Thursday, October 13, 2011

What You Should Know Before Booking A Cruise Vacation

Được đăng bởi Travel - Leisure
By Beth Swanson


Cruises are the most versatile of vacations no matter what your age. Not only that, it's a great way to bring the whole family but still have time alone with your spouse while the kids-only activity coordinators take charge of your children's fun.

You can either book your cruise with a travel agency that specializes in cruises, or through the cruise company.

Before you contact the travel agent though you need to determine when you're going, where you're going and from which port you'll depart and to which you'll return.

Depending on your destination, there might be different considerations you need to keep in mind. If you're limited in the time of year you can get away then you're also somewhat limited in your destination. For example, the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska is not one of your options if you can only travel during the summer. Europe has about the same seasonal restriction as well. If you are able to cruise in the spring or fall, one of your options could be a route up and down the Panama Canal. Or, you can consider traveling to Asia or the Caribbean, no matter what time of year, even during the winter.

It is good to plan your cruise according to the age of the people who will be traveling with you. Knowing if children or seniors will be a part of your vacation group will effect which trip offers the best choices of entertainment for your party. In fact, it's best to gather everyone together, or conduct a phone or e-mail discussion of what everyone wants to do. It helps if you are aware of who wants to simply lounge by the pool, who wants to get involved in activities, and who prefers to go shopping and touring locations.

The size of the ship can be important as well. You might enjoy more individual attention from the staff on smaller ships because of the lower guest to staff ratio, but you will have more opportunities to have fun on larger ships that offer a variety of shows and activities.

And surely, you can't forget about how much you can afford to spend on your vacation. If money is a critical factor look for discounts for booking early, or starting out on a different day or different week from your original request. Staying flexible can save you considerable money. Ask about port fees as well. They are rarely included in the initial quote, and they can add up quickly. And another thing to note on your budget is the tips you will need to dispense to the staff on the ship.

If you are interesting in meeting friends on your trip, you might also want to ensure other passengers on that particular line are within your age group. If you're 20 something and it's a baby boomer cruise you're apt to be bored. If you travel with very young children, and most of the other kids on board are in their teens, your children will probably want to hang out with you.

Asking about the formality of the ship is also very important. If you show up with a suitcase full of swimsuits, shorts and sunscreen only to find out formal dress is required at dinner you're going to be embarrassed or hungry the entire excursion.




About the Author:



0 nhận xét:

Post a Comment

 

Copyright © 2011 Travel-Leisure | Design by Kenga Ads-template