Booking A Cruise

Cruise

Information Center

Booking A Cruise

Where does one start!!!! There is a wide variety of cruises to choose from and fierce competition between cruise lines for you, the passenger. Not to mention all the new ships that have or are coming into service and all the discounting programmes from an early booking discount to the last minute discount bookings.

There is no sense taking a 10 day expedition cruise to Antarctica when your really wanted 10 days in the Caribbean. Do Not Select a Cruise based on cost or discount alone.

The process of booking a cruise is more complex than you may think at first glance and can even become confusing at times. When you think about it, you are looking at arranging a number of services such as accommodation, dining, entertainment, transportation, along with a number of miscellaneous services that you will use during your cruise vacation.

There is no Best Cruise Line in the World or Best Cruise Ship, what matters is that it is right for you. One must start by defining your needs, lifestyle and requirements.

Hints

Have a clear idea on your expectations and requirements

What type of cruise will you enjoy

Where would like the cruise to take you to

What ports of call are of interest to you

How long would you like your cruise vacation to last?

How active do want to be

What type of hotels do you like to stay in, budget or luxury?

What types of restaurants do like to go to?

Do you want a casual or more formal style in the evenings?

Do you want to fly or drive to the starting point of the cruise?

Do you want a complete air sea package or cruise only?

Would you like a pre or post cruise land tour

Do your research first!!!! For those people that have access to the Internet this is the best place to start your research. Most cruise lines have there own internet sites along with a number of independent internet sites that are filled with facts, photos, itineraries, special deals and offers. Some internet sites even have a virtual brochure on line. Some internet sites you can actually book your cruise, but be careful that you are 100% sure that you have selected the right cruise before committing yourself. There are also a number of books and magazines that will provide you with good reference material. The Cruise Information Center internet site will provide you with unbiased information and direct links to 82 different cruise lines throughout the world. It is estimated that 90% of booking are handled via a travel agent and you would be advised to seek a travel agent that specialises in cruises.

Cruise Lines Discounts and Insensitives

Book ahead to receive the early booking discounts (these tend to be the best)

Cruise line discounts will decrease closer to the sailing date

You may be able to reserve a specific cabin grade, but not a specific cabin which is known as a "tba" (to be assigned), you may be pleasantly please to find that you have been upgraded to a higher grade at time of sailing.

Many cruise lines now have frequent or past passenger clubs and the members are the first to be notified of any special offers. Ensure that you are a member of the cruise lines club if you particularly like sailing with a line

Be aware that the minimum (small cabins) and maximum (suites and penthouses) grades are always the first to sell. You may be pleasantly surprised to find a special offer in the middle grade of cabins.

Note that you will not find any special offers on Christmas and New Years sailings.

Some cruise lines are now offering a cruise guarantee, but you must notify them that you are not completely satisfied, before you arrive at the first port of call

The best time to receive a discount is on late October, November and early December sailings.

For further information, click on the buttons below.