Cruising 101
Whether your are a first time cruiser or an experience one, the following strategies will help you get the best cruising experiences possible.
it is best to use a travel agent
A good travel agent is your best resource to great sailings, information, accesses to specials and group rates. The can also organize your trip time line, and remind you of important dates, documentation, or actions you need to take to make your vacation investment as fruitful as it can be. However, the best value a good travel agent offers is their friendship and partnership. When you allow them to know your and your families cruising style, they can help you find the right cruise line, ships, and adventures for you while you work and rest at home.
Always book your cruise early
I recommend booking your cruise 18 to 24 months in advanced. What's the hurry? I'm glad that you asked.
1- The lowest rates are available when the cruise sailings are first announced. If you book early, you can snatch one of these incredible fares. However, once they are gone, they are gone. So do like I do and book early. Who does not like saving money?
2- The best cabin locations are available when the ship is empty. This enhances your experience for no additional cost.
3- It's easier to budget. You will have more time to save for your cruise. Yes, you can make monthly payments.
select the right cruise for you
Ask your agent for help. Price is important but in cruising, what that price include and what the ship has to offer, is what really counts. When selecting a cruise line or a specific sailing you should look for value instead of just price. The type of ship and the itinerary you choose will determine what type of cruising experience you and your party will get.
Cruises are not all created equal. It is your job as the vacation leader in your party verify that the ship you are about to book has the amenities that you are really looking for. A travel agent can be a great resource of information and assistance in navigating the very fast changing cruising market to help you make the right decisions.
Join the facebook group for your sailing
If you are not in Facebook you should join. If you have not found the Facebook group for your specific sailing, you are missing out. These groups are created over a year before your cruise depart. in them fellow cruisers that will travel with you share their experience, questions, and excitement with each other. Cruisers create special events, meet up, cabin crawls, parties, slot pulls etc. They can make you feel like family month before your meet each other in person. Do not miss out on relating to your fellow cruisers ahead of them.
learn the ship's layout and relax
Visit the ship before hand. How?
Review deck the plans. Read about the venues and amenities available on you ship. Did you know that you can go on Youtube.com and search for ship tours for the ship you are sailing? Know the basic ship's layout and where the main venues are before you embark provides a sense of control and relaxation.
