If you have a limited budget, you're probably not going to cruise with Silversea. If you don't like kids, you don't want to cruise with Disney!
Here is my list of the top 10 mistakes people make when booking cruises;
1- Not booking a cruise because of the the fear of being "trapped on a ship with nothing to do"
There are endless options, from the gym to cooking classes to the casino. And most cruise ships are large, lots of room to walk around, shop, swim, even rock climb or play mini golf. Usually the problem is finding time to do everything!
There is a type of cruise for almost everyone. Large contemporary ships with a huge choice of recreational facilities, yacht cruises that pamper your every need, Expedition cruises that explore off the beaten track. Sailing Cruises, River Cruises
3- Book by price alone
The price might be low, but is it the best choice for you? Is there another ship or cruiseline that would suit you better? Does this line have a lot of hidden costs? Is it going to be difficult or expensive to get to your departure point?
4- Booking an inside cabin
There are a few exceptions to this, but almost every client who has booked an inside cabin comes back and says never again! Let’s face it, we wouldn’t book a hotel room without a window. There is usually not much price difference for an outside cabin, or even a cabin with a balcony. Nothing beats having your morning coffee or before dinner wine on your private balcony!
Getting a recommendation is good, but make sure their tastes are similar to yours. It’s a good idea to ask why they enjoyed the cruise. If they say because it was so quiet and relaxing, and you’re looking for action and activities, you’ll know to try something else!
6- Book the cruise with the most ports of call.
You might book a terrific cruise, and then find out it costs a small fortune to fly to your departure point. Or that the flight schedules are terrible. Or realize that you really need to spend a day or two pre or post cruise to make the most of your holiday. Or perhaps you have extended insurance that won’t cover the amount of time you’ve booked.
8- Booking the cruise line you always book.
A lot of people find a cruise line that they’re really happy with, and always book on that cruise line. There are good reasons to do that, most cruise companies have loyalty programs that give benefits to past passengers. However, sometimes you should try something new. It may be that another cruise line specializes in the area you want to go to, has a better itinerary, or a nicer ship . Or that someone else is offering a perk like free air, or prepaid gratuities!
This is a biggie! So often people will say to me, “I think I’ll wait for a last minute special” This usually means you’re not going anywhere! Cruises tend to book up well in advance, and for many the price gets higher as the departure date gets closer! And if there is space closer to departure, chances are you’re not going to get the cabin or the dining arrangements you want.
Also, if you book early and the price goes down, you can usually get the lower price.
10- Not using a Travel Agent
Maybe I’m prejudiced, but why wouldn’t you use a Travel Agent? We can coordinate your whole vacation, book your cruise, air, hotels, insurance and shore excursions, and find out about any special promotions. (Many of which are only available if you book through a Travel Agent) We can give you unbiased advice on all the cruise lines. After all, we work for you, not for the cruise lines!
