enough. There agencies that book cruises only and then there are agents within Travel Agencies that are specialists in cruising. Either one of these will fit the bill.

Ask the agent a lot of questions, like what cruise lines that agent has sailed on? They should be very knowledgeable about all the aspects of cruising- food, activities, entertainment, the size of the cabins available, the size of the ship, what kind of facilities and the clientele. To be really sure of the agents’ expertise, ask for a CLIA accredited agent.

Ask about a variety of cruises, not just one or two lines. Some agents push one or two lines because they either have booked a big block of space on a ship or they get a higher commission from a particular cruise line, they call these their “Preferred Suppliers”. Ask them who their Preferred Suppliers are and what lines they have personally sailed on. Many times it will be the Preferred Suppliers but you want someone who has experienced many cruise lines.

Cruise Tip: When choosing an agent, ask how long she/he has worked for the agency. You want one that has been there at least two years, has been on several lines, and can answer all of your questions. It is not realistic to expect the agent to have sailed on all of the cruise lines but you want one that has sampled many.

There are a couple of tricks to get the best priced cruise. Go to one Travel Agent who specializes in cruises; go through the options available for the type of cruise you want. After the agent has narrowed it down she/he will than say it’s time to call the lines and check for availability. The next step is to put a hold on the cabin which she will put in your name. Normally the cruise line will hold a cabin for a week. .

Go home and call another cruise agency and ask for their cruise specialist. Give that agency the same information along with the price quoted by the first agent. See if this agent can beat the price. If she can, go back to the first agent and tell her your mother, sister, friend, was able to get a better price and can she meet that price. Chances are she will, especially if she has placed you on a Preferred Supplier. Don’t feel bad about this. You will probably book with the first agent, and the second agent did not do any work except make a phone call. This will also let you know if the first agent did a good job. If agent number 2 can’t beat the price or quotes you a higher price, bingo, you’ve got yourself a great agent in on the first try.

The third thing you will want to do is check the internet for any deals on that particular ship. You can check by search engine or by going to the individual cruise lines website.

Your local newspaper will have a cruise travel section with lots of ads for cruises and will list discount fares. Or go to your local bookstore and browse the Magazine section for Cruise related publications. And of course the Cruise lines all have websites where you can book directly. But if you are a new cruiser it is best to go to a Travel Agent that knows cruising and can answer all your questions including the pro and cons of each and every cruise line.

Cruise Tip: If you are strictly looking for price, go to travel agents that have booked large blocks of rooms on a particular cruise and they will be able to give you a good discount. Just make sure that this is the type of cruise you want to take. Consider the ships “personality”. There are ships that are completely casual all of the time, or ships that promote partying, and ships were people are elegantly dressed all of the time. Choosing your cruise style is one of the first things you should decide, this will help the Travel Agent find the ideal ship for you.

Copy the list below and take them with you when you visit your chosen Travel Agency (write answers below questions):

1. What is the total price for the cruise? It should include port charges, air fare and transfers to and from the airport.

2. Can any money be saved by traveling on a different cruise line with similar amenities or if I traveled at a different time of year?

3. Does the agency have a way of checking if the rate drops as the cruise date nears? If so, will the travel agent automatically lower my fare?

4. Does the cruise line offer travel insurance and what kind if they do? Does the agency offer insurance or know a reputable company?

5. What is the last day you can cancel without penalty? What are the penalties?

6. What proof of citizenship is expected? What other documents will I need?

7. If I want to change the itinerary or go earlier or stay later is that possible?

8. Who will make my airline reservations? When can I get seat assignments?

9. Find out where your cabin will be and if it is close to the dining room, the elevator, the disco, the pool etc. Ships are large and there will be considerable walking.

10. Arrange with the agent what type of beds you want, queen or twin.

11. Tell the agent when you want to dine and how large the table should be.

12. If purchasing an outside cabin has the agent checked to make sure the view is not obstructed? If this doesn’t matter to you, you may be able to save some money by booking an obstructed view.

13. What are the weight restrictions if you are flying to the port?

14. When will I get my travel documents?

15. If you have a special diet request make it now.

16. If it is your honeymoon have the travel agent notify the cruise line. The lines usually have special gatherings for newly weds.

17. If you are traveling in a large group the cruise line should also be notified.

18. If you have any special needs such as cribs or baby food now is the time to have the agent tell the cruise line.

19. If you have a health issue, ask about the infirmary

20. Do they have any cruise reviews that you can see or get a copy of?

These questions and the information above will aide you in finding the right Travel agent to book your cruise vacation. Just a little bit of work and then you can Set Sail!

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Bruce Pickett asked:


When most people think of a luxury cruise, they visualize a hugh ship out on the ocean, sailing from one exotic tropical port to another. There is an alternative type of cruising, though, that provides quite a different cruise experience while still pampering passengers with luxury and exceptional service. It is called river cruising and it is an amazing way to cruise.

 

An alternative to traditional cruising

Whether you are a first time cruiser or have experienced many, there is much to like about river cruising. As an alternative to the traditional cruise, it provides a different view of the countries and cities visited on the ship with a more intimate and casual atmosphere. When we consider the areas where these river cruises are most popular, Europe, Asia and South America, one may wish to take a little more time to absorb the sites, culture, locals and the history. The ship`s motion on the water is quite different on a river compared to an ocean cruise, and is much less likely to bother someone who may be prone to motion sickness.

 

Smaller ships

River cruise ships are necessarily smaller than ocean cruise ships, as they have to navigate the sometimes shallow and tricky waters of an inland waterway. River cruising should not be confused with barging – where passengers float on a barg in man-made canals – because with a powered cruise ship you can explore a country via natural rivers and waterways. Most river cruise ships generally accomadate between 100 and 200 people, although, some are even smaller.

 

Casual, flexible, personal

River cruising is much more casual than traditional cruising. Dinners are casual and comfortable, and in most cases, do not even require wearing a dress jacket or suit coat. Seating is generally open rather than assigned, giving you an opportunity to dine with different people every night, and there is only one sitting rather than two. Passengers can eat what they want , when they want, and in the company of whom they want – the ultimate in flexibility.

 

Slower pace, more relaxed

A river cruise vessel travels at a much slower speed than a traditional cruise ship, allowing passengers to better appreciateand enjoy the passing countryside. The slower cruising speed allows the ship`s atmosphere to feature a slower pace and a more relaxed enviornment, something that most river cruisers particularly enjoy. The sometimes frenetic pace of activity on an ocean liner simply does not exist on a river cruise, making it an exceptionally relaxing way to vacation.

 

Intimate view of the country

River cruising allows you to have a unique and intimate view of the countries you visit. A river cruise takes you well outside of the cities that are typical stopping points and lets you explore the countryside that reflects the true culture and spirit of a country. River cruises usually include stops in smaller villages in towns, where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy a unique cultural experience.

 

Luxury and exceptional service

A slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere does not mean that river cruising lacks in luxury and service. On the contrary, because a river cruise ship carries fewer passengers, the crew can provide exceptionally personal service, catering to your every need or want. And because river cruise ships generally do not have a hugh array of bars, entertainment facilities and other nightlife venues, they tend to be quieter and more subdued than ocean liners. You still have access to entertainment and recreational activities, just not as many as on a larger ship.

 

River cruising season

In warm weather climates, river cruising can occur year round, but most cruise lines still curtail their sailings from November to March. In northern climates the rivers freeze over the winter, necessitating a shorter season that usually runs from April or May through October or November, depending on river conditions. Because river cruise ships hold fewer and do not run as often as ocean liners, accomodations tend to fill up rather quickly. Your best bet is to book your luxury cruise on a river at the earliest date possible to ensure your place on the ship.

 

If you have any questions or want further information, please go to my web site TPI Travel-Bruce Pickett and send me an email with your thoughts.

 

Susan Bigmore asked:


Are you single and dreaming of taking a cruise, but unsure what to expect? Worried about sticking out like a sore thumb, being surrounded by smug singletons or everyone trying to be your friend and having to hide in your cabin to avoid them? Cruising is an ideal get way for solo cruisers; it offers the breathing space of a resort getaway, pampering service and the chance to visit a new place almost every day. Here are some of the top reasons and tips for going solo.

Booking your cruise

Like any holiday you need to ask yourself what appeals to you. Do you want something where you can relax, or that’s informal, or has plenty of entertainment on offer, etc? Your local travel agent should be able to pick the cruise line and ship that’s right for you. If you want to do some initial research yourself, the internet is a minefield of information whether you search on the cruise lines’ own pages or on a cruise community such as Inside Cruise where people post their own reviews.

Roll call

If you want to check out some of your fellow cruisers before you set sail, sign up on a cruise forum like Inside Cruise. On there is a section called “Roll Call” where you can meet others who are going on the same cruise. A lot of cruisers start a roll call a year or more before the cruise itself, giving them a chance to get to know other passengers beforehand and maybe arranging to share excursions and guides. For solo cruisers it’s a great way to find out if there will be other singles onboard. If you join a roll call before booking a cruise and find someone you seem to get along with you could end up sharing a cabin and saving on single supplements.

Plenty to keep you busy

The trouble with staying in a resort is that there aren’t always lots of activities you can take part in. All you end up doing is wondering around the local sites by yourself. Cruise ships, however, offer plenty of activities both aboard and on-shore. Onboard you could be learning how to cook, wine tasting, taking part in a keep-fit class or listening to a guest lecturer. If you choose to go ashore as well as visiting the local sites, you could go cycling, horse riding, abseiling, snorkelling to name a few! Getting involved in activities is a great way to meet people as you’ll have a common interest, which is good for breaking the ice.

Easy to meet people

Many cruise lines welcome singles onboard with receptions where they can meet other solo passengers. For example, Island Cruises hold a ‘Solos Lunch’ at the beginning of each cruise. Even if they don’t, getting involved in organised activities is ideal for meeting fellow passengers and making friends. Dining rooms mainly have seating for groups of 4, 6 or 8 people and can be an easy way to meet new friends. If you want to be seated with other solo cruisers, make sure you ask the Maitre’d and they will accommodate your needs. Passengers tend to be grouped together with others of a similar age and background, so you’ll never feel left out.

Dance the night away

If you like to dance but don’t want to be a wallflower, fear not. Some cruise lines, such as Fred.Olsen and Orient Lines offer male dance host that are selected on their dancing ability. If you’re a male travelling alone and love to dance, you’ll certainly have your pick of the ladies as they outnumber men travelling along by three to one.

Sense of community

As everyone is literally in the same boat (excuse the pun), there tends to be a lot of camaraderie. Unlike holidaying in hotels where you tend to see fellow holidaymakers at mealtimes only, you can (if you want to) see other passengers throughout the day, whether it be lounging by the pool or taking part in activities. Therefore, as a rule, cruisers tend to bond giving a sense of community where people look out for each other.

Safety

For starters, there are always plenty of people, including staff, around so you’re highly unlikely to get pestered. Also, you don’t have to worry about wandering around late at night to get back to your room as you won’t be walking along dark streets trying to find your hotel. If you take an organised excursion you will be in a group on land too, best in certain countries if you’re a solo female traveller. Although, of course if you want to you can go it alone and go at your own pace if you prefer.

Hopefully we’ve set your mind at ease about going on a cruise by yourself. The only downside we can think of is single supplements. Some cruise lines hit you harder than other, but if you don’t mind sharing a cabin some lines offer a share scheme and will partner you up with someone of the same sex and similar age. But don’t forget, your cruise agent should know which cruise lines are best for singles, whether it be age range, single supplements or special activities offered to introduce single cruisers to each other.

So go on, book that cruise. You don’t know what you’re missing out on.