How to Book a Cruise

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Booking a cruise should be an easy process, whether online or thru an agency. Online maybe the fastest, but an travel agency can answer your questions and help if there is a problem.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Time
Computer
Paper and pencil
Phone
Passport

Step1

Passports are required now. First Step: Get a passport. You can't get on board without one. Give you self at least 6 months to avoid problems.

Step2

Budget: Determine what you can spend on a cruise. Take into consideration the hidden cost of a cruise.
For example: Port Charges, taxes, fuel surcharges, and airfare.
If traveling solo ask about single supplements.

Step3

Bon Voyage Type of Cruise: Family, Friends, reunion, fundraising, group, etc...

Step4

Length of cruise: If this is your first, maybe a short two or three day cruise to try it out. Experienced can look @ one, two week or even a back to back.

Step5

Where to Cruise: The Caribbean is warm but there are many choices. Feel like shopping?, pick an eastern Caribbean. Fun in the Sun?, choose the western Caribbean. Exotic western is for the adventurous and scuba divers. Alaska to see the land of the midnight sun. and so on.

Step6

What port should you leave from: Many people don't care to fly. Is there a cruise close enough that you could drive to?

Step7

Determine you vacation length: Not everyone can get a week or two off @ one time to cruise.

Step8

When to Book: It use to be there were great last minute specials. Not any more. Most ships are booked up three to six months in advance. Today's cruising gives you cabin upgrades and better pricing for early booking. See if you can get in with a group, there are some great discounts there.

Step9

Now BOOK IT

Step10

Shore Excursions: Check out the ports you will travel to. There are forums on the web that you can ask just about everything you need to know before you go.

Tips & Warnings

A good travel agency is your best asset.
Check out the forums online for the ship and shore excursion you will be traveling
Watch out for the discounts online. Sometimes you don't get what you pay for.

Resources

BOOK YOUR CRUISE

Comments

AbbyNormal said

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on 6/9/2008 Good article. I would NOT book a cruise online. Your travel agent (one that specializes in cruises) is your best bet. They can get you the best deals. That means not only save you money, but more amenities for your money. Book your flight online. But book your cruise with a travel agent!

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