Archive for July, 2009
July 24th, 2009 | 
Author: Advice On Getting The Better Cruise Deal
Taking a cruise is very popular among vacationers who want to visit exotic lands for short periods of time. Enjoy the thrill and adventure of being on a cruise line with all of its activities and amenities that make taking a cruise so unique. The biggest question of course is where do vacationers find the best cruise deals? People want it all; great destinations and discount cruise deals all in one!
The Key to Finding Discount Cruise Deals
There is no secret to finding the best discount cruise deals. These deals exist at virtually any time but finding them takes research and patience. You may find great discounts through a travel agency one year but find they don’t offer the same deals the next. You may find rock bottom prices for a cruise at an agency only to discover that the cruise line itself is offering better package deals. They often throw in a few extras to entice you to buy directly from them. Seek out all avenues in order to find these cruise travel deals.
Best Places to Look for Cruise Deals
Online Cruise Dealers: When you enter “discount cruise deals” in the search box of places like Google or MSN you get approximately 1 million results. That’s because so many places are offering cruise packages online. Of course all of these places will tell you that they have the best deals but use caution to ensure they are reputable and recognized. There are many services with renowned reputations as being good businesses. Unfortunately there are scam sites out there that want your money with no cruise in return. When looking online ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I see a seal of approval on the website such as the Better Business Bureau or the American Society of Travel Agents ASTA? Travel sites that are approved by these establishments have met rigorous criteria and are places that you can trust. Other seals of approval may come from Cruise Line National Association.
2. Is this deal too good to be true? The competition is rather ferocious online for companies selling cruise package deals. You may see wordage on sites such as “best bargains” or “dirt cheap cruises.” These types of phrases throw up red flags for you. Ensure you read all the fine print before booking any cruise. You may find that there are extra fees involved; taxes port charges and others. You will be surprised at how quickly these “extra fees” turn your low fare into a highticket item.
Here are some additional questions to ask yourself before forking over the cash to any online travel agency:
* Is there a fee for cancellations?
* Are there additional “hidden” fees from the site?
* Is there contact information available phone number and physical address?
* Does this site offer assistance to customers?
Brick and Mortar Travel Agencies: Many of the more popular cruise lines suggest you use a travel agent to book your cruise. A travel agent is best suited to find a cruise package deal that includes desired destination and price range. You will often find deals at travel agencies as well. Many people like the idea of seeing their agent facetoface and getting their questions answered in a timely fashion. Travel agencies have also been known to thank you for your business by throwing in some onboard surprises; perhaps a bottle of wine in your cabin or some onboard perks.
The bottom line is that there is no shortage of vacation cruise deals to find. They are available yearround at many places. The important issue is to ensure you find legitimate deals that offer the most for your money. Never book your cruise without exhausting all of your options to find the best deals.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Thomas DeSimone is a cruise consultant for CRUISEDEALERSHIP which can help you Save on ANY cruise ANY ship ANY cruise line ANY destination!Find out how booking your CRUISE with them is as easy as 123. Log on at CRUISEDEALERSHIP.
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12 Reasons You Shouldnt Think About Taking A Cruise
TO THOSE WHO ARE CONVINCED “I’LL NEVER TAKE A CRUISE” HERE ARE TWELVE REASONS WHY YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT AND SHOULDN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
1. Wouldn’t want you to be forced to eat whatever you want whenever you want or take away the pleasure of grocery shopping cooking and cleaning.
2. Easy to get bored when you’re not interested in shopping poolside service gambling ice skating rock climbing golf wine tasting theme workshops movies Broadwaystyle shows chocolate buffets and all the other boring stuff on cruise ships.
3. Not into rejuvenating your body with facials spa treatments couples massages whirlpools decadent rose petal and chocolate therapy hairstyling relaxing hand and foot treatments. You can wash your own hair and do your own nails.
4. Might get dizzy from too many decisions like choosing filet mignon in a specialty restaurant or lobster in the dining room…the lounge for a quiet drink or the main showroom for comedy…a facial in the spa or a book on the balcony…blackjack in the casino or a game in the sports bar…
5. Don’t want to deny you the pleasure of peeling off those wads of cash every time you eat order a beverage get advice from the concierge get assistance from the bell desk. Might get a cramp from signing for your shipboard purchases instead of paying for every expense individually.
6. Wouldn’t want to take away the pleasure of packing unpacking and collecting all those cool soaps from your favorite roadside motel.
7. Could be too stressful deciding which worldwide destination to cruise including the Caribbean Mediterranean Europe Asia Alaska South America…
8. Easier to keep track of the kids when they’re under foot all the time like they are during a road trip. Who needs kids clubs!
9. Avoid headaches you might get when you’re forced to pick between blackjack craps slot machines sports bars bingo poker or other adult entertainment aboard a floating Vegas.
10. Don’t want you to feel claustrophobic on a ship that holds 25hundred passengers weighs 90000 tons is several football fields in length thousands of square feet in size and several stories tall.
11. Housekeeping and room service are completely overrated. Who needs someone in your room two to three times a day straightening your bed freshening the bathroom leaving chocolate on your pillow and forcing everyone to laugh at those silly towel animals.
12. With the captain in charge wouldn’t want to deprive you of that family tradition of arguing over directions!
Take a cruise? You’re absolutely right. What were we thinking!
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;I’m Shelley LashCooper a journalist by trade traveler by choice and a mom through most. As a professional travel agent for many years I have cruised as an agent and also my adventurous husband and I have shared several anniversary voyages.
My cruising experience has led me to create an information website focusing on Theme Cruises. Learn if one of your favorite celebrities or music groups is playing at sea. Discover if there’s a scrapbook or golf theme planned or a famous chef or sports legend invited. Match your passion with your vacation.
Sign Up and Sail Smart at http://www.smartmoneycruises.com/cruisesignup.htm
Smart Money Cruises is a great online resource for veteran and firsttime cruisers. Where All Your Themes Come True!
3 Day Cruise Packages
3 day cruise packages can be a great introduction to sailing on the open seas. Many people are curious about a cruise vacation but they may hesitate because a 7 or 14 day plan might seem out of their price range at the moment. Others may question whether or not they would enjoy a long cruise but these economical 3 day plans are the perfect length and price for everyone.
Have you wondered what cruising involves and were just unsure about the time involved? This is a common concern for many prospective passengers. Maybe you only have a few days of vacation or you only have a long weekend that you can use for a quick getaway trip. Some people are just looking for something to break the monotony of long weeks of work. Whatever your reason 3 Day Cruise Packages are certainly a perfect solution.
Even though you only have a few days to be out on the ocean there is no lack of excitement. The activities on board will provide you with many diversions and opportunities to experience the adventure and fast paced lifestyle onboard large ocean liners. You might just find that cruising is something that you want to repeat again and again.
For people that enjoy shopping there are shops onboard for your enjoyment when you are not at docked at a port of call. Bingo night clubs parties entertainment and other activities will keep you busy throughout the day and evening if you sign up for one of the 3 Day Cruise Packages. There are always events that are scheduled for passengers of every age. You might have an onboard auction or a cooking class to attend and most classes will be giving away door prizes to lucky guests.
If you want to rest and relax you can sunbathe at one of the pools or hot tubs or just enjoy the view from a reclining deck chair. You can even read or watch your favorite television shows in your cabin. If you have a private balcony you can enjoy a little solitude at any hour of the day or night. You will be provided with a daily schedule of the ships activities for every cruise including those 3 Day Cruise Packages but you only choose those that you want to be involved in each day.
Outstanding food is included and you will have regular meals served in the restaurants daily. These are buffet affairs. The large windows surrounding all of the restaurants provide panoramic ocean views that are sure to impress you as you dine. A wait staff is always on duty to assist you and they will even bring your meals to your cabin if you prefer. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and if you have special dietary requests the cooks and chefs can accommodate you easily.
The cost of these short getaways is very inexpensive even if you are planning on taking the family. You can also check for last minute specials on which can save you 5075 of the original cost. This means that you can often arrange one of these exciting 3 day cruise packages for less than 200.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;For more great information on 3 Day Cruise Packages visit our new website www.allmytraveltips.com. And for more great articles visit www.pencilsense.com today.