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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. |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Are many of the cruises offered within
that region the same? |
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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.
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| Can I go on a
Cruise if I’m by myself? |
- 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.
- 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.
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| Will
the type of cruise I pick really make a difference in my
vacation? |
- 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.
- Some cater
to certain age groups, singles or families.
- Some are
calm, elegant and feature haute cuisine.
- Some have
lots of loud, exciting activities to attract the active
crowds.
- Others have
lots of family activities planned, so the ship will be
filled with kids.
- You will
find some that have shore excursions just for you, while
others look boring.
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| How
to find the best cruise for me? |
- Do some
research, it will be worth it.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- Ask lots of
questions of your booking agent.
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| Factors
I should consider to help me decide which cruise to
pick? |
- The amount
you have budgeted and the overall cost of the cruise.
- Any special
price breaks or deals.
- The Cruise
Line’s reputation for the quality of its cuisine and its
menu.
- The Cruise
Line’s reputation for customer service.
- The Cruise
Line’s previous ship safety and cleanliness record.
- The overall
atmosphere the cruise conveys. Whether it is family fun,
party time, quite elegant sophistication or romantic
getaway.
- The length
of the Cruise.
- The Ship’s
own facilities.
- On ship
activities planned.
- Any theme
attached to the cruise.
- The ports
you will be visiting.
- The shore
excursions that the Cruise Line offers.
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| 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. |
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Frommer's Caribbean Cruises and Ports of Call 2004
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Caribbean By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising the Caribbean
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Insight Guide Caribbean Cruises
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Frommer's Caribbean Ports of Call
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Caribbean Ports of Call: Western Region, 6th: A Guide for Today's Cruise Passengers
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Modern Bride® Honeymoons and Weddings Away : The Complete Guide to Planning Your Romantic Trip Ever
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Frommer's European Cruises & Ports of Call
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Frommer's(r) Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call 2003
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Frommer's Portable Bahamas
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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)
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Caribbean Ports of Call: Eastern and Southern Regions, 4th: A Guide for Today's Cruise Passengers
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| 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 |
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