How to Select a Holiday Cruise

If you've always wanted to take a dream cruise, schedule one during the holiday season. Your trip will be magical. Remove any stress by selecting a holiday cruise that meets your expectations and your budget.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Holiday Cruises to Consider

1. Consult your local yellow pages or your favorite online search engine to locate an experienced travel agent. Ask her or him about available holiday cruises. Request brochures.

2. Talk to friends and trusted acquaintances that have gone on holiday cruises. Take into consideration family gatherings you're willing to miss. Consider how you want to celebrate the holidays. Find out if a holiday cruise goes somewhere you've wanted to visit.

Choosing a Cruise Line

3. Research a number of cruise lines. Compare prices and perks. Talk to a cruise specialist or travel agent. Cruise lines aren't all the same.

4. Talk to friends, coworkers, and loved ones that have taken cruises. Find out what they loved and wanted to change about the experience.

5. Visit online message boards devoted to cruise vacations. Read about the pros and cons of various cruise lines.

6. Check your local library for holiday cruise ship materials. Look for articles as well as videos or DVDs that might help you make a final decision.

Entertainment and Activities

7. Find out what special activities and entertainment each holiday cruise offers. If you have kids, find cruises especially geared toward children so they'll enjoy the trip as much as you. If necessary, reserve seats in advance for special shows and activities.

8. Generally, onshore excursions cost extra. Sign up and pay for land tours in advance to save time and money later. Formulate a budget for activities and entertainment that aren't included in the price of the booking.

Budgeting and Cost

9. Decide on a budget. Consider what you can afford before researching and booking your cruise.

10. Look into a number of travel agencies. Choose the one that best answers your questions and meets your expectations.

11. Make a list of what you want to experience on your holiday cruise. Go over the list with your travel agent. If cost is a factor, eliminate extras you can't afford but can live without.

12. Pay for any extras in advance to save time and enable you to better budget your money. You'll be glad you did.

Cabin Choices

13. Ask your travel agent or cruise ship specialist for a map of the ship that includes the cabins. Know where the cabins are before making any selection.

14. Request a comprehensive list of amenities and ask for clear pictures of the cabins. Know what your choices are--and what costs extra.

15. Request the cabin(s) in advance you want. Changing cabins after booking your cruise isn't always possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a cabin on the outside of the ship for the best views. Watching the ever-changing scenery is priceless.
• Want to save money while enjoying comfort and privacy? If you book more than one cabin for yourself and your traveling companions, subsequent bookings could be substantially reduced.
• Don't assume your cabin has a balcony or a porthole window! If you want these amenities, ask about them before you book your room .
• Find out if your cabin includes a safe. If it doesn't, leave unnecessary valuables at home.

[CabinGirlAnnie]

on 10/2/2007 I also recommend picking up a copy of Cruise Vacations for Dummies. You can order it from the library if you don't want to shell out the cash, but I've found it to be a nice resource.