Picking The Right Cruise

We have several folks going with us on our Alaska cruise this year who have never cruised before, and understandably, they are initially a little uncertain about what to do, how it all works. That's understandable, and an interesting statistic from the Cruise Lines International Association is that only 5-10% of the U. S. population has ever cruised before, so there is a lot of uncertainty about, what I think, is the best vacation one can take.

Of course, I'm a little biased with this statement but my best advice (tip) in picking the right cruise for you or your family is to begin with an experienced travel agent. They know the questions to ask to fit your needs with the right cruise, and that will save you a lot of time, and potentially a lot of money.

Included on most ships is the room rates, meals in the main dining room and buffet, nighttime entertainment, daily activities on board, children's programs, movie presentations, just to name a few.

Not included are the cover charges at the specialty restaurants, some specialty coffees and ice cream bars, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities.

Some are reluctant to go on a cruise because they are afraid of getting sea sick. Again, the ships in most markets now are so large and well-stabilized that it is seldom that one knows you are moving. If an individual is prone to motion sickness, then the over-the-counter Dramamine or Bonine will counter that feeling. Or better still, have your physician prescribe for you the Transderm patch, and it will have dramatic positive effect. My wife has motion sickness tendencies, but she has had the Transderm patch on with her on over 70 cruises and has never been sick.

Another negative comment regarding cruising that gets a lot of national publicity is when there is an outbreak of the norovirus. It is a stomach bug that spreads easily and is typically brought on board by a guest who has been infected. Even though it is prevalent in schools, hotels, and hospitals, cruise lines get the major publicity. It is controlled by being carefully mindful of washing hands often and being careful with the hand sanitizers in the dining areas.

The great thing about cruising, especially if one likes to be involved, is the amount and variety of activities available to keep you engaged. For example, some lines will have guest lecturers on varied subjects, bridge tournaments, casino tournaments, wine lectures, art auctions, cooking demonstrations, not to mention all the physical activity available like the basketball and tennis court, the track around the promenade deck, table tennis, water slides, shuffleboard....just to name a few.

When one factors in all the costs associated with the cruising experience, compared to a land-based vacation, you'll discover that it is a very affordable vacation experience. In that light, as I mentioned at first, visit with the experienced travel counselors at The Travel Factory and let them guide you and your family to the right cruise that fits not only your needs, but also your pocketbook. For an eye-to-eye meeting, stop in at 4150 Southwest Drive between Rosa's and Chick-Fil-A, or call at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040. We specialize in helping you manufacture the vacation of your dreams.