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