So you have finally talked your traveling companion into going on a cruise with you, providing you can find one for a reasonable bottom line price. You’re very excited and start surfing the net to find the perfect cruise at the right price, but with so many websites listing different rates it is hard to know what is included in the advertised rate!
Here is what should be included and what to ask about so you aren’t blindsided when you get the bill!
For the first time cruiser, the cruising world can seem as if it has its own laws.
‘Last minute’ deals, guarantee staterooms, starboard, mid-ship, cancellation policies, tenders…confusing one to the point of madness.
Within this sea of information and chaos, it is no wonder certain cruise myths have been able to stick around.
Myth #1 Huge Upgrades
Unfortunately, even though you heard from your brother’s wife’s sister’s boyfriend’s great-aunt that they got an upgrade from an inside cabin to a Royal Suite—gasp—that may not have in fact been true.
It is like the secret game my 4 year old likes to play, the first person tells a secret and they tell it to their neighbor, and they then tell it to their neighbor, and so on…until you get to the end and what started as ‘I got a great deal on my cruise’ has twisted into ‘I booked the day of the cruise, only paid $99 and got into the Penthouse!’
There are typically only two ways that your cabin would be upgraded:
Travel Insurance used to be seen as a gimmick, a negative, silly, frivolous.
Not anymore.
Whether it’s your trip, your possessions, your luggage, or your health, travel insurance has become one of the most important pieces of the cruise reservation.
John answers the big question in our 30 Second Cruise Tip Video!
“Cruise Travel Insurance – Yes or No?”
According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, some 70 percent of cruisers buy travel insurance. The top three reasons are: peace of mind, protection against the unexpected and concern over losing the financial investment in a trip.
With everything that could go wrong on the way to the cruise terminal or during the cruise itself, going without travel insurance was taking a huge chance. Now, with our inexpensive Cruise Travel Protection Plan, you do not have to worry any longer!
You might enjoy:
Dining onboard an ocean liner or cruise, has always been a romantic, and nostalgic, part of a cruise vacation.
It is still an anticipated part of a cruise vacation, however, as the ships are becoming larger and more contemporary, the cruise lines thought it best to offer multiple dining options. It gives cruisers a choice, which is extremely important for an enjoyable vacation.
On most ships, there is now two main styles of seating- Traditional and Open.
With Traditional Dining, you dine at the same table, at the same time, and with the same cruise mates (allocated by the cruise line) each evening.
Although Traditional Dining works for many, it does not work for all.
The Open Seating option allows you to attend dinner whenever you would like, and with whomever you wish.
No matter which you choose, your dining experience should be an amazing one as the cruise lines still focus greatly on this magical part of vacation. It is not a myth, the food on a cruise ship is delicious!
You Might Enjoy:
1. Customer Service
Now there is a something you don’t get every day.
Just to remind ourselves, its definition is “the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase”. Unfortunately, these days, you are more surprised to receive ‘good’ service than bad service.
Although the cruise lines train their call-center staff in the art of customer service, they are still a large call-center, so you in turn, are still just a number.
If you call to ask a question, you will typically never speak to the same person. Even if they do answer your questions, many have never had the opportunity to cruise, so they read from lists and scripts.
Our agents have been onboard the ships and can really give you first-hand advice about different cruise options. Through familiarization trips, constant training, and cruise seminars they have the research and experience to address your questions and concerns quickly and efficiently.
2. Personal Relationships
When you book your cruise through a cruise-only travel agency, such as CruiseNow.com, you are anything but a number. You are more than a name on a manifest; you become a part of our family. Seriously! We work in a familial environment, and we like to pass that on to our clients, we really appreciate each and every one!
At CruiseNow.com we value ourselves on our personal relationships with our clients. Our agents have clients, now friends, they have been working with for 5-10 years; they know about new babies, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and are with them every step of the way. They know their vacation needs, and always suggest the best cruise line and destination for any occasion or quick getaway.
We are also able to alert you to deals and suggest future trip ideas, based on our knowledge of the industry and our relationship with you.
3. Knowledge and Experience
With our expansive knowledge of the industry, we are able to advise you which cruise line, ship and itinerary will offer you the best overall cruise vacation.
Visit Google and enter “cruise “. You will be welcomed with 89.3 million responses. You might need a little help narrowing down those choices.
Choosing a cruise is not the same as selecting a flight or hotel. There are many factors to consider that an agent will be able to cover with you quickly, so you are able to make an informed decision, know what to expect. Also, they will be sure to inform the cruise line of any special medical or dietary needs you have, so you book the appropriate room and the ship is informed before you sail.
Knowledge of the ports of call is almost as important as familiarity with the ships. Our agents will be able to offer advice and tips on what to expect, excursion ideas, and what to pack (you don’t want to wind up in Alaska in May with just tank tops and shorts).
4. Variety of Choices
Again, as you are not just a number, we will not just try to offer one cruise line to fit your needs. As a cruise-only travel agency, we are able to reserve cabins on every major and small-ship cruise line. Depending on your personal preferences, special occasions, traveling companions, one cruise line might work better than others. And the right one your first cruise might not be the best fit for your second cruise.
So you are able to keep up your personal relationship with your cruise guide at CruiseNow.com, as you experience different cruise lines.
5. Low Price Guarantee
And for being a part of our family, we want to make sure you receive the best and lowest price possible for your vacation. Because of our relationship with the cruise lines, we have access to discounted group rates and exclusive cruise pricing not found anywhere else.
Occasionally we are able to offer promotions with additional values such as onboard credits, spa or specialty dining certificates, a free bottle of wine or prepaid gratuities.
As added security for our customers, CruiseNow.com does NOT charge your card. For peace of mind, we charge the card directly through the partner cruise line. Also, if the price of your cruise drops after you deposit, we are able to have that rate lowered for you—as long as it is before final payment and not a restricted fare.
CruiseNow.com also NEVER charges any service or administrative fees–no $30 fee for names changes, or $50 fees for cancellations. You are able to take advantage of our services and resources, for FREE.
Have questions? Interested in Booking a Cruise?
Just call 800.243.1959 or visit our website for a low price guarantee, no additional fees, additional amenities, and customer service personally tailored to you!
Some of the best things in life are free. We’re pretty great 
, and so are you.
Click here to find out the WHO behind the NOW–who we are and why we love what we do!
© 2012 Cruise Now, Inc. all rights reserved.
