- Why is cruising a good vacation value?
- How long do cruises last?
- Is there a good time to take a cruise?
- What about hurricane season?
- Is there a more affordable time to take a cruise?
- Where do cruises go?
- Will I feel confined?
- How can I tell the best cruise line for me?
- What are the different classes of service?
- Is there time to get bored?
- What about motion sickness?
- Are there things to do in port?
- Do I have to take a tour?
- Will I have to participate?
- How do cruise lines feel about families and kids?
- Are there things to do at night?
- Will I have to pay for entertainment?
- Will I meet new people?
- Are there people similar to me?
- What about singles?
- Should a honeymooner take a cruise?
- Are there tips for having a great cruise?
- I would like to learn more about cruising.
- Is cruising really that great of a value?
Why is cruising a good vacation value?
A cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Cruise vacations suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. Plus, your vacation is fully paid before you leave.
How long do cruises last?
You can find a cruise to match your schedule. There are three day cruises and three month cruises. Choose the cruise that works best with your lifestyle.
Is there a good time to take a cruise?
It depends on where you'd like to go. Anytime is the best time to take a cruise. The Caribbean is great all year.; however, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September; to Europe between April and November; to Bermuda, between April and October; the Panama Canal, between September and April.So anytime is a great time!
What about hurricane season?
Officially, hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends November 30th. The greatest incidents of hurricane and tropical storm activity tends to be between late August and mid-October. This doesn't mean you should not cruise in September. The ships today are equipped with state of the art weather equipment and the Captain is constantly allerted to a storm's position. The passengers and crew are completely safe.
Is there a more affordable time to take a cruise?
You may want to consider sailing between the end of August and the sailing before Christmas, but not over Christmas or Thanksgiving. Children are back in school and most people are saving for the holidays. During this time there are 2-for-1 with reduced rates for 3rd and 4th passengers. Senior citizen rates are also good at this time.
Where do cruises go?
Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water -- the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, the Orient, Australia, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal and more.
Will I feel confined?
No. Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. It's your choice as to which line suits you the best.
How can I tell the best cruise line for me?
Everyone has different priorities, interests, etc. You will want to consider price, ships, itineraries and passenger type (interests, ages).
One of our Cruise Planner agents will be glad to help you. You may also want to visit your local library or book store to study travel magazines.
What are the different classes of service?
There is one class on the ship and everyone onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom is based primarily on its size and location. You enjoy the same type of service and facilities as everyone else on the ship.
Is there time to get bored?
Being on a cruise offers lots of freedom few places can offer.It will take several days just to get oriented with the ship.. There are also new and exciting ports of call. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the view. You can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge.
What about motion sickness?
Todays ships have stabilizers, advance availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications to calm any motion sickness.
Are there things to do in port?
There is so much in port it will be difficult to pick which excursion to go on. There are tours or you can choose to go by yourself.There is shopping for great vacation values or exploring ancient ruins. Ride a raft or bicycle down the side of a mountain. There is horseback riding or climbing waterfalls. Enjoy a folkloric show or play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. A cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of and you never have to unpack!
Do I have to take a tour?
You can do whatever you want in port. Or, you can take tours arranged by the ship, just walk into town, or stay on the ship. You can choose to stay and have lunch on the ship - you can always come back, even with tender, they run all the time. Tours are always reviewed with you on the ship. Most people who take tours are quite happy they did.
Will I have to participate?
You can do whatever you want. You may choose to do it all or just lie back and do nothing at all. It's your choice.
How do cruise lines feel about families and kids?
About one third of the cruises are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines offer supervised activities for children. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Children can also cruise at a very discounted rate as your third or fourth person.
Are there things to do at night?
There is dancing with entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges. The theater offers feature films. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet.
Will I have to pay for entertainment?
Entertainment is always included in your cruise price. There is never an extra fee and all shows are live, Las Vegas type variety.
Will I meet new people?
Everyone is so friendly on cruise ships that it's easy to meet new people. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.
Are there people similar to me?
Cruise are for people of all ages, all types of interests and backgrounds. From singles to couples and families, your sure to find someone with similar interests.
What about singles?
Most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away and many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.
Should a honeymooner take a cruise?
Cruising is so romantic and cozy with dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away and so much more. Most lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed.
Are there tips for having a great cruise?
Begin your cruise with the idea that it will be your best vacation ever! Recognize that everything can't be just the way you want it. With 1,000 to 3,000 people on board they have to keep everyone happy.
Get to know the crew members on the ship. They are always willing to help make you vacation a truly memorable and happy time for you.
I would like to learn more about cruising.
There are lots of good magazines about cruising at your local library and bookstore. These include Berlitz, Fodor's and Frommer's. Also, there is lots of great information on the dfwcruises.com website.
Is cruising really that great of a value?
It's hard to find any negatives.The one major complaint is that cruises end far too soon! You don't have the bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation.
Family Cruise Discounts, FamilyCruiseDiscounts.com. DFWCruises.com |
