Is a Cruise Vacation for You?

Are you planning to go to a resort for your next vacation? Are you looking for an all-inclusive type of package which includes airfare, lodging, and meals? Think about a "floating resort," which is how some people have designated cruise ships.

When you go on a cruise vacation, your daily life is centered on the activities and entertainment provided by the cruise ship. Are you up to the fun and excitement? This makes your research on the various cruise lines and what they offer important before you decide on your trip. You want to match your personality and budget with the type of ship you choose. For example, if you want a romantic getaway, you do not want to be on a ship that is family-oriented.

The best source of information about cruises are travel agents who specialize in this type of vacation, you family and friends who have been on cruises, books about cruises and cruise lines, and the Internet. Search the Internet for cruise deals and discuss these with your travel agent. Some cruise lines may offer special deals on the Internet.

Find out about shore excursions and see how they fit your budget. You can get a list from your travel agent or on the cruise line's website. Ask your travel agent to order a DVD from the cruise line for you. When you look at the cruise line web sites, they may offer a DVD as well as online brochures. The brochures and the DVD will show you the types of staterooms that are available and other areas of the ship.

An all-inclusive cruise package usually includes the following:

• Accommodations
• Three full-service meals in the dining room
• Alternative specialty eating places including snacks and late evening buffets
• Entertainment which may include nightclubs with live bands and dancing, lounge shows, contests, and movies
• Sports and recreational activities including swimming pools, health clubs, exercise rooms, jogging track, library, and game room
• Childcare facilities (which may be extra)
• Lectures

There will be some activities that you will have to pay for such as your trips to the casino, onboard shopping, spa and beauty treatments, and some exercise classes such as Pilates. One of the features a number of people enjoy is the food served on the ship. There are late night buffets, snacks, lookouts, and room service. That is in addition to the three main meals that are served. On some cruise ships, wine and alcoholic beverages are included. On others, you may have to pay for these and you may have to pay for soft drinks.

A number of cruise lines use a cashless system. You charge everything on a special card they give you and you settle up with a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks. You want to make sure you understand how this works before you book your cruise. You will need to carefully budget what you need for your shore excursions as well as any expenses you may incur on the ship.

When you discuss your plans with a travel agent, you should get everything in writing. This will prevent problems or questions that may come up later.

Getting as much information as possible before you book your cruise will ensure you have a pleasant and memorable vacation.