Celestial Seas

Gerald Greene asked:


Each year, many vacationers make the decision to take a cruise. Many of them who are parents are reluctant to include their children.

At first many parents believe that cruise ships are not designed for children. However, on modern cruise ships that is simply not true. A cruise ship is a great family friendly place to have your next vacation. Once informed of the facilities that many cruise ships have on-board designed especially for children parents who would initially choose to take a cruise alone often reconsider and plan a family vacation.

If you are the parent of a young child under the age of twelve, you may still wonder if they should accompany you on your next cruise. If you are able to afford additional tickets, you should consider bringing your kids along. A cruise will be memorable to your children as well as exciting. That is because a large number of cruise lines have tailored their cruise ships to children of all ages and there will be many fun activities for your children to participate in.

If you have yet to book your cruise ship reservations, you are encouraged to keep cruise ship activities in mind. The activities for children will vary from ship to ship. That is why it is important that you examine what each ship offers before making a final decision. Despite the fact that activities will vary from ship to ship there are many activities geared towards children which can be found on almost all cruise ships.

One of the many popular activities found aboard a cruise ship is gaming. Arcade rooms are common on most cruise ships. They offer children a safe place to have fun and to be a child. Many cruise ship arcade rooms are staffed with cruise ship employees, but you should still keep an eye on your child. Before leaving them alone in an arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment.

Another fun activity for children of all ages includes swimming. All vacation cruise ships are equipped with a swimming pool. In addition to an adult sized swimming pool, wading pools can often be found aboard a number of popular family themed cruises. As with the arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment when allowing your children to swim unattended. Lifeguards will be on duty; however, they cannot guarantee the safety of your child.

In addition to a swimming pool and an arcade room, most cruise ships have an on board movie theater and a live performance stage. A large number of cruise lines offer family friendly movies, plays, and other performances. Children will likely find these performances and movie showings fun and exciting. To determine what ages these performances are targeted to you should check a cruise ship’s itinerary. A ship’s itinerary can be viewed without booked reservations.

Cruise ship restaurants and other dining facilities are likely to cater to children under the age of twelve. Many restaurants offer children’s menus. These menus are likely to include tasty kid sized meals. Most cruise ships offer discounts on meals for children under the age of twelve.

Cruise ship childcare centers are facilities that benefit both parents and their children. Even while on a family vacation parents need a break. For free or a small fee, you should be able to leave your children in the care of a trained and experienced childcare worker. Since a cruise ship is likely to have child passengers of different ages, usually childcare facilities are geared to different age groups of children.

As with other services, you will find that a cruise ship’s childcare policy will vary from ship to ship but most cruises do consider the needs and care of children and some make a big deal of their facilities aimed for the entertainment and care of young passengers.

The above mentioned activities and facilities are just a few of the many that are targeted to children. You may want to consider scheduling your next family vacation aboard a cruise ship once you are satisfied with a ship’s facilities for children and the thought of a family vacation in a care free fun setting appeals to you.

A cruise ship is one of the best values for your vacation money so why not let the young ones join in the fun? You will enjoy seeing them living it up in a fun cruise ship environment.

Christian Baligad asked:


A cruise vacation is one of the most exciting activities for adventurous people. They prefer to explore different regions of the world rather than spending their time at home doing boring hobbies.

Going on a cruise vacation is more than a lifetime experience for them. Every time they go they get that satisfying feeling of experiencing different parts of the world.

Going on a cruise vacation will take your breath away! It is both a fascinating and engaging event for vacationers.

There is a lot of competition amongst the cruise ships. You will hear many things about what services they will offer to you. Because of this competition, the cruise ships have to present you with the best possible amenities.

Before going on your cruise vacation there are many things you need to consider. The primary things you need to figure out are the expenses, the cruise destination and the packaging.

As long as everything goes smoothly a cruise will always bring you enjoyment. You should have a plan. Planning out everything in advance will save you from all the hassles. Besides, a cruise it meant to be a relaxing and rewarding experience.

Planning is very important. Here are some things to help you out to ensure that your cruise will be a satisfying experience:

- Find a package that will meet your needs - There are packages for single travelers as well as group travelers. Depending on the package, rates will vary.

If you are interested in a group package, be sure and make some inquiries into what’s available. Depending on your preference, many of the cruise lines offer several discounts.

- Length of the cruise - This is a very important thing to include in your planning. Decide on how long your cruise vacation will be. Will it be for just a couple days or a couple weeks?

For a more thorough experience, look for a cruise that lasts a month or longer.

- Itineraries - A cruise vacation is more exciting if you get to visit your most favored places in the world. Whether you want to spend your time alone or with your family, be sure to decide on which destination will fulfill your desires.

If you want to take your children along, choose a cruise destination that will enchant and excite them. Also, be sure to choose a cruise line that accommodates children.

Then again, if you have been going on cruises for several years, choose a destination that you have not visited before.

- Cruise line - To learn about the amazing services that a particular cruise line offers, do your research and find out more. The easiest way to go about doing this is by surfing the net and visiting the websites of the different cruise lines.

What you need to be looking for in a cruise line is the fare (if it’s affordable) and the services and amenities it offers.

- Ports - Make sure you plan your budget depending on which ports you plan to visit. To avoiding spending extra amounts of money make sure that the ports are accessible.

By getting yourself organized and planning your cruise vacation in advance your trip will be a much more rewarding experience. Cruising requires careful planning so that you can do everything you want to do without the headache when you it comes time to book your cruise.

If a cruise vacation is in your yearly plans, don’t visit the same destinations year after year. For instance, take your next cruise by visiting one of the more unconventional destinations.

Have an open mind.

Do not limit yourself by booking the same package every year. When going on yearly cruises, one of your goals should be to experience different cultures and destinations.

Your cruise vacation can be a remarkable one. Proper planning will ensure that your cruise will be an unforgettable journey for you and your family as well as those who may come along with you.

Have fun,

Christian Baligad

Genna Roberts asked:


To keep their customers coming back, the majority of cruise lines now offer some kind of customer loyalty scheme. These vary from each cruise operator and can include future booking discounts, invites to VIP parties, and onboard privileges such as priority embarkation. But is this enough to keep your loyalty? Or are you really looking for cabin upgrades and onboard credit?

Here is a summary of each cruise lines membership club and benefits to tempt you to come back time and time again…

Royal Caribbean International - Crown and Anchor Society

Membership to the Crown and Anchor Society is automatically granted after your first sailing. The club offers discounts and benefits according to the number of “cruise credits” obtained. These are calculated by the number of days at sea and the cabin grade you sail in. As their sister company, you will also receive equivalent recognition in Celebrities membership club. There are 4 tiers within the club escalating from gold to platinum, diamond and diamond plus. As a gold member, you can expect onboard bonuses such as complimentary wine tasting and a small commemorative gift, as well as online booking discounts. As your membership level increases you can look forward to priorities over other customers with check in, and waitlisted services such as spa treatments or shore excursions.

Celebrity Cruises – Captains Club

Celebrity’s 3 tier Captains Club offers a slightly more generous loyalty scheme which involves a one category upgrade at the most basic membership level, which is also applicable when booking your cruise through a travel agent.

The tiers range from Classic, Select and Elite, and loyal customers can expect invitations to onboard parties, behind the scenes tours and at the highest level, guests can take advantage complimentary use of the Thalassotherapy Pool, where available, and also a private departure lounge.

Norwegian Cruise Lines – Latitudes Program

As a past guest, NCL do offer some pretty good reductions when rebooking with them, aside from this, many of the benefits of their club, which ranges from bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels, are nothing to get too excited about! Whilst they offer the standard past guest party, plus priorities over other guests with check in, disembarkation, and reservation only restaurants, having completed 14 cruises, and earned your platinum status, all you really get is complimentary dining inthe “Le Bistro” restaurant, which would usually incur an additional charge. Oh and you get a latitudes ship pin…

Princess Cruises – Captains Circle

The Captains Circle club features gold, platinum and elite levels of membership with all levels receiving preferential pricing offers on selected itineraries throughout the year. Further standard membership benefits include, “exclusive events”, no doubt that will be another captain’s party then, and also a Princess Passport, a scheme whereby guests receive stamps, depicting the cruise destination which are then signed by the captain and displayed in a Princess Passport.

As membership increases to platinum status, guests are entitled to priority boarding, free internet minutes and upgraded travel insurance. (If the basic level is purchased) Guests that reach their 16th cruise, or their 150th cruise day with Princess will be members of the elite club, where extras such as a complimentary mini bar, upgraded bathroom amenities and a 10% discount in certain onboard shops will be applicable.

Costa Cruises – Costa Club

Loyal customers will be pleased to hear that Costa offer one of the most rewarding loyalty schemes at sea. Whether you are a basic aquamarine member, coral member or their highest pearl member, you can receive a 5% discount on any of their cruises. In addition, guests at aquamarine level will receive a generous 20% discount on wine packages, mini bar drinks and laundry service, 10% off Costa merchandise, and a cocktail with the captain complete with a souvenir photo.

Membership to the club is achieved through earning points; these are accumulated through cruise days with Costa as well as onboard spending. At higher levels of membership, guests will qualify for priority boarding and disembarkation, a complimentary meal in the a la carte restaurant, a bottle of wine and welcome gift.

P&O Cruises – Portunus Club

Membership to the Portunus club is automatic after completing your very first sailing with P&O Cruises. Throughout the year, there will be selected Portunus sailings, which give members reductions on standard cruise prices.

At a basic level, ruby members are entitled to a 5% discount on onboard spend, this increases to 7.5% when you reach sapphire level of membership, and gold members can take off an extra 10%. At the highest level, gold members will also get a dedicated check in service and priority disembarkation.

Members of the Portunus club can also gain points from sailing on Ocean Village, Princess Cruises or Swan Hellenic.

Cunard – World Club

World Club has 4 levels of membership; silver, gold, platinum and diamond. Automatic membership is granted after your first sailing with Cunard. After this, members are entitled to a 5% discount of further sailings.

Further benefits for guests who have completed 20 days onboard include; a souvenir gold membership Cunarder pin, complimentary internet minutes, and cocktail party invitation. As guests reach platinum level, they can expect, in addition to lower level benefits, a 20% discount on dry cleaning and laundry service, 10% off White Star Luggage Delivery service, additional internet minutes and a platinum member Cunarder pin. Diamond members will also receive priority luggage delivery.

MSC Cruises – MSC Club

MSC’s loyalty club consists of 3 tiers; classic, silver and gold. Membership is awarded by a points system which accumulates with the number of cruise days taken with MSC.

At each level, members will receive a welcome cocktail, a 5% discount on excursions and 5% discount in onboard boutiques. As a classic member, you are entitled to a 5% discount on most cruises, silver members will receive 8% and gold can take off an additional 10% off their cruise cost.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines - Oceans

Each night spent onboard a Fred Olsen cruise will earn you 1 point. Once you reach 30 points, you will qualify for their first level of membership. At this “blue” level, guests will receive 5% off both onboard spending and shore excursions booked prior to departure. As you reach 31 points you enter the silver level where members will receive a 2% cruise discount, Oceans cocktail party and usually priority embarkation. Once you have exceeded 100 days onboard a Fred Olsen cruise, you will be rewarded with a 4% cruise cost discount, personalized luggage labels, a welcome aboard gift plus a complimentary shuttle bus pass.

Carnival – Concierge Club

After your 10th cruise with Carnival, you will enter their membership club at the platinum level, then, those members who complete their 25th, 50th and 75th sailings will receive a shipboard credit representing 25, 50 or 75% of their cruise fare. Those who reach an impressive 100th sailing will earn a complimentary cruise of up to 8 days.

In addition, all platinum members are eligible for priority check in, disembarkation and dining waitlists.

So are the cruise lines really doing enough to keep you coming back? Priority check in, early disembarkation and a captain’s party invite is certainly better than nothing, but, as a loyal customer, would this sway you to rebook with them? Or do you feel that the cruise experience they offer is enough to keep you loyal?

If you have any views on customer loyalty schemes or any ideas on how the cruise lines could improve on them, get in touch. I’d be interested to hear your opinions.

Risa Chopp asked:


Lasko Kosher Cruises, which recently merged with Suite Life, a leading kosher cruise operator for the past seven years, has announced that it will be adding the first Glatt Kosher cruise to Israel and Egypt to its list of 2009 sailings. This “Ancient Empires” cruise will include 13 days aboard Celebrity Cruises’ brand new Equinox leaving from Rome, Italy on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

The Ancient Empires itinerary features culturally rich ports of call including Rome and Naples, Italy; Athens and Rhodes, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; Alexandria, Egypt; and Haifa and Ashdod, Israel. Guests will sail around the Mediterranean Sea visiting ruins, perusing architecture and sampling the flavor of these ancient empires.

The Israel/Egypt cruise, like all Lasko Kosher Cruises, offers premium accommodations plus three fresh, gourmet Glatt Kosher, Cholov Yisroel meals and snacks daily as well as three minyanim a day in a dedicated shul on board. All are complimentary and reserved for Lasko Kosher Cruises passengers exclusively.

Lasko brings onboard a full staff of mashgichim to kasher a designated portion of the galley in advance of the sailing and maintain 24-hour presence in the kitchen. A Lasko Kosher Cruise representative is also onboard every cruise to tend to guests’ personal needs.

“Our all-inclusive destinations at sea are distinguished by the quality of the ships we use, the standards of Kashrut we uphold, and the unique vacations we provide our guests,” said Sam Lasko, a partner in Lasko Kosher Cruises and founder of Lasko Family Kosher Tours, which has been serving the Jewish community for over 20 years, most notably in Kosher for Passover hotel programs. “We pride ourselves on the personal attention we provide, from the moment a customer calls to book until they disembark. Going that extra mile to create a warm family environment is part of our operating philosophy.”

“What is so nice about a kosher cruise is that you enjoy a true luxury vacation yet you don’t have to compromise any of your religious practices,” added Avrumi Flam, a partner in Lasko Kosher Cruises and a singer well known in the tri-state area Jewish Community. “We make you feel like you’re home, but you’re actually in the most fascinating destinations you would otherwise not be able to experience without the services of a kosher tour company like Lasko.”    

In fact, in addition to delicious gourmet dining, Lasko Kosher Cruises is known for its esteemed scholar in residence program, inspiring lectures from highly respected rabbis, and entertainment provided by popular Jewish musicians. Among the other added-value features of a Lasko Kosher Cruise are extensive tea rooms between meals as well as personalized tours that visit Jewish related points of interest and explore the culture of the Jewish people. As an independent yet integrated group of each cruise, guests are always free to partake in all of the ship’s programs and exhilarating excursions.  

“When we launch Celebrity Equinox in Europe in 2009, some of her first voyages will include calls at Ashdod and Haifa,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president of sales, Celebrity Cruises. “We know that our guests will be as thrilled to discover these parts of Israel as they will be to discover all that the ship herself has to offer.”

In 2009, Lasko Kosher Cruises is also offering nine other first-class sailings: two seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, January 18th and January 25th; two seven-day cruises to Alaska, June 28th   and August 2nd; a seven-day cruise to the Baltic region and Russia, August 9th; two 10-day cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean and exotic Greek Isles, June 26th and August 7th; a seven-day cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, August 16th; and a combined Northern Europe/Norwegian Fjords cruise for 14 days leaving August 9th.

Lasko Kosher Cruises is now taking reservations for all of its 2009 cruises. Lasko Kosher Cruises, an affiliate of Lasko Family Kosher Tours, the largest kosher tour operator in the world, is based in South Florida. The company partners exclusively with top-tier cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises and Costa Cruises, and embarks from different ports of call around the world. Lasko Kosher Cruises uses independent kosher supervision through Rabbi Levi Teitlebaum, director of the Ottowa Vaad HaKashrus (OVH), and Rabbi Yossi Birnbaum, the Israeli Field Representative of DSJ Global Kashrus Organization. For more detailed itinerary information or to reserve a cabin now, call 866.604.9838 or visit www.koshercruises.com.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Cruising is a preference you can make if you want a different holiday experience. Varying amenities are present in modern cruise ships that will make you opt to stay for long time.

Lounges, swimming pools, fitness centre, casinos, salon, and spa cantered massage- can be experienced in cruise travel.

Fine dishes are also offered by cruise ships-Oriental, Southern, French or Italian are some of them-that will make you energetic and can even help you gain weight during your cruising vacation!

Cruise line travel packages offered to you includes all of these. With all these amenities and splendid delicacies available, you may it to cost very high!

But you can get a cruise that suits your budget. This is how you can do it

Firstly you have to make a concrete plan about your cruise. There are two options: you can either contact a travel agency which will provide everything and give the discounted cruise in the way you wish or you can make it yourself.

Since the cruise is as per your budget, second option is more advisable. Some of the things which you can consider while planning your cruise.

1. Visit various travel agencies and check out some cruise brochures. Then see for cruise offers. It’ll help you decide the best destinations, amenities, and types of accommodations, you can avail.

2. Read those brochures. Figure out the destinations you wish to go. Cruise lines generally provide ship routes to popular destinations like Alaska, Caribbean, and Mexico. Chance of providing discount cruise package is high in these destinations.

3. Then decide the duration of the holiday. Ideally, cruises range from 4 days to 2 weeks, but some extend to 30 days or so.

4. Then decide your budget that you can spend for your cruising holiday. Some of the categories are: moderate, deluxe, budget and ultra-deluxe. .

5. Then you may inquire on the fee for cancellation in case you are not able to make it on the planned day. Enquire under what kind of instances travel agencies impose such fees.

After deciding all these, the next step is to get a discounted cruise. As mentioned categories of packages are: the budget, moderate, ultra-deluxe and deluxe.

All these package categories offers discount but not always.

Some of the ways that you may use to get luxury cruise on discount.

1. Plan for your holiday in off-season. Your motive should be to have a holiday, and not making show-off to your co-vacationers.

It is not wise to plan your trip with meagre budget on peak season. Like travel on airline, prices get expensive during this time.

2. If you really wish to go on peak season, book few weeks before the peak season or after. You may be able to save money.

3. Decide which kind of cruise line and ship you wish to travel. From the brochures, discount on cruise package can be checked.

4. If you wish to spend more time in cabin, then get an inside cabin. It’ll be cheaper, except that you may not know which part of day it is as no day light can enter your room. In such case, have a clock.

5. If you could not find from cruise lines discounted cruise packages, make use of the travel agency’s services. Like flight consolidators, bulk tickets can be purchased by travel agencies. Thus, discounted luxury cruise can be provided.

It is important to note that your cruise should be enjoyed without worrying about budget. Follow the mentioned steps to get a cruise on discount for your holiday.

About 2cruise asked:


Have you finally decided to go for a cruise holiday? So get ready to enjoy your leisure in a better way. Cruise holidays are one of the greatest adventures one can participate in. All the hassles involved in ones every day life are completely turned off as a cruise holiday is all about pampering your self. Once you are on the cruise ship all your worries are packed in a sealed box for the days you are on your cruise trip.

Cruise Lines are offering cruise holidays at very affordable rates nowadays, so it’s easy for all of us to go on a cruise holiday. Cruisers can rate ships from several areas including food, service, accommodations, entertainment, shore excursions, overall condition of ship, children’s facilities and value for money. There are various cruise types for different people depending on their preferences and requirements:

River Cruises

Luxury river cruises are the best options to enjoy the leisure in short span of time and maximize your excitement. Winding through lush river valleys and attractive riverside town’s, river cruises offers a low cost, enjoyable cruise holiday.

Luxury Cruises

Luxury cruise vacations are all about experiencing the luxuries while traveling. Luxury cruise vacations are comparatively the costlier ones but they provide the real value for money as most of them are on an all inclusive basis.

Family Cruises

Family cruises are specially designed for families who want to enjoy their vacations with some cherished moments of comfort. Cruise lines provide great facilities for cruisers according to the particular requirements of the families.

Single Cruises

Single cruises can be defined as cruise holidays where people on their own can also enjoy the benefits that couple and families do. Single cruises are the most popular cruise holidays as they have a lot of fun to offer and are open for everybody. Gourmet cooking to scuba diving, dance parties to casino’s single cruises caters to every age, sexual preference, and even religious beliefs. The idea behind single cruises are “Solo travel can also be a fun”.

Wedding Cruises

Wedding and honeymoon cruises are the most novel ideas cruise lines have discovered. Cruise lines arrange marriages for couples who want to make their marriage ceremony adventurous and full of romance. The best part is, all of the wedding arrangements are completely managed by the cruise line, all you have to do is to enjoy and relax during your wedding ceremony.

Golf Cruises

There is nothing more exciting in this world than enjoying a fabulous golf cruise package to fascinating mysterious lands. Golf cruises are all about spending comfortable holidays, playing golf and enjoying some exotic travel destinations around the world. Golf clinics and putting contests are held throughout the voyage. If you have a passion for this royal game golf cruises are the best option for you.

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 site TPI Travel-Bruce Pickett. and send me an email with your thoughts.

Helen Hecker asked:


Going on a cruise was once an easy thing to arrange. All you had to do was go to your travel agent and look at a few brochures. But as the industry has grown it has become an overwhelming mix of itineraries, cruise packages, choices add-ons and prices. So how do you look through and search for all the available information to find the best cruise deal? The following tips will help you find the best cruise and save you money.

1. The busiest season has always been January through March. This is when the cruise industry books the most cruises. Cruise lines usually make about 38 percent of their yearly sales at this time. This is the best time to find many hot or last minute deals because they offer a lot of incentives.

2. Make sure to start well ahead of your vacation or holiday time if you can unless you want a last minute cruise deal. First of all you should call the cruise line you are most interested in and ask for the cruise line rep about any of their cruises and the staterooms. You can ask about handicapped-equipped staterooms then if this is a special need. You can always do this later after you do some research too.

Find out what specials they have running and make sure to tell them how old you are and what state you live in or if you’re traveling with a group of people or another couple or have cruised with their cruise line in the past. Does it include your airfare? Do you need a family deal? This is because your specific situation may entitle you for big discounts. Take whatever the quote given to you by the cruise line rep as your starting price point.

3. Next check out the Sunday newspaper ads in the travel section and look for cruise bargains. The bigger city newspapers and the newspapers located in or near cruise embarkation cities are great for finding good or cheap cruise deals. You can go to your local library to view the ads if they carry those news papers. Some daily newspapers even have there travel ads online.

4. Take a look at the cruise booking Web sites. There are cruise discount agencies that may have the cheapest cruise rates to be found anywhere, whether you want a luxury cruise or budget cruise. Huge travel Web sites such as Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity usually have great deals too. You can also find last-minute cruise deals too. The cruise Web sites’ prices are usually fairly similar. And the travel sites are usually similar but somewhat higher. Make sure to ask about any additional, secret or hidden fees, such as cancellation penalties. These can cost between $40 and $85.

5. Make sure to check with your cruise travel agent. Some people prefer to work with a travel agent or are not savvy about researching online. Find out if they charge a consulting fee before you meet. Some fees are usually refundable if they book your cruise. When you get together with the travel agent, say exactly what you want and that you’re comparing prices. Your local travel agent can be very helpful if you have disabilities, health problems, special needs or need visas or other documents.

6. Think about placing a “cruise wanted” ad on Craigslist online. Be specific and detailed about what you want. Then sit back and wait for replies.

7. Once you have a number of cruise line or cruise package quotes compare them and try to negotiate a lower price, extra discounts or some onboard extras.

Note that if you’re getting the same quote from your travel agent that you’re getting from the cruise line then you need to continue shopping for the best quote - your travel agent isn’t saving you any money. The best cruise deal is out there that is just right for you and will save you money on your vacation too regardless if you’re going to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Bermuda. You just need to do a little research and don’t take the first deal you see.

Dorothy Yamich asked:


Repositioning cruises are not a new phenomenon, they‘re just the best kept secret in the cruising industry.  Just like migrating birds, many cruise ships leave for warmer climates in the Autumn and return in the Spring.  Some sail south to the Southern Hemisphere for the winter months and then sail back to the Northern Hemisphere for the summer months, while other cruise ships sail cross the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans to “reposition” themselves in warmer weather.  Just like most vacationers, these fleets of ships are seeking seasons in the sun.

These specific one-way cruise holidays are offered at incredible discounts to attract new and seasoned cruise lovers alike.  No cruise line wants to ever have the expense of moving a huge ship across hundreds or thousands of miles of ocean without having any paying cruise passengers onboard.  This is an opportunity for vacationers to get a luxury dream cruise for a bargain basement price.

A repositioning cruise is not a stripped down version of a luxury cruise.  It is a luxury cruise!  All passengers enjoy the same meals, the same entertainment, and have the same onboard privileges.  And your deeply discounted ticket, sometimes costing as low as fifty dollars per day, entitles you to everything that is usually included in a luxury cruise.  

The main difference between a standard cruise and a repositioning cruise is that the latter is longer, usually lasting from two to four weeks, with more time spent at sea and fewer, or possibly no ports of call.  This means more relaxing days at sea and a less hectic itinerary. 

And on certain repositioning cruises some ships will drop anchor in very unique ports of call that are usually reserved for very expensive world cruise itineraries.

Usually these repositioning cruises take place in the months of September and October, and in March and April.  Some of the destinations in the Winter are Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, South America including the Panama Canal, and Asia.  The destinations in the Summer are Alaska, Canada and New England, and Europe and the Mediterranean.

Depending on the season, vacationers can sail to or from Europe and North America; Alaska and British Columbia, and the United States southwest coast including destinations in Mexico; the East coast of Canada and northern United States, and a number of southern U.S. as well Caribbean destinations.  Some repositioning cruises sail to and from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

There are a few important things that you should consider if you want to go on a repositioning cruise.  First is booking an “open jaw” flight where you fly to the departure port of call and then fly home from the cruise ship’s destination port.  These air flights can be pricey compared to the usual return airfares that most travelers are familiar with.  Sometimes it is possible to book your flight through the cruise line, but not always.  Even with the usual extra cost for an open jaw ticket over a regular airline return ticket, a repositioning cruise is still an incredible value for your travel dollar.  However, if you are fortunate to live close by, or within driving distance of your departure port, then you would only have to book a one-way air flight back to your departure port and then drive back home.

If you think you would enjoy a long, relaxing, luxury cruise then you‘ll love a repositioning cruise which usually is not filled to capacity with passengers and spends more time at sea. 

P.S.  Don’t forget your camera and a wardrobe to reflect the possible weather conditions on your cruise.