Cruises/Vacation ??? Help -?

Question

Tell me everything you know on how to book etc.

I mean I go on those vacation websites, but I have no idea what I'm looking at. lmao.

Like do you havve to fly to the place where your cruise starts. What is an expensive cruise, or not expensive cruise? Where to cruise?

Just tell me everything! I'm lostt, but I hope this will help me plan one. How does a cruise vacation work?

Answer 1

Hi, Kat08.  Start here:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/ind...

The whole web site is great.  Explore it.

Answer 2

Just so you know, it is always best, whenever possible, to fly in BEFORE the day of your cruise.  Considering how many flights get delayed, it is much too stressful to be worrying about making it to the peer before the ship departs if your flight is late.  If you miss it, it is up to you to find transportation to your first port of call.  

I have taken 3 cruises, all of which I have booked myself.  If you don't mind spending the time to do it, thats great.  But if you don't have alot of time, try working with a travel agent.  Also, if you book a cruise through Carnival, DO NOT book airfair through them also.  They are no cheaper than the fairs you get through Cheaptickets.com, Expedia, etc., and they often leave you running for the ship.

For more great cruise tips, be sure to check out WWW.cruisecritic.com

Answer 3

You do have to get to the port where the cruise starts.  You can use any means of transportation you wish.  However, the cruise line will add air for you which is the safest bet.  If you book their air and somehow miss the ship, they will either wait for you (I have seen this happen) or they will fly you to a place to catch up to the cruise.  When buying the cruise line air, it ususally includes meeting you at the airport and taking you to the ship, as well as taking you back to the airport at the end of the cruise.

    Cruise prices are all over the place depending on when and where you want to go and how much luxury you want.  Two people can go for as little as $1000. plus air on up to thousands per person.  The basic cost includes food, your cabin, lots of entertainment and fantastic service.  Your cabin is serviced at least twice a day.  In the dining room, you don't even have to put your napkin in your lap, the waiter will do that for you.  You can order anything or everything on the menu.  There are many choices for each course.

You need to plan on money for tipping at the end of the cruise.  The norm is $10.00 per day per person in the cabin.  This covers everyone who serves you all week - your waiter, bus boy, cabin steward and so on.  If you order bar drinks, a tip will be automatically added.

Your best bet is to contact a cruise specialist rather than an all-purpose travel agent since it is your 1st cruise.  You can't do a land tour as cheaply as you can cruise considering everything that is included.  If you would like to know more, check out my web site at http://cruisesinc.com/sbozeat

Answer 4

First you need to decided where you want to go and a budget. How long will the cruise be, what activities will  you participate in, will you be doing a lot of shopping? It all depends on what you like to do. You may drive and leave your car at the port, depending on where you're cruising from. You may want to consider flying if your ship is leaving from another state. all those are things to consider. once you've made a decisions above go to www.LouMarTravel.com and book your cruise. I got a great deal from them on my Honeymoon cruise.

Answer 5

your getting some great advice with your answers i have booked two cruises one with SAMs club and the other on my own but both were with royal caribbean so i knew what to expect. do some research on your own and decide where to go how much to spend and try a good travel agent you wont be disappointed  cruises are the best for your money.

good luck enjoy your cruise

Answer 6

Please don't try to do your first cruise vacation on your own.  Your best bet is to find a good travel agent.  Remember, you're going to be spending your hard-earned money for this cruise, and you want to make sure all details are taken care of.  A good agent will help you find a great cruise for the budget you have available and will take care of all the details.  Some agents charge a fee, but most do not.  

Once you've done a cruise, know what its all about and  feel comfortable with the details, you can try to book one on your own.

Answer 7

There's lots of travel agents that organise cruises, I have been on 3 so far and I organised them all myself through the cruise lines website's. I prefer Carnival, but I have also used Royal Caribbean. They can organise the flights too, or you can book them yourself, which is usually a bit cheaper again either through a travel agent or on the Airline website, agents in this case are sometimes cheaper. For good cruise prices, sign up to the email newsletter from the cruise lines website.

Answer 8

It depends where you want to go.  If you are traveling as a couple or with adults there are cruises for you.  if you have kids there are others.  If you want to go to the Southern Carribean where it is always hot, you'll need to fly to Tampa, or Ft. Lauderdale.  If you are not too picky you can fly to Port Canaveral.  There are others that go through NY.  If that iterests you.  I'd start with looking at expedia.com, yahootravel.com and travelocity.com first.  Get ideas as to where you want to go and what is in your price range.  Get an outside cabin because the inside ones, though much cheaper, are very dark.  So shoot for an outside one.  There is little problems with seesickness because these ships go through calm waters.  Good luck.  you'll love it.  you only have to pay for drinks on board!  It is a great deal.