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