TIPS ABOUT CRUISE VACATIONS

Why cruise?  That is a good question and only you will know if cruising is right for you.  The typical thought when you say "Let's take a cruise" will probably be of a sunny day, blue-bird water, white sandy beaches and lots of people around the pool having fun.  All the above is correct, but, there are also Alaska cruises, Panama Canal crossings, Asian & exotic cruises, Northern Baltic and Scandinavian cruises that sail to Russia and so on.

No matter what cruise you have in mind, the ship, itinerary and pricing could match your desires and dreams today.  Now, where do you want to go?  How much time do you have to spend away from home?  What is your dream budget?

Once you answer these questions, we can start the wheels rolling.  We can find the cruises that are going where you want to go, the time of the year you want to travel, the length of time that fits your schedule and work on the budget and any specials and discounts that could be available for your cruise holiday.

Some destinations are very seasonal and need to be booked in advance to guarantee the best cabin location, price and itinerary.  Alaskan Cruises sail between the months of May and September or the very first part of October. During the winter months the ships would have to sail and avoid ice and most people do not want to be that cold.  Plus, in winter the days are very short, sometimes just 4 hours of daylight and cruise passengers would not get to see the significant wildlife that Alaska provides during the warmer months.

If you have a special reason or celebration coming up, think about a cruise.  The modern day cruise ships can allow you to take a large or small group of people with you where you can all meet for the formal gatherings and then have you own activities during both the day and night.  Cruises have it all.

My favorite time to visit Europe, both on land and sea is during the off season.  I like early, early spring or very late fall.  I enjoy the cold crisp evenings and the warm days.  Usually you will find less people and tourists especially during the off-seasons.  The prices and service you receive is both better and cheaper do to the lack of other tourists.  The end of the cruise season before the trans-Atlantic sailings and the beginning of the cruise seasons, right after the ships go back to Europe are my favorite sailings.

During the prime seasons, expect to pay more for the same cruise that will be less in the shoulder seasons.  If you have the schedule, cruise when the children are still in school since once they get out, the prices can double or triple for the same itinerary and ship.

One of the best cruise deals and pricing is early December because the children are still in school, the ships are now in their winter schedule of sailings and prices are real low.  When the holidays begin the prices will again double or triple for the next month or so.