Internet vs. Travel Agent
Some first-time cruisers such as Sunny Wood of Dallas, Texas, feel perfectly at ease booking a cruise online. "It could not have been easier," she claims. "We're really happy with what we got for our money."
Others use the Internet as a research tool; then they turn to an agency for expert advice. "A travel agent should be your advocate," says Becky Williams, a cruise specialist at Brownell Travel in Birmingham. "We take care of all the details. Also, because we book so many cruises, we're able to offer extra amenities such as onboard credit for the spa or gift shops."
Most important, travel agents can often meet or beat the deals online, all for a nominal fee. Becky says her average surcharge ranges from $20 to $25 per booking.
How To Choose Your Cruise
With the number of companies, ships, and itineraries available today, even sophisticated travelers have a hard time navigating the sea of options. Still, finding a cruise that meets your needs is critical.
Picking a cruise line. There's a cruise for every personality and every budget. Place these criteria—food, service, itinerary, and entertainment— in order of importance, and you'll begin to get a feel for what's a priority for you. The questions on page 25 will help you get started.
The early bird gets the best cabin. Thanks to the immense popularity of cruising these days, last-minute bargains are increasingly hard to find. Early-booking incentives often yield the best deals. Becky recommends her clients commit nine months to one year in advance. "If you wait to the last minute to book, you're gambling, especially if you're cruising with three or four people in your party," Becky notes. "Cruise ships only have so many rooms that will hold that many people. The best cabins in the best locations book up months in advance."
Buy trip cancellation insurance. This might just be the most important purchase you make. "Every spring, the chicken pox goes around, and families have to cancel their trips," says Becky. "If they don't have insurance, they've lost everything." Be sure your policy also covers serious illness, injury, and death to you and your traveling companions and immediate family.
ARTICLE BY Cassandra M. Vanhooser / Photography Meg Mckinney
