Question 1

I've never cruised; what do you suggest?

Accepted Answer

I recommend starting small so you can get a feel for the cruising experience, but you are not committed for too long if it turns out to not be the best fit for you. A 4-5 day cruise is a good starting point. Keep in mind, depending on the cruise line, this may be geared more towards a livelier/partying crowd. Let's talk about this and make sure we pick the right one for you!

Question 2

What is your booking process?

Accepted Answer

1. Complete my New Traveler Information Form.
2. Schedule your 30-minute consultation. During this session we will discuss any trip details and it gives me a chance to get to know you a bit so I can provide you with the best vacation experience.
3. Based on the information you provide and our discussion, I will build a proposal for you including destination information and cost of the trip. The proposal will include a link to a credit card authorization form.
4. Once you approve the proposal, I will submit a deposit on your behalf to reserve your booking and you will receive a confirmation directly from the cruise line or supplier.
5. Between booking and the date you travel, I will work with you on ways to enhance your vacation experience. I will take care of all additional reservations needed or details for you! Everything from booking dining reservations to shore excursions, and more.
6. I will submit the final payment on your behalf (you will get a reminder about this due date).
7. Download the cruise line mobile app. Upload needed travel documents 
8. You will receive notification from the cruise line (between 30-45 days out) to select your check-in time. 
9. I will email you final travel documents as well as luggage tags (these don't have to be printed in color, although it helps).
10. You will receive notification from the cruise line that it is time to check-in. YOU MUST CHECK-IN YOURSELF. Legally, I am not able to handle the check-in process for you.
11. You board your cruise and have the vacation of a lifetime!

Question 3

How are your services free and what do I get?

Accepted Answer

All of my services are free to you! I make my commission through the partner suppliers I work with. Working with me ensures that you have a streamlined, care-free process where you don't have to worry about any of the planning. You get my expertise (I've been planning travel since 2008) and knowledge of destinations, cruise lines, and ships, and I will make sure you have everything you could need or want to have a dream vacation.

Question 4

What are the most important things to consider when selecting a cruise?

Accepted Answer

1. What type of experience do you want? Luxury? Adventurous and on the go (think more port days than sea days), Relaxing (perhaps more days at sea)? 
2. Where do you want to go? Do you want a warm, tropical vacation? Do you want to experience the stunning scenery of Alaska or northern Europe (this means colder climate, but definitely worth it)? Do you just want to get away and don't care where you go? 
3. What outcome do you want? Do you just want to lounge around on a ship for a week and  don't care where you go. Or, is it all about the destination? Do you want to party like a rockstar, or have exquisite dining in an upscale environment? Or, perhaps you want both? What kind of stories do you want to tell your friends and family when you get home?

Question 5

Are cruises crowded?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the cruise ship, how it is laid out, and how strategic you are about where you spend your time. If you go to the sailaway party, it will be quite busy! You don't have to go though. I typically spend sailaway on my balcony - where it's just me!

Cruise lines have done a really good job of spacing things out so that even if you are on a larger ship with more people, it doesn't feel crowded. I don't like crowded spaces, and I have never had a problem while cruising.

Question 6

Why do you prefer cruising over land vacations?

Accepted Answer

There is something really magical about being at sea. The sound of the waves, seeing dolphins/whales hanging out alongside the ship, and the all inclusive experience. Everything you need or could want is available to you. Some of the best gyms, spas, restaurants, entertainment, and service I have experienced have been on a cruise ship.

Question 7

Is cruising expensive?

Accepted Answer

In short, no. It doesn't have to be, but it also can be, depending on what you want, what cruise line, etc. Every land vacation I have ever taken has been much more expensive than my cruise vacations, and I definitely like an elevated experience. To give an example - I just priced a 7-day Caribbean cruise with Celebrity Cruise Lines on their newest ship (Ascent) in a balcony cabin. The cruise came out to $4,398 - total. That's $2,200 per person which works out to $314 per night. This includes all your meals, entertainment, alcoholic and specialty drinks, WiFi, gratuities, and your cabin. Not to mention you are on one of the most beautiful ships at sea. There is no way you would get a land vacation inclusive of all those things for even close to the same price. Cruising is definitely a more cost effective way to travel!

Question 8

Should I get a drink package?

Accepted Answer

This is a very personal decision and there are a few options to choose from. You don't have to get a drink package, however, it's a great way to save money on beverages and not worry about having to pay every time you order a drink. There are non-alcoholic refreshment packages, coffee packages, and basic and premium alcoholic drink packages. Most cruisers tend to drink more specialty beverages (whether it's lattes and cappuccinos, or alcoholic drinks) when they go on a cruise, so I typically recommend adding this feature. I am happy to discuss the details further with you and help you decide if this is a good option for you.

Question 9

Is there a dress code on cruise ships?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the cruise line, there may be some guidelines on what to wear (especially in the dining venues) and there may be some straight up rules where you may be turned away if you are not dressed appropriately. You will want to check with the cruise line (or me) to find out what is appropriate. One thing I will tell you is that while many cruise lines have formal nights, it is not required that you dress formally (unless you are sailing a luxury cruise line) and you should feel comfortable wearing what suits you (as long as you follow the guidelines). An example of some guidelines are no shorts, ripped jeans, hats, or swimwear in the main dining room during dinner.

Question 10

What if I get sick on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Every cruise ship has medical facilities on board. I recommend bringing basic things you may need (band-aids, ibuprofen, seasickness medicine, feminine products, decongestion, etc) as obtaining these on the ship can be pricey. They have most needs available though, should you need them. If you have an emergency (you get injured, etc), the medical facilities is available 24/7 and the crew are always very attentive. Believe it or not, you can get Xrays, on a ship if needed!

Question 11

Should I book shore excursions through the ship or through an outside vendor?

Accepted Answer

This is entirely up to you. However, a few things to keep in mind. Booking with the cruise line is a sure thing in terms of safety and ensuring you make it back to the ship before it leaves port. Even if your tour is running late, the ship will wait for you. If you book outside of the cruise line and miss the all aboard time, the ship will leave without you and you are responsible for meeting the ship at the next port.

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