| Choosing your cruise is one of the most | | | | Africa & Asia. And for the brave what about |
| important steps of your cruise experience. | | | | the titanic route, you may see some nice |
| Finding the best cruise agent is essential. | | | | icebergs. |
| Knowing which liner will best suit your | | | | |
| needs, style, which destination ports will be | | | | Your cruise agent should be happy to discuss |
| of interest to you and when you should | | | | the many options being offered. In addition, |
| travel, are some of the many aspects which | | | | once you have decided on your cruise |
| should be considered. | | | | destination, a good cruise agent will provide |
| | | | you with in-depth information on pre-cruise |
| This is why a cruise agent is such an | | | | and post-cruise stays, as well as private |
| important part of your cruise vacation | | | | shore excursion options. |
| decision. | | | | |
| | | | 4. When: When to cruise usually depends on |
| Below are just a few of the aspects that a | | | | one of two things: when you are able to go or |
| good cruise agent will discuss with you | | | | when the itinerary you are interested in |
| during your cruise consultation. Be sure to | | | | taking is being offered. The first |
| make notes of any special questions you may | | | | consideration, when you are able to go, is |
| have before you speak with them. | | | | easily determined. |
| | | | |
| The Five W's | | | | Once you establish your time frame, your |
| | | | cruise specialist is able to provide you with |
| 1. Who: Knowing who is travelling is one of | | | | a selection of cruises being offered at that |
| the more obvious questions but one which must | | | | time. If you personal availability is |
| be carefully considered. Are you a single | | | | flexible, often times, the second |
| traveler, a couple, a family, or a group? Are | | | | consideration, when the itinerary you are |
| there small children traveling or would you | | | | interested in taking is being offered, is |
| prefer an adult only ship? | | | | another way of choosing when to go, as |
| | | | certain itineraries are only offered at |
| Would you prefer a younger or more mature | | | | certain times of the year. |
| onboard age group? These are some of the | | | | |
| important factors which must be considered | | | | Your cruise agent can help you to select the |
| when selecting the right cruise ship, and | | | | best time to travel to your destination and |
| some of the many things that your cruise | | | | which itineraries are being offered. |
| agentwill discuss with you. | | | | |
| | | | 5. Why are you traveling: The question is, |
| 2. What Ship to Choose: Each luxury cruise | | | | far too often, overlooked by travelers, and |
| line has many benefits and aspects that make | | | | is one of the more important questions to |
| it unique in the industry. Some ships are | | | | consider. Are you traveling for rest and |
| intimate vessels carrying approximately a | | | | relaxation? |
| hundred passengers, whereas others set sail | | | | |
| with several hundred to over a thousand | | | | Are you traveling to learn about a specific |
| passengers. | | | | destination or culture? Are you interested in |
| | | | a learning or life enrichment experience? Or |
| The onboard atmosphere of some ships is more | | | | is it a special occasion (i.e. a honeymoon, |
| formal, with traditional dining venues, | | | | an anniversary, a family reunion, etc.)? |
| whereas others offer a more casual setting | | | | |
| with an open dining experience. | | | | These scenarios are just a few of the many |
| | | | reasons that you may be considering a cruise |
| Matching you with the ship that will best | | | | and knowing "Why" you are traveling, will |
| suit your needs and style should be your | | | | help your cruise specialist match you with |
| first priority. Let the cruise agent help you | | | | the cruse line, ship and itinerary that will |
| to choose the ship that is right for you. | | | | best suit your needs. |
| | | | |
| 3. Where: With over 65% of the world being | | | | As you can see, there are many factors that |
| covered by water, it seems as though the | | | | go into the planning of your cruise vacation. |
| "Where" possibilities are truly endless. | | | | Researching, defining, and refining all of |
| Where does one start? How do you choose? | | | | these variables is why your cruise agent is |
| Well, one way is by knowing when you can | | | | such an important part of your decision and |
| travel to each location and what time of year | | | | selection process. |
| the itineraries are offered. | | | | |
| | | | Hope you have a wonderful cruise. By the |
| Also, what do the destinations offer and are | | | | way,do you get seasick? The chances on a |
| the ports of interest to you? Some of the | | | | cruise are very slim. However it is always |
| more common destination choices are: the | | | | advisable to take some sea sick pills with |
| Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the South | | | | you; just in case. |
| Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and | | | | |