Part One of a Three Part Series

The ABC's of Taking a Cruise  (Part One)

 

Thinking about going on a cruise? 

 

This is the first of a series of three articles where "cruising" will be discussed. 

 

If money is no object, these articles will be meaningless.  Just call the cruise line, and book it !

 

But....if money is important...READ ON !

 

I'm sure that others out there have differing opinions, and there is little doubt that these articles will not make travel agents very happy, but my concern is the consumer, not them.

 

My object is getting "bang for your buck"...

 

...and if you can "cut out the middleman", that SAVES YOU MONEY.

 

With the wealth of information available on the internet, I've come to the conclusion that "doing it yourself" is a lot more fun, and gives you the freedom to do what you wish, rather than having everything structured.

 

I realize that there are many people who are not the adventurous types; that health history and age might have a bearing on decisions.

 

But...if you ARE the adventurous type, these articles ARE for you.  

 

I know so many people who have enjoyed this type of vacation, but I'm amazed how so many people I've spoken to have said, "I got a great deal", when in fact....they didn't get one at all.

 

Just how do you get the "best deal"?

 

That answer is easy...you SHOP AROUND and become familiar with the market. 

 

A cruise is a cruise, no matter where you buy it; the only difference between the companies are the sales philosophy of the particular cruise line, the market it best serves, and most importantly.....what it costs to travel on one of them.  

 

The boat is going to leave from the same pier; go to the same ports; and get back to the same place; and you'll eat the same food and watch the same entertainment....

....whether you buy it from a travel agent, or by way of the internet.

 

After cruising as many times as I have, these are the most common statements that I hear from people.

 

"Booking directly through the cruise line is best deal". 

 

"My travel agent gets me the best deal".  

 

"Booking early gets you the best price". 

...and I strongly disagree with all of them.

 

So, today I'm going to concentrate on what to determine BEFORE you purchase one. 

 

I started cruising about 30 years ago and at last count, I've been on over 50 cruises.  Only two of them...the first two, did I book through a travel agent.

 

Then I became familiar with the internet...and got the shock of my "cruising" life....

 

...and since that time, I've used the internet ever since...and have never regretted that decision.

 

The moral of that story....don't be afraid of the internet when you buy a cruise.

 

Where do you begin a search for a cruise?

 

Obviously, the first thing to decide is WHERE YOU ARE GOING.

 

That's the easy part.  Contact the cruise lines and have them send you a brochure on the location you have chosen (Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, etc.) or search the internet's cruise websites.

 

Target the location and date you wish to go, and examine the price in the brochure...and laugh ! 

 

Why laugh ? Because only "rookies" pay those prices.

 

What kind of cabin do you want?  Inside, outside, suite, etc., and where on the ship should it be located?

 

Outside cabins are preferable...but in some cases, do they make sense?

 

Let me give you an example.  Many cruises leaving out of Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, are round trip to Hawaii for 14-15 days.  You will be at sea for 10 of them, and that "outside" view will be WATER...lots of water, and NOTHING but WATER.  Also, the Pacific Ocean is COLD; so cold, that you won't be using that outside balcony very often...until you get to Hawaii---for only 1/3 of the cruise.

 

And the five days you'll be in Hawaii after you've crossed the Pacific Ocean...you won't want to see it from the ship or some tiny port hole (the cheapest "outside" cabin), but from the deck...in the warm air, and the vast view of the island as it is approached.

 

And those with balconies better be on the right side of the ship...or your view will be... MORE WATER !

 

So...if you're not claustrophobic, or have been to Hawaii a number of times, purchase an inside cabin. You often will save $300-$500 p/person or more by doing so !

 

Next is choosing WHERE on the ship you want the cabin to be located. 

 

Go to the internet and search for a diagram of the ship on which you will be sailing. The internet will show you complete deck plans of every ship.

 

As this is a boat...it rocks...not much, and despite the stabilizers on a ship, you can at times feel that motion. 

 

How do you minimize that motion?  Select a cabin as close to the middle of the ship as possible. It's logical...if you're on either end, you'll feel more rocking; in the middle, the least.  

 

Look carefully at what's on the deck ABOVE you and BELOW you.  Try to stay away from a cabin where the dining room or disco or walking track is directly above or below you. Purchase one where there are only cabins above AND below you.

 

Why?  No Noise...No hearing footsteps, joggers, etc.

 

There is another cabin option referred to as merely a "rate guarantee" where the cruise line reserves the right to place you in a specific minimum category location.  Here, depending on how full the ship is, you could get lucky and be placed in a cabin well above the category you originally paid; but on the negative side, you have no idea of the cabin assignment until you get to the ship.

 

Like Forrest Gump said, "You never know what you're gonna get "!

 

So...now you've decided WHERE, and WHEN, and WHAT CATEGORY of cabin you're going to buy...

 

...and in the next article, we'll discuss...

 

...WHERE TO BUY IT !

Dick Arendt