CRUISE TIPS
Picking Your Cruise
Budgeting For Your Cruise
Getting The Best Cruise Price
Booking Your Cruise
Food On A Cruise
Singles Guide To Cruising
Honeymooners Cruise Guide
Guide To Family Cruising
Cruise Activities
Ports And Shore Excursions
Ship Information
First, Second And Third Class
Picking Your Cabin
Getting There
Securing Your Travel Plans
Documentation
Packing For Your Cruise
Staying In Touch
Day Of Your Cruise
Cruise Safety
Your Health On A Cruise
Staying Safe In Port
Shopping In Port
Customer Service Issues
Tipping
Time To Go Home
 
 

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ship Picking Your Cruise - Tips And Advise
After you get the date figured out there's still a world of choices concerning what cruise line. Cruise lines vary from Megaliners to Boutique ships and they are all very different. Megaliners usually hold up to 2,000 or more passengers. Superliners hold between 1,000 to 2,000 passengers. Midsize ships have between 400 to 900, the small ships usually carry fewer than 400 and the boutique ships under 300 passengers. First questions to ask yourself is how many days you want to cruise, what is your budget and what you want your ship life/land excursions to include. Here are a few Tips.
How long are cruises: 
  • As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer itineraries from 3-days weekend, 4-days midweek, week long, 10 day are all popular, but you can also find cruises that are several months in length. You can find 2-day cruises and even some lasting only a few hours just to gamble in international waters. In other words, any combination of time from hours to months are offered to attract your vacation dollars.  Whatever your schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise for you.
Cruise Destinations
  • Cruise ships visit some 1,800 ports around the world, but that doesn't mean every destination is right for you. The Caribbean, Pacific coast of California, Mexico and Alaska are popular among tourists from the United States. But, cruising is basically found where ever you find water.
Are many of the cruises offered within that region the same?
  • No, you’ll also be able to find a great variety of types of cruises in many areas of the globe. The Caribbean is sailed by many different Cruise Lines and ships. Each Cruise Line and ship has its own flavor. You’ll find budget all the way to super luxury available in the Caribbean. The cruise itineraries also offer differences in lengths and ports visited. Any two Caribbean cruises can provide very different vacation experiences.
Can I go on a Cruise if I’m by myself?
  1. Yes, Cruise Lines usually have a special rate available if you are cruising alone. However, this rate can be as high a 200% of those for a single person in a double occupancy cabin. In other words, you might be paying for two cruises even though you are by yourself. You’ll want to look for a Cruise Line that has a lower single rate.
  2. You can also consider a "single share" program that some Cruise Lines offer. The Cruise Line will find a roommate for you, so you can cruise at the lower double occupancy rate. If they can’t find you a partner you usually still get the cabin at the cheaper rate. With partner programs, you might find a lifelong friend. However, you are also taking the risk of being stuck in a room with someone whom you’re not comfortable.
Will the type of cruise I pick really make a difference in my vacation?
  1. Yes, the Cruise Ship is your hotel, restaurant and entertainment for your whole vacation. It is a package deal that is different from a traditional vacation. You’ll want to spend some time and do some research to make sure you pick the right cruise for you. The perfect cruise for some might be a miserable one for others. Make sure you find the best match. You’ll want to find the best rate on the right cruise for you, not just the cheapest rate. Cruise Lines cater to certain groups and their whole ship is meant to entertain and please that crowd.
  2. Some cater to certain age groups, singles or families.
  3. Some are calm, elegant and feature haute cuisine.
  4. Some have lots of loud, exciting activities to attract the active crowds.
  5. Others have lots of family activities planned, so the ship will be filled with kids.
  6. You will find some that have shore excursions just for you, while others look boring.
How to find the best cruise for me?
  1. Do some research, it will be worth it.
  2. Check out the brochures for information. Look at the pictures and see what types of activities they have planned. Have they planned a cruise to make someone like you happy?
  3. Make some decisions early. Are you looking for a quiet relaxed cruise, a romantic getaway or a party atmosphere? Once you have an idea of what you want out of your vacation, you can judge the different cruises on how well they meet your expectations.
  4. Ask your friends, but remember that you are looking for the best cruise for you. Make sure you ask them what they were looking to get out of their vacation. Your friends may have loved the cruise because it was exactly what they wanted. Make sure you have similar expectations before you book the same cruise.
  5. Ask lots of questions of your booking agent.
Factors I should consider to help me decide which cruise to pick?
  1. The amount you have budgeted and the overall cost of the cruise.
  2. Any special price breaks or deals.
  3. The Cruise Line’s reputation for the quality of its cuisine and its menu.
  4. The Cruise Line’s reputation for customer service.
  5. The Cruise Line’s previous ship safety and cleanliness record.
  6. The overall atmosphere the cruise conveys. Whether it is family fun, party time, quite elegant sophistication or romantic getaway.
  7. The length of the Cruise.
  8. The Ship’s own facilities.
  9. On ship activities planned.
  10. Any theme attached to the cruise.
  11. The ports you will be visiting.
  12. The shore excursions that the Cruise Line offers.
Cruise Guide Books
With dozens of Cruise lines, hundreds of ships, and thousands of itineraries available, it's no wonder that many people become anxious when planning a cruise. But choosing and booking a cruise can be fun---if you have a plan. The following guide books contain advice about everything from where to gather information to how to evaluate cruise-ship features.
  1. Frommer's Caribbean Cruises and Ports of Call 2004
  2. Caribbean By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising the Caribbean
  3. Insight Guide Caribbean Cruises
  4. Frommer's Caribbean Ports of Call
  5. Caribbean Ports of Call: Western Region, 6th: A Guide for Today's Cruise Passengers
  6. Modern Bride® Honeymoons and Weddings Away : The Complete Guide to Planning Your Romantic Trip Ever
  7. Frommer's European Cruises & Ports of Call

  8. Frommer's(r) Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call 2003

  9. Frommer's Portable Bahamas

  10. Passporter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line and Its Caribbean Ports of Call Deluxe Edition: The Take-Along Travel Guide and Planner (Passporter Travel Guides)

  11. Caribbean Ports of Call: Eastern and Southern Regions, 4th: A Guide for Today's Cruise Passengers

We are always adding more tips and advise so come back and visit. When you return from your cruise vacation, please share your own tips and links so we can pass them on and make cruises / travel better, safer and cheaper for everyone. feedback@caribbeanlime.com
Source: Free Travel Tips.com

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