Where can get a vacation cruise on time?

Question

I have never been on a cruise and I would like to book one. Is there an agency that you can recommend where cruises can be booked then paid over a period of time, I would like to travel at the end of the summer.

Answer 1

Most cruise lines will require a deposit when you book with final payment due 60 days prior to sailing. You can make payments for your trips as you desire.

Hope this helps, you can also look for more info at this great yahoo group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruiseaddi...

Answer 2

I know for fact that Princess Cruise lines takes a deposit and then you can pay off the balance. I sure most cruise lines offer this. You call 1-800-Princess and they will glad to give you all the answers.

Have booked a cruise threw a travel agent and they requested all the money then & there.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

You can do it yourself online at the cruise line web sites, or you can use a travel agent.  Either way its about the same.  If you use a travel agent, like AAA, or American Express, or just pick one out of your local phone book, the travel agent does not charge a fee because they are paid in commission by the cruise line.  OR, you can go to the cruise lines and browse the cruises and when you are ready to book and/or have questions, there is a phone number for you to call to speak to a cruise line consultant who, if you want, becomes your travel agent.  OR, you can just book your cruise yourself right on line; all that you need is right there for you to read and fill in.

To book a cruise you will be required to pay a deposit of between $250 and $350 per person, depending upon the cruise line and the number of days that you plan to cruise.  Then you can make payment right on line with your credit card, or make payment through your travel agent with a credit card or cash, or just pay the balance due by the final payment date which is usually 60 to 70 days before the cruise, again depending upon the length of the cruise.

If you would like to travel at the end of the summer, lets say Sept 30 for example, your final payment would probably be due about July 30th.  If you are thinking of cruising in the Caribbean remember that June through the end of October is hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Now there are some thing that you need to know about cruising to help you decide.

-  There are a number of variables and other things you need to know that affect the price of a cruise including, the number of days you cruise, what type cabin you select, whether you book your cruise very early (many months in advance) or late (last minute), and whether you go on a luxury cruise or a moderately prices cruise line.

-  All cruise cabins are sold based on double occupancy and the prices listed will be per person and based on at least two people going on the cruise. You can go solo but you will have to pay a single supplement which is basically a double fare.

-  The major price differential of any cruise will depend upon the type accommodations that you choose and there are 4 basic types of cabins on ships; INSIDE (no window), OUTSIDE (a window or porthole), BALCONY/VERANDA, and SUITES. The "FROM" prices you see will always be for an inside cabin.

-   Cruises are all pretty much "all inclusive". When you purchase a cruise it includes your cabin, all meals on ship including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and 24/7 free room service. It also includes all entertainment on ship and free use of all facilities on ship except the spa. You can use the pools hot tubs, gymnasium, sports equipment and all other facilities and equipment free of charge. All ships charge for spa service like massages, hair and nail appointments, and yoga lessons. Some ships also charge a fee for certain services like the pool table, the bowling alley, or for special restaurants not included in your normal cruise price (there may be a $10 to $20 per person gratuity/service fee). Coffee, tea, milk, juices, punch, iced teas are included but you must pay for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and a 15% gratuity will be added to each check each time you order a drink.

Then you will have to pay for anything you buy on ship like photos or souvenirs and any tours you book from the ship. And lastly you will pay a $10 per day per per gratuity at the end of the cruise. The only mandatory of all of these charges is the gratuity. So after you pay for your cruise the only other charge will be the gratuities.

-   There are some differences among the cruise lines. Princess, Celebrity and Holland America have great ships and have more reserved passengers. Holland America has more senior citizens cruising on its ships. Carnival has more first time cruiser and young people who want to party, party, party. Royal Caribbean caters most to families and has the most and best on ship activities.

Next, you need to know that all of the cruise lines give the best price for early bookings that are a year or more in advance. But, you can sometimes find a discount or deal price by searching the cruise lines web sites for their specials.  Royal Caribbean's web site is the easiest to find specials on; the link to its "hot deals" is in red. RC is my favorite !!!

HOLLAND AMERICA

http://www.hollandamerica.com/

CELEBRITY:

http://www.celebritycruises.com/home .

ROYAL CARIBBEAN:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.d.....

NORWEGIAN:

http://www.ncl.com/

PRINCESS:

http://www.princess.com/index.html

CARNIVAL:

http://www.carnivalcruiselines.com/

What I recommend is that you go to the cruise lines and click on the link for specials and browse what is available. I have been on Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean ships and can vouch that they are good cruise lines.   My advice is not to pick a date and then look for a cruise. Pick a cruise first that has a good price and then go for that date when the price is the lowest. My personal preference is the Western Caribbean cruise and on a Royal Caribbean or Princess ship.

Answer 4

To hold a cruise for more than about 2-3 days (it depends on the cruise line, how popular the cruise is, and how far into the future the departure date is), a deposit is required.  Deposits range from $100 per person to $500 per person, again depending on the cruise line.

Final payment will be due either 45 or 60 days before the date of departure (again, depending on the cruise line).

Any travel agent should offer the ability to make partial payments at any time before final payment is due.  You can also book directly with the cruise lines and make payments as often as you wish -- but travel agents may have special offers -- on-board credits or cabin upgrades or amenities -- that the cruise lines will not offer.

Enjoy!