Next, look at the specifics: Caribbean cruises offer Eastern Itineraries, Western Itineraries, South and Exotic South Caribbean Itineraries.  With Alaskan cruises, for example, ships tend to follow two routes. Inside Passage itineraries are round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver and call in southern Alaskan ports like Juneau and Skagway; Gulf of Alaska itineraries, which are usually one-way and farther north, from Vancouver to Whittier or Seward or do a southbound cruse and end in Vancouver.

When to go: Shoulder seasons can offer bargains, and may be even more appealing than high season: a mild fall day can be more enjoyable than baking under the August sun in the Mediterranean. Alaska’s popularity with families means that going in May and September (when children are in school) often translates into fewer visitors—and better deals. Fewer people can also mean more chances to see black bears and humpback whales up close.

Select the cruise line, and your potential elbow-to-elbow passengers, consider why you are cruising and your personality. It will make or break your memories and experience. If you aren’t matched to the line, you may well not want to cruise again. Some have dress codes, some have anytime dining,some have assigned dining times and seating. Take Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, they're more kid-friendly. Norwegian Cruise Line is more casual and doesn’t have assigned dining times. Holland America’s offerings are more traditionally geared toward baby boomers. And of course, cruise lines like Crystal and Regent are more upscale and more luxuriuous and pampering.

What it costs?  Don’t look at the daily rate for a stateroom and then simply multiply by the number of nights you’ll be at sea. Remember you'll have airfare to and from sailing port, the costs of incidentals including alcohol, ship-board specials in the shopping zones and shore excursions (which can be booked in advance and separately from the cruise ship with a significant savings).  Compare the all-inclusive ship options.

Cruise Lines give early booking discounts.  Look into the group benefits and consider inviting friends or acquaintances  Remember one thing, less staterooms available, higher prices.  It’s never too early to start planning your cruise.  Be flexible with your cruising date, you may save a significant amount cruising the week before or the week after.

Ship Size matters: The size of the ship can dictate the itinerary, the ports of call, the length of stay at your port of call and activities (some include activities and carry guides and specialists aboard for you). Smaller ships, like those operated by Cruise West with their largest ship a mere 138 passenger,) Star Clipper Cruises, SeaDream Yachts, can dock at smaller ports and offer a more personalized experience. They are often best suited for nature-oriented cruises to the Sea of Cortes, Mexico, Antarctica, the Galápagos for a few examples.  Why are you cruising, for personal attention, for relaxation, for entertainment and dining?  These factor in on selecting your perfect cruise vacation!

Stateroom Choices: give consideration to the itinerary when considering a balcony.  Will you be seeing days of blue sea or a new island every day?  Do you want to see the Glaciers or islands?  Your perfect cruise can be all about the view.  Here's an example: remember to book a cabin on the starboard side of the ship on a northbound cruise and on the port side of the ship on southbound itineraries.

Arrive early—and stay on after your cruise. Give yourself time as canceled and delayed flights are commonplace,.  You might want to consider a pre-hotel stay or post-hotel stay and extend your cruise holiday a few days. Ask your travel professional to assist with this.  Cruise line's do offer this service, but pricing is high and you have little or no choices. 

Plan your excursions in advance and separate from the Cruise Line. Avoid their big busses, long lines and higher prices.  Don't settle for going as fast as the fastest person or slow as the slowest person. Travel with independent, personalized local business we've personally checked out for your added pleasure.  Remember to plan your onboard activities once your board for spa treatments and pampering.  Book your massages and facials in advance! 

 

 

Cruise line encourage you to shop in specific stores and may go as far as givingnear threats to stray off their preplanned track for you.  The cruiselines benefit from these specific retailers. We believe in meeting the locals, creating individual memories and encourage shopping and exploring your island and local shops and vendors. Let's face it, if it were unsafe, the ship would not be stopping there at all, right?  They are making more money on steering you to contracted shops with disount vouchers which may still have higher prices than the local shop right next door or down the street.  Their discouraging words and sometimes near threats can display greed blocking the wonderful experiences and destinations you are visiting....which is, afterall, the reason you chose that perfect cruise for you! 

 

See our promotions for Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji and Blue Lagoon Cruises in Fiji!