Introduction to Cruise Lines & Cruise Offers
What’s new with cruise vacations?
There's no end to the variety of cruise vacations -- and
we're eager to help you pick the one that's right for you!
How about bungee jumping, bowling alleys, rock-climbing walls, water
parks, onboard ice rinks, onboard skating rinks, miniature golf,
trampolines, and onboard surfing. You can watch movies under the stars
on a giant screen from the recliner in the pool, or sit in a hot tub
that extends over the ocean. You can enjoy comfort beds, luxurious
linens, elegant toiletries, superb spas, concierge and butler services.
Then there’s the culinary kitchen centers, wine and caviar bars, Ben &
Jerry’s ice cream parlors, alternative dining venues (with up to ten or
more on some ships) featuring cuisine from some of the world’s top-end
chefs like Todd English, Joachim Splichal, Wolfgang Puck, Georges Blanc,
Jacques Pepin, Michel Roux, and others.
With larger ships come more amenities, and ships are getting larger
overall. Gone is the day when six to eight decks defined the typical
cruise ship’s size. Today’s ships range from 12 to 19 decks with more
balconies than you can shake a stick at, apartment-size suites, but also
more intimate public areas, and much more. The shopping promenade on
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas is longer than 1.5
football fields.
But for many travelers, bigger isn't necessarily better. Discerning
travelers are likely to lean toward
luxury
cruise lines, upper
premium
lines, or
small ships
that may offer fewer activities, but provide them more exclusivity and
the ambience they prefer. Bottom line: there are so many cruises out
there. Some are your dreams come true, and some may be your nightmare.
Our cruise
experts will help differentiate what cruise lines best meet
your needs.
Welcome to cruising in the 21st century!
In the first few years after the year 2000, over 60 new cruise ships
entered service. Each year new cruise lines and cruise ships are
launched. Finding the right cruise ship is more complicated than ever
before, and there are many more choices to be made in finding the best
cruise vacation that meets your needs.
Shopping for your cruise
Many consumers shop for cruises online on the basis of price. But
there are subtle quality distinctions that make a difference in the
cruise experience each cruise line provides. Each cruise line, even each
cruise ship, has its own personality.
You shouldn't just want the most discounted cruise. You want the cruise
vacation that offers you the most satisfying experience. To learn more
about cruising, we invite you read our
Cruise FAQ's,
especially if you are considering your first cruise.
Why use a cruise travel expert?
With all of the discounts, offers and changes in the cruise
industry, it's more valuable than ever to find a
cruise expert
who can guide you, regardless of whether you are shopping for a
luxury
cruise, a
premium
cruise or
moderate
cruise.
You don't pay extra (at least with us) to use a professional travel
agent to handle your cruise arrangements -- in fact, you may pay less
and you may have a more satisfying cruise vacation! As we've been known
to point out: you can cut your own hair, too!
Our cruise
experts can help you:
- make the right choice,
- make all the necessary arrangements,
- ensure you are getting the best available pricing,
- offer you exclusive offers on many cruises throughout the world.
Plus, our cruise experts cover all the other bases including: pre- or
post-cruise city packages, hotel overnights, customized shore
excursions, private car and driver services at ports of call, travel
insurance to minimize your vacation investment risk, and expert advice.
You will always have someone to call with your questions or for
assistance. On our website you can:
Different categories or types of cruise
vacations
The cruise industry classifies cruise brands as
Luxury,
Premium and
Moderate
Cruise. Additionally, there are niche categories like
Small Ships,
River Cruises & Barges as well as expedition cruising and
private yachts. How are these different?
Measuring Service
One manner of evaluating the level of luxury [and comfort] is by
crew to passenger ratio. Moderate priced lines
generally have one crew member for every 2.5 passengers, or more. Luxury
lines generally have one crew passenger for fewer than every 2
passengers. The lower the ratio of crew to passengers onboard, the more
attentive and personal the service should be.
Measuring Comfort
Luxury and comfort is also defined by space ratio
-- how much elbow room each passenger has on a ship. While some feel a
small ship with fewer people is more intimate, the size of the ship
isn't relevant as regards to onboard space ratio, but rather how many
passengers can be accommodated on a ship relative to its size.
Measuring the Dining Experience
We all appreciate the difference between a fast food hamburger
and a gourmet burger made with quality ingredients and premium ground
beef. Both can be satisfying, but there is a difference in the quality
of ingredients and preparation, and how it is served. While dining on
any cruise is quite satisfying in satisfying our gastronomic needs, on
deluxe ships dining is, at its best, like dining at a fine restaurant
each evening. Deluxe lines spend far more on ingredients and quality
than moderate lines, and offer a different level of culinary delight.
Measuring price
Generally speaking, luxury cruises ($300 per person per day on up) will
cost more than moderate pricedcruises ($75 - $250 per person per day),
with premium cruise falling somewhere in between. However, because
luxury cruises often include far more amenities that moderate cruise
lines charge for, and the service level and cuisine at a different
level, the actual price difference is less than meets the eye.
Having touched on just a few key factors in deciding on the right cruise
for you: service, comfort, cuisine and price, you can now consider
whether you'd prefer
Luxury Cruises,
Premium
Cruises or
Moderate
Priced Cruises. Outside of this mainstream, you might also
consider
River Cruises & Small Ship or
Expedition
Cruises off the beaten path.
