Why Do You Like to Cruise?

Recently a independent research firm asked that question to returning cruisers:

The majority of respondents (47 percent) said cruises offer a “more satisfying experience compared with traditional vacations” with “more activities and destinations to see in a short time vs. traditional vacations.” Another 23 percent said cruise vacations offer the advantage of “seeing multiple destinations without having to pack and unpack several times.” Also ranking high among determining factors was cruise pricing, considered to be “comparable to or better than most other vacation options” (20 percent of survey respondents).

The Cruise Captain often hears about how a cruise is a wonderful family vacation. My clients tell me everyone in their family could each do something they liked then get together over the dinner table to share experiences.

When was the last time your family sat done to dinner together? Why not do it on a cruise?!

Fed up with planning and booking travel?

In a report released today from Forrester Reseach, an independent research company, frustration over using travel websites is growing. They say "Customers are forced to figure out extra fees, wade through fine print and understand industry terms... in addition to educating themselves about destinations, flights, and hotels." They continued by reporting that more and more folks are turning to traditional travel agents to meet their needs.

I agree. Many calls I receive are from people totally befuddled after searching the Internet for a cruise vacation. Often folks feel that the Internet will save them money however I often find deals and specials they haven't found after hours of searching. And sometimes do-it-yourselfers make mistakes that can cost them more to correct or even ruin their expensive vacation. A professional travel agent has the tools and knowledge to help you plan the best vacation at the best price.

Travel Humor

Every once in a while a travel agent receives a complaint. I thought I would share a few received by British tour operator Thomas Cook Travel...

"It's lazy of the local shopkeepers to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during 'siesta' time - this should be banned."

"We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels."

"The beach was too sandy."

"No-one told us there would be fish in the sea. The children were startled."

"My fiancé and I booked a twin-bedded room but we were placed in a double-bedded room. We now hold you responsible for the fact that I find myself pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked."

"We bought 'Ray-Ban' sunglasses for five Euros ($6.50) from a street trader, only to find out they were fake."

"Topless sunbathing on the beach should be banned. The holiday was ruined as my husband spent all day looking at other women."

Ship Sanitation is a High Priority

With all the recent news media attention to the flu outbreaks, it should be noted that cruise ships have had rigorous santitation standards in place for years. Since 1970, cruise ships have been required to file reports about on-board disease to the CDC after every cruise, even if they had none. And all ships are required to undergo twice-annual surprise sanitation inspections by the U.S. Public Health Service with the results made public . A score of 85 or lower is a failing grade. Immediate corrective action is required for any violation. No restaurant, hotel, school, or even a hospital is required to meet such strict standards.

Theme Cruises - Something for Everyone

They're called Theme Cruises, Purpose Cruises, or Passion Travel but what they all have in common is cruisers can sail with others who have a common interest. While there are hundreds of different themes, most popular are those that revolve around music or food and wine. Cruise lines bring aboard special entertainment such as famous recording artists or bands and you can enjoy their performances as well as meet and interact with them. Or a visit to a port may coincide with a special event. Guest chefs are brought onboard to prepare their specialities and teach passenger their techniques. Many offer hands-on classes.

Whether your passion is golf, poker, antiques, or quilting chances are there is a theme cruise for you. And if your group or club wants to host their own theme cruise opportunities are also available. Let us know your interests and we'll find or design a them cruise for you.

If it Sounds Too Good to Be True.... Well?

After my post last week, a friend referred me to this story from a major TV station.

http://www.pasajesaereos.org/WooGoExpediaFox5WAGANewsCast.wmv

Who do you trust for reviews?

While I suspected it for a long time it has recently been confirmed that many of the web sites offering advice and reviews on hotels, resorts, and cruise ships are being manipulated by parties with vested interests. Referrals are common practice when hiring a contractor or buying a car. After all investing a large sum of money is scary stuff. So, too, when purchasing a cruise vacation. If you are not familiar with a cruise line or particular ship, it makes sense to try to seek some informed opinions.

So how do you assure yourself your money is being well spent? Sure, you can still turn to the travel advice web sites. They are valuable as long as you understand people's opinions vary. Take every thing you read there with lots of grains of salt. Compare lots of reports and see if you get a consensus.

Better idea? Seek the advice of a good, experienced travel agent. One who takes the time to ask lots of questions and compares offerings with you. One who has been on many cruises, toured the ships, and sailed several itineraries. One who has demonstrated proficiency with certifications by professional trade associations and cruise lines.

Your time is valuable. You can spend hours searching web sites or you can contact a professional travel agent.