What's The Best Cruise Line???

The above title is one of the questions we most often get, especially from folks who have never been on a cruise before.  Getting to the best answer is very complicated, because it depends on several factors, not the least of which is the expectation of the client.

Properly booking a cruise is complicated.  Once you decide where you want to go, you have to decide what ship to take and then which cabin to choose.  For the persons who have never cruised, shopping on-line or with brochures where some ships, especially the larger ones, have more than 30 price categories.  Well, why is Category BC better than Category BF?  How large are the rooms and which floor is the best one to be on?

Because of the many variables involved, it is best, and easiest to narrow the choices based on the expected budget.  One variable that we encounter is that the client has seen on TV or had a solicitation for a real good deal by e-mail and they are under the impression that the price quoted is what it will cost.  They fail to see the 4-letter word, “from”, or the phrase “beginning at”.

Other questions that factor into our consultation with the potential cruiser is whether they are intending on taking children with them; if so, how many and at what age?  Do they intend to drive to the departing port, or do they want to fly?  There also needs to be a discussion on what time they prefer dinner and what are their choices on the cruise line chosen.  Another price variable is the insurance question.  Do they want their vacation investment covered in case they have to cancel because of illness or accident?  Another cost variable is the gratuities that are expected by the folks who take care of their room each day and those who serve them at meal time.

There are several classifications of ships that the industry uses to differentiate and provide some guidance for the counselor who is advising a client.  Again, the primary difference is determined by the cost of the trip.  Some cruise lines are targeted for the budget conscious and the ships are generally 8-10 years or older, some are considered premium mass market which in some categories are very reasonable, some are considered deluxe mass market, a little higher on the cost factor, and then there are the lines considered luxury.  Typically the luxury ships are smaller with larger rooms and as a result have fewer passengers with a two service person ratio to one passenger.

The good news is that no matter what the preferences and priorities are, chances are there is a cruise line that serves whatever the client is looking for, and it is the travel agent, in concert with the traveler, who helps them decide what is the best one for them and their pocketbook, knowing that whatever they choose, it will be the best vacation they’ve ever taken!!

The experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory are eager to help our first-time or 20^th-time vacationer with their travel needs, so give us a call at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040.  Our website is www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.  Come visit anytime!!