Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Choose a destination
Step 2:
Choose a timeframe
Step 3:
Decide what amenities are important
Step 4:
Collect brochures
Step 5:
Know your price range
Step 6:
Choose a type of cabin
Step 7:
Call your travel agent

2torial #0801:
Learn2 Shop for a Cruise

Whatever floats your boat

Sometimes a trip is more enjoyable when someone else takes the wheel. And when it comes to taking a cruise, not only is the wheel taken care of, but so is everything else. What better way to visit exciting locations while enjoying all the amenities you can imagine?

Cruising has become so widely popular that you can choose from dozens of different kinds of ships, itineraries, and vacation style options. You can set sail for adventure, relaxation, entertainment, or social events. You can stuff yourself silly with all-you-can-eat meals, dance 'til the wee hours, explore unfamiliar cultures, or just relax by the pool.

But with all these delicious choices, where's a prospective vacationer to begin? Read on--we'll fill you in on what you need to hit the high seas with ease.

Not all cruise ships are luxury liners. Boat sizes range from smaller, 100-passenger crafts (riverboats included) to huge, multilevel seagoing vessels with fabulous restaurants, casinos, spas, and discos. Atmospheres vary from party central to quiet getaways and everything in between. Some ships are casual and some offer the utmost in elegance. There's no class system on a cruise ship--no matter what cabin you're in, everyone enjoys the same restaurants, entertainment, and amenities.

Whatever you choose, be sure to plan and book your trip early (at least three to six months in advance). Doing so will ensure a better choice of cabin, a better price, and maybe even an upgrade or two.

Choose a destination

You can go almost anywhere on a cruise, from tropical islands to the far corners of the planet. And cruises aren't limited to oceans or far-away destinations. Many companies offer trips along canals, rivers, and various coastlines.

But where you choose to go might limit the dates you can travel. For example, cruises to Alaska only run from late spring through early fall; European cruises don't usually sail in winter; and while tropical destinations offer cruises year-round, they also experience hurricane or typhoon seasons (which could certainly put a damper on things!). A little research in the beginning will go a long way in helping you decide the best combination of where and when to go.

Choose a timeframe

Cruises can range in length from three days to three months. How long you spend on board will mostly depend on how many ports you want to see, the amount of vacation time you have, and of course, your budget. Here's a basic breakdown on what you can expect from different cruise lengths:

Short (three to five days): Short cruises will venture to nearby destinations such as islands off the coastline or cities along a river. These are good if you want to test out the cruising experience or spice up an extended weekend.

Mid-length (seven to 14 days): Mid-length cruises offer a wider choice of destinations, as well as more time to relax and enjoy special activities. The most popular cruise length for "first timers" is seven days.

Very long (one to three months): Long cruises are mostly filled with veteran cruisers. Example itineraries range from a trip around South America to a trip around the world. These tend to be very expensive, and aren't recommended for those who aren't already sure they enjoy cruising and being at sea for a long time.

Decide what amenities are important

Some cruise lines cater to specific age groups, while others emphasize elegance or a casual atmosphere. There are cruises for singles, couples, families, and those looking for a specific theme (including music, theater, sports, gourmet dining, art, and onshore adventures--just to name a few).

Think about what kind of travel you've done before. What did you like or dislike? What activities interest you? Is there an age group you do or don't want to cruise with? Do you want to be on a "party boat" or something more mellow? What do you consider to be the most important elements of a good vacation? These elements should be at the top of your list. If you'll be traveling with your family or friends, take their needs and wants into consideration as well.

Ship size can also make a big difference in your overall experience. For example, larger ships are like floating hotels; with casinos, entertainment, spas, and a lot of people. Mid-size ships are scaled-down versions of the same. Small ships are much more personal, and though they may not provide entertainment, they're often part of a niche or theme cruise. Small ships can offer deluxe, luxurious cruises or very casual ones. They often travel to places where larger ships can't go, such as rivers.

Collect brochures

Once you've developed a general idea of what you want, visit some travel agencies or Internet sites to collect brochures. Read them closely, as they can provide invaluable clues. Concentrate on the photos and details such as fine print and deck layouts, and take the flowery prose with a grain of salt. See if you can get an overall feeling for the ship itself--are the pictures mostly of food? Smiling stewards? People partying? What the brochure portrays most prominently is often the ship's proudest feature.

Check the itinerary tables and pay attention to how much time is spent in each port. If an island promising golf is on the top of your "must do" list, make sure you'll have enough time to do it--or you may be very disappointed.

Look at the deck plan closely, including dining room diagrams. How close are the tables? How many people are seated at one table? If you're looking for romance and there are no tables for two, it may not be the ship for you. The deck plan also provides clues regarding cabin size. Rely on the diagram rather than the photos of the cabins for a better idea of their size and shape. You may even notice that different cabins in the same price category are different sizes or in more desirable locations.

Know your price range

While the price of a cruise may seem like a lot at first, keep in mind that going on a cruise is like staying at an all-inclusive resort. The price covers your cabin, meals, and onboard entertainment. Some prices include airfare, which is almost always a good way to go if you need to fly to the port, because many cruise companies negotiate discount prices with the airlines (so the price will be lower than if you paid for a flight separately). And many prices also include port charges and taxes.

Cruise prices don't include beverages (of any kind), personal purchases or services, tipping, optional cruise cancellation insurance, or optional onshore excursions.

When you're ready to book a trip, ask what's included in the price you're being quoted. Your travel agent can also provide advice regarding the going rate for tipping and expenses that aren't included. You'll also want to budget in any personal expenses (money for shopping or for eating in port restaurants rather than only on the ship, for example).

Choose a type of cabin

The cabin you choose will largely determine the price you pay. Cabins can range from expensive suites to small rooms with no windows and barely enough room to change your clothes. On a ship, every inch counts, and cabins (even some of the expensive ones) are small--so don't expect a hotel room. To estimate size, check the brochure and do some measurements yourself. Now picture that tiny square with two beds and a bathroom squeezed in.

To pick your cabin, get a copy of the ship's deck plan and study it closely--quality research here is your key to a pleasant voyage. Here are some size and location considerations:

• Centrally located (inside) cabins are more stable. They're also economical, and the morning light will not wake you up. If you fear seasickness or like to sleep in, this is the cabin for you.

• Outside cabins often have a view, feel more open and can give you a chance to check the weather without leaving your room. But do some research on your view (or lack thereof) before spending the extra cash. You don't want to pay for a deluxe, upper-deck room and find out it has a view of a lifeboat.

• If you get an outside cabin on the promenade deck, be prepared for a lot of foot traffic going by your window, as well as people looking in.

• Only pay for a verandah if you're taking a warm-weather cruise. Check its size (they can differ but cost the same) and privacy between cabins.

• Don't pick a room that's near common areas such as discos, casinos, or restaurants. Also stay away from cabins that are located under jogging tracks, galleys, or gymnasiums. They will definitely be loud.

• Cabins at the bow (front) are sometimes roomier and cheaper, but can be loud, especially when docking into a port (often early in the morning).

• Cabins in the lower deck toward the aft (back) end will often have a lot of engine noise and can sometimes feel its heat.

Call your travel agent

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of cruise you're looking for, it's time to speak with a travel agent. Unlike airlines, most cruise companies deal exclusively with agents rather than individuals. And a good agent who specializes in cruises (or who already knows what type of vacation you enjoy) can be an invaluable resource for booking the right ship.

Whomever you choose, be clear right away regarding your wishes as well as your budget. If you're honest up-front, you'll have a better chance of getting what you want. And isn't that what smooth sailing is all about?

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