How to Plan the Cruise That's Right for You: Ten Tips From Cruise Vacation Center
Roy Witman, Vice President of Cruise Vacation Center, a New York-based cruise planning firm, helps clients navigate the details of finding the cruise that's perfect for them. Just in time for vacation season, here are ten tips for planning the cruise that's right for you.
Yonkers, NY (PRWEB) April 24, 2008 -- Pleasure cruising is a nearly 200-year-old concept. Since its inception, the idea of customer comfort has evolved from having a cow on board to provide fresh milk in 1840 to an industry filled with extravagant "floating" hotels, equipped with every imaginable amenity and luxury.
While in the 1800's there may not have been much choice, today choices are so limitless they can be overwhelming.
Roy Witman, Vice President of Cruise Vacation Center, a New York-based cruise planning firm, helps clients navigate the details. "Everyone focuses on destination, which is an essential piece, but - as the vintage cruise ship ads state 'Getting there is half the fun,'" he said. "There is so much on board to take advantage of as well."
Witman and his crew at Cruise Vacation Center have booked in excess of 100,000 cruises, including, Royal Caribbean, European cruises, and Mediterranean cruises for clients since 1993 and always advise their clients on the following details:
Destination - Cruises offer something for everyone. Some vacations are designed to be family-friendly, while others are for couples or retirees. Before booking, take the time to talk with your travel agent about whom you'll be traveling with, their ages and the likes and dislikes of the group.
Diets - Virtually all major cruise lines can handle special dietary requests. Low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar, low-carb, vegetarian, kosher and other types of meal services are available by request. You may want to make your special needs known when booking your cruise.
Seasickness - While modern ships feature technologically advanced stabilizers, for an extra precaution book a cabin near the center of the ship to alleviate as much motion as possible. In addition, it has been proven that you're least likely to get seasick when sailing in the Caribbean. The islands buffer the motion of the Atlantic Ocean, making the waters generally calm.
Carry-on - From the time you check your baggage until the time it is delivered to your stateroom may be several hours. Bring a small carry-on bag with a few necessities, such as a toothbrush, running shoes, swimsuit, a change of clothes, makeup and hair brush to start enjoying the vacation immediately.
Passport - Chances are, you will need a passport for your upcoming vacation. Many cruisers assume they can use a birth certificate because they have used one in the past. The U.S. Department of State is requiring all United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere to carry a passport. This initiative requires passports for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America. Processing time normally takes six weeks. Details and applications can be found online at www.travel.state.gov or at your local post office.
Attire - With a little consideration and planning, you can be fully prepared for all the exciting activities on and off the ship. Do you plan to work out while on the ship? Are you going to take excursions that require lots of walking? Are there particular sites you want to see that might dictate special dress requirements? Pack accordingly for preferred dining and entertainment options. Most attire aboard is casual, so check the weather for the cities you'll visit and bring weather appropriate clothes.
Rewards - If you take repeat cruises on the same cruise line, you'll want to look into joining their repeat cruisers club. Most cruise lines offer incentives in the form of coupons for vacationers who book repeated cruises with the same line year after year. Discounts at the spa, the shops and other fee-based shipboard activities mean you can have more fun for less cash!
Budget - Despite the "all-inclusive vacation" designation, some things aren't included in the cost of the cruise. For instance, spa treatments, excursions, some drinks, phone calls, internet access, etc. incur an additional cost. It's always wise to ask your travel agent or your steward.
Cameras - When cruising, a digital is the way to go. Most cruise ships now offer digital photo kiosks onboard. You can instantly obtain full-color prints and keepsakes from your digital photos like customized postcards, mouse pads, key rings and more.
Planning - Oftentimes, travelers think that, because their cruise departs in the late afternoon, they can drive or fly into the port city the day of their cruise. This has led to people literally missing the boat because their flight was delayed at some point or because of traffic tie-ups. To be on the safe side, plan to arrive at the port city the day before your cruise.
Following these tips will help you research, book and enjoy a memorable cruise.
About Cruise Vacation Center
Since 1993, Cruise Vacation Center has sent over 250,000 passengers sailing. After going on many cruises, founders Kathy and Roy Witman thought they were the best vacations and wanted to spread the word. They opened Cruise Vacation Center to deal exclusively with cruise vacations. Cruise Vacation Center is fully accredited, licensed, bonded and insured. They are members of Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and Vacation.com - a national organization specializing in cruise travel. Cruise Vacation Center strives to provide clients with a cruise specifically planned to their tastes, always providing extraordinary personal service and the lowest prices. To learn more call 800.803.7245 or visit www.cruisevacationcenter.com.
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