"I'm a traveling man all over the world."
These Glen Campbell lyrics become especially appropriate during the summer months (though with such current security concerns, plus travel warnings from Europe, perhaps we should revisit staycations.) But for those of us who refuse to allow terrorists to frighten us off at home or abroad, consider today's tips on cruises. For the next two weeks, I will concentrate on specifics many of us generally don't consider; some provisos appear in both Bottom Line Personal, and that of my and others' cruise experiences - both good and bad.
- Be cautious about which cruise line you book. Even when visiting the same ports, cruises offer very different experiences. Do you crave excitement and adventure or prefer a quieter, more relaxed journey? Investigate the line and ships yourself, but also seek the advice of a travel agent to make the job easier. Ask veteran cruisers their opinion. While checking online reviews is a good idea, be careful not to take everything stated at face value. Do take note if the majority of recent reviews are mostly positive or negative.
Let's take some examples: Carnival ships' reputation is more that of a party atmosphere, although many families cruise the line because of less expensive costs. So, if would-be cruisers want peace and quiet, perhaps move on. For families, Disney Cruise Lines is the ultimate expedition. On the quieter end (but more expensive), check Crystal, Oceania, Seabourn, and Silversea.
Many middle age people like Princess, but when taking a bucket list expedition last summer, hubby and I had a horrific experience on the Caribbean Princess. (The cruise was billed "Caribbean," but the journey occurred thousands of miles away from that particular area.) My best suggestion is simply to be as conscientious as possible. While we haven't cruised that much, my favorite line is Holland America.
- Select the right cabin. Research is key. Have trouble walking long distances or up stairs? A stateroom close to an elevator may be the answer. Avoid cabins close to casinos, nightclubs, and so forth - you'll "enjoy" late nights just not by choice. Find a map of the ship's layout to avoid potential trouble spots. Check the decks above and below cabins under consideration. If you're under a pool deck, you'll be subjected to a great deal of chair-scraping noise, as well as lots of activity, especially during days at sea. Ideally, cabins should be surrounded by other cabins. Avoid high-up cabins if you're prone to sea sickness, as well as those near the ship's front or rear.
- Watch special offers. Last-minute deals don't necessarily save you money. They may look like a super great deal but they sometimes have an unsavory side. Special fares can come with restrictions such as a non-refundable deposit. Considering a deposit is usually several hundred dollars per passenger, we certainly want our money returned if an emergency interferes with travel. Fewer cabins remain empty closer to departure time, so if you wait for last-minute deals, the entire vacation could fall by the wayside. Locking in a cruise sooner rather than later gives you ample opportunity to shop for a deal on airfares into and out of port cities. Planes also fill up quickly.
(To be continued)
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.