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by Myrna Marofsky
Cruising is one of today's most popular forms of travel, especially with boomer women. The biggest incentives are: you only unpack once, you have many options, there are deals, and you can reach fascinating parts of the world with ease.
On a recent cruise to Alaska I unpacked once and that was great. I had my WisePack™ ready for day trips and used a small Quick Trip bag for my room key and ID. We chose the cruise route to Alaska because at the time I was exhausted and needed to get away AND because that was the only way to get through the inside passage of Alaska. It was delightful…but we researched heavily and booked it three weeks from departure.
Choosing the incredible part of the world to visit is your first choice. Then the decision that can make or break a cruise is which cruise line you will serve you best and, along with that, which ship has the accommodations you desire.
Choosing a cruise liner that is right for you is very important.
Two things can help you find out which cruise is right for you.
• First, do your research and
• Second, and most important, Never book a cruise online, always talk to a live travel agent who specializes in cruising. They can provide the "little" pointers that you would never have considered. They can also swing a deal or throw in an extra
Here are some other tips to consider when choosing a Cruise
1. Research the cruise line and then the ship. Read between the lines. Read what others have to say. Understand that some cruise lines are better in some locations. For example: Holland America and Norwegian really have the Alaska adventure down to a science. Check out the interior maps of the ship to select a location away from the engines, elevators, or other noisy areas. It can even make a difference which deck you are on. Here is an example of where a live travel agent can be of assistance.
2. Try to find people who love cruises and see what they have learned. Usually they can do the comparison for you BUT it will be based on their criteria not yours. So you need to listen between the lines. THEN talk to those who hate cruises to find out why. Once this is done you put it together with your needs and wants for regal comfort.
3. Decide on what you are looking for and prioritize. Do you want to sightsee, gamble, drink, eat, dance, relax, space out??? Are, bathrooms, linens, beds, cuisine, fitness equipment, etc. important. My husband found that internet access was his big thing and unfortunately it was not what he hoped. That led to a few hours of irritation each day as he was sure he had figured it out. He never did. A cruise for me is less about being a party animal. I want access to sights and locations and privacy. You can get this if you plan right.
4. Consider how you will feel if you only get six-eight hours in an exotic city. I haven't resolved that issue yet. The itineraries for the cruises are so enticing, but then I say to myself, "But I only get four-six hours there. How much can I see." It's a teaser. YET, according to cruise "junkies", they "have seen the world".
5. Forget about the spa services unless you are dying for an expensive, mediocre massage. Instead look for other spa services that you can use. We loved the hydro-pool and the thermal beds so we bought a week pass to use them. Now talk about privacy and luxury! We sat in a heated tile bed soothing our bodies watching the glaciers and icebergs pass by.
6. When choosing a cruise, look for trips that fit your travel profile or your travel concept of the moment. There are sites online that recommend cruises for boomers, Gays and Lesbians, Jazz lovers, gourmet cooking, etc. etc. Stay away from ships that advertise big time for kids and families….that is unless you are with young kids. Somehow the commotion around kids when you don't have them destroys the luxury of a sea cruise. USA today has a fine list of their "Best of Cruises."
7. Look at the meal options to see if you can eat "healthy" no matter how you define it. Despite all the hype of good food on cruises, I found the hype was more about the fact that you could get a lot of what they had at most any time and even with only seven days on board the choices got old. If you are a "foodie" you might want to be more selective of the cruise ship. Check out if you can treat yourself to a fine meal if desired. We had the option with a wonderful restaurant on board that costs $30 more per person and was a real treat.
8. Accept that germs transmit easily on ships, even luxury ships. We were reminded of this each time we strolled down the hallways, as there was Purell at every turn and crew offering us hand sanitizer before all meals. No matter what, a cruise ship is a petri dish for disease. I chose to be clean but not crazy. If you can't let go of this then cruising may not be for you.
9. Prices range all over the place. Again, you get what you pay for. Comparison shopping works, but not always. That's why I recommend using an Travel Agency. Some people say book as early as you can…a year out or more. I don't think that way. There are lots of "fire sales" at the last minute to fill the ship. Just make sure you know what you are getting with the price. For example, we got meals, and non-alcoholic beverages. That made for some pricey wines and cocktails that resulted in a surprising amount on our final bill.
10. Read the itineraries carefully. I've been doing that lately with all the promotions that come. It's fascinating how they list a place as a destination, but you actually are sleeping while you are there and only have a half a day when you wake to get off the ship. Seven days of a cruise, with four of them at sea, can be misleading. Again, it goes back to your criteria.
I'm sure another cruise is in my future…not sure when or where. The advertisers are smart, keep pumping out the information and it's a numbers game. One of them will grab your interest. But when I do make the choice, I want to be in control of my choices.
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