Things to Consider When Planning a Cruise

©NABA Cruise Consultants - July 2010

Neil Gorfain, CEO of NABA Cruise Consultants, Hamden, Connecticut, provides Cruise Line Senior Management with objective information of their product via live unannounced cruise visits.  He is regarded by most of the Cruise Executives as one of the most objective people in the industry and provides them with detailed information on much of the positive operations within the ship.

This is an excerpt of an article published in major consumer publications during 2008 and 2009. You can reach Neil at Neil@thecruiseoutlet.com

ARE YOU TRAVELING ALONE?
If you are a single traveler, you should be aware that most Cruise Lines charge what is referred to as a "single supplement". Cruise Lines base their rates on two people staying in each cabin. If you are going to travel by yourself, they will charge you a supplement fee. Some cruise lines will charge as much as 200%, so you are basically paying for the other person. The single supplement rates will vary from one cruise line to another and from one sailing date to another. A good Cruise Professional can be an invaluable resource, especially if your travel dates are flexible.

CONSIDER A REPOSITIONING CRUISE
A "repositioning" cruise takes place when a ship is moved from one part of the world to another, generally on a seasonal basis. For example, many Cruise Lines will position ships in Alaska during the summer months when the days are longer. In September or October, they will move these ships back to the Caribbean. You can often find some very reasonable rates on these repositioning cruises.

CHOOSING THE TIME OF YEAR
If you have some flexibility as to when you are able to travel, it can make a big difference in your cruise fare. Holidays are always more expensive as is winter school break & spring break. If you are planning a Caribbean cruise, consider a fall time frame as kids are back in school.  Many people are concerned about Hurricanes in the Caribbean.  The actual Hurricane season is June 1 through Dec 1. Being a smart cruiser, you are not too concerned about hurricanes. The ships do not head into storms; they alter their route to avoid any bad weather.  So the worst case situation is that you will miss a certain port of call and the cruise will visit a different one or have an extra day at sea.  Programs, activities and shows all go on as usual.


SHIPBOARD CREDITS
Many Agencies, such as us, will offer shipboard credits and other amenities as a bonus on certain sailings. It is a promotion to get more bookings on certain sailings.  An onboard credit can be as much as $2000.00 on a particular cruise.  Ask us about these offers. Remember, on most cruises you pay for your drinks (sodas, cocktails, beer & wine), shore excursions/tours, spa treatments and gratuities. Having the shipboard credit helps to offset those expenses. Many amenities such as this are available if you book early enough.  Those that wait until the last minute because they think they will get a deal, lose!

BUY TRIP INSURANCE
An important part of getting a good deal is protecting your investment. An independent insurance company (one that just sells insurance) is far better that the insurance offered by the cruise lines. The difference in coverage is so vast; don’t look at the cost of the premium without considering the coverage and how it will be paid to you.  The Independent companies pay you the amount of the claim while many cruise line insurance coverage’s give you a credit for another cruise with limited terms and conditions.