Im a first time cruiser and I have some questions about cruising?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

I have cruised on all of the cruise lines that you mentioned and also have cruised to Alaska and all over the Caribbean. I have been on more than 20 cruises and I have done some with an agent and others without, just booking right on line. So here's my response to your questions.

1. If you know exactly what you want, i.e. which cruise, which cabin, which date, then you can easily book yourself right on line. BUT, if you do book on line use then cruise line web sites to book directly with them rather than going through those other non-cruise line web sites you mentioned. If you get stuck or have a question you can then call the cruise line directly (or email them) and get a fast and accurate answer. If you still have questions about when, where, what cabin, date and what things mean then use an agent. Agents do not charge for their services as they will be paid commission by the cruise line.

2. All cruise line cabins are sold based on "double occupancy" which means two people per cabin. However, you can go, as you called it "solo" by paying what's called a single supplement. The single supplement is basically a double fare for the cabin same as if two people were going in it. There are some web sites that advertise singles cruises ( http://www.singlescruise.com/pages/Home.aspx ) that will attempt to match you up with another person who will cruise in the same cabin with you. But ask yourself whether you would want to occupy a cabin with a total stranger for a week. I would rather pay the single supplement. If you are set on going alone (I have met quite a few people cruising alone so its not rare), then look for a cruise that is discounted and/or select a date when the cruise fare is the lowest.

3. To save money just look on the cruise line web sites for discounts and specials; most every site lists some. More importantly, the earlier you book the better the price; a year in advance usually gets you the best price. Once you decide whether its Alaska or the Caribbean then look at the difference in the prices for each date. Alaska is cheaper in May and September. The prices in the Caribbean can change each week; pick the cheapest week. Look at how the price for this cruise itinerary changes each week : http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itineraryAndPricing.do;jsessionid=00004rIc0a9QpSGyZON9K_kv6Na:12hdhu87a?packageCode=LB07W035&date=ANY&selectedCurrencyCode=&promoType=&hasSenior=&hasMilitary=&hasFireandPolice=&state=

4. Forget upgrades you are not likely to get one. I have done 20+ cruises and got one only twice and one of those was a move to the same type cabin on a higher floor. So some of those "upgrades" don't really get you much more, a higher floor, middle of the ship instead of further back or forward. The best cabins are mid-ship and higher floors; those cost more also, but are basically the same as the same type cabin in other locations. There is less motion in the center of the ship and on lower floors. I always suggest getting the best cabin that you can afford. I always cruise in a balcony cabin; you WILL enjoy your cruise more in a balcony cabin.

5. I have driven to cruise departures in Florida and also flown to other departure ports. I always go a day early to prevent problems with a flight delay and/or lost luggage that can make you miss your cruise. Even when I drive to Florida (from NC) I drive there a day early; stop about an hour or two from the departure port. So if I have car trouble I have some leeway.

6. I have never used a luggage forwarding service because they are too expensive in my book; and they can loose your luggage too.

txcajungirl

Alaska cruises run from the end of May to the beginning of September only. Caribbean cruises run year round but are always higher at the end of December and in March. I am a travel agent so I am biased on the question about booking.

When you book a cruise, you are given the option of cabin guarantee or assignment. With a guarantee, you book a certain cabin type (interior, oceanview, suite, balcony). With an assignment, you choose your cabin at the time of booking. Mid-ship is always the best option. A lot of cruises run upgrade specials so just ask.

Whether you fly into the port of departure the day before or the day of is your choice...most cruises leave around 4pm. However, I always recommend flying in the night before when doing an Alaska cruise. If you want to go to the port a few days before the cruise or stay a few days after, you can add on a pre- or post-cruise vacation.

As for your luggage, the cruise line sends luggage tags that you are to use. These coincide with your cabin location on the ship. Once you check your bags at the port, they will be delivered to your cabin to you by that evening.

I hope all of this information helps. As far as cruise lines go, Princess is going to be your most expensive of the 4 that you listed. All 4 are great lines but I highly recommend Princess over the other for Alaska.

rick d

I have done over 20 Alaskan cruise/tours. Princess is the # 1 line there.
I have booked directly with the cruise line & always request an inside cabin on deck 11 towards the middle to rear of ship. Price after comparing is no different if I had used a web site.
An inside cabin is not only least expensive but, I personally only spend 6 hours aday there so it does not matter plus, the views are better on deck.
As for flying in early that is a personal choice. I live in Upstate New York leave at 6am boarding ship by 1pm without being tired. & I am not as young as I used to be.
Luggage - they will send you tags & you check it at the airport and (pay the extra charge for ground transportation) you will check your luggage at your final airport with the cruise line who will transfer it to ship who will send it to your cabin.
Saving money tips- cabin selection, common sense, buy souvenirs in ports of call instead of ship, check your charges daily on ship ( TV in your cabin or reception desk) ships pictures of you are nice but, can be expensive.
If you can drive to port then you will need to find a secure place to leave your car. Alot of hotels will allow you to leave your car at your own risk.
Enjoy. Alaska is Amazing.

Stephen B

I love cruising. We usually go Royal Carrib. I booked everything myself on line and had no problems. Try using cruisecritic.com, its an amazing site loaded with every kind of question and answer you can find. Once you register with it you can search topics through the bulletin boards. If you smoke consider a balcony as most ships do not allow smoking in your cabins.

I would do Carnival its cheaper but you still get the same quality.

Book with the company itself. They will tell you if you are elegable for an upgrade

As for geting there its up to you as long as your on the boat on time.

Dont do luggage FWD.

Drive or fly.

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