How to Choose the Right Cruise

Every cruise line is as different as day and night.  This is where a Professional Cruise Agent can offer much assistance. Each cruise line appeals to different groups or different lifestyles such as senior citizens, young couples, families, adventure seekers, etc.

Today's cruiser can pick from a wide variety of cruise lines when booking their trip. Contemporary, Premium, Upscale, Luxury. Each offers significantly different experiences, as well as differences in prices.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CRUISE LINE

Most of the contemporary cruise lines have a very broad appeal to their potential passengers. In other words, they try to be everything to everyone.  Again, this is where your Cruise Professional can be an invaluable resource when planning your trip. A good Cruise Professional will take the time to learn your needs and match you with the right ship and sailing based on their experience. How long you are going to cruise for, what time of year, and where you want to cruise to are all important factors to consider when choosing the ship and cruise lines.

If you want to cruise the upscale or luxury cruise products, then they must be booked in advance as each sailing for them is different.  The Contemporary Cruise Lines will sail the same itinerary weekly when in the Caribbean, Alaska and Bermuda.  The Luxury lines sail different itineraries every week or every sailing.  Most of their sailings are 8, 10, 12, 14 or more days each time.  They can start in one country and end in another.


CHOOSING THE RIGHT STATEROOM and LOCATION

Your best value and smoothest ride  is on a lower deck in the middle of the ship.  Years ago, the lowest priced cabins were on the lowest decks  toward the front or aft end of the ship. Over the past 20 years, ships have changed significantly in layout and design.  The cheapest cabins were always next to or right above the engines. Also, the “cheapest cabins” can be found in a multitude of locations and on many different decks.
Again, a Cruise Professional becomes a very valuable asset in your planning.

The cabins range in prices from the least expensive interior cabin, to ocean view cabins with either a port hole or picture window, to a balcony cabin, then a mini suite, and then a full suite/penthouse. Most Cruise Lines have a multitude of different “categories” for each type of cabin and of course the costs vary. If you plan ahead far enough, getting a cabin mid-ship is the best. Especially convenient and wise when cruising on the newer ships which hold over 3500 passengers.