Tips and tricks...

[Cnote74]

Is there existing article to help me better educate myself how to get the best deal on a cruise, leverage promos, evaluate getting suite vs 2 cabins etc?

looking to start planning a cruise in 2020 or 2021 for 6 or 7 day cruise with my family of 4 (kids 4 and 8 ) and parents (76, 72)

 

thanks

[Flatbush Flyer]

21 minutes ago, Cnote74 said:

Is there existing article to help me better educate myself how to get the best deal on a cruise, leverage promos, evaluate getting suite vs 2 cabins etc?

looking to start planning a cruise in 2020 or 2021 for 6 or 7 day cruise with my family of 4 (kids 4 and 8 ) and parents (76, 72)

 

thanks

There are a zillion threads on CC regarding how to find a great cruise specialist TA who can ease the labyrinth of options for you.

 

The time it will take for you to use the CC search engine to peruse topics of interest is worth the effort. One point to consider is that "value strategies" may differ significantly from cruise line to cruise line, particularly when you move from one industry level to another (e.g., from "mass market" to "premium" or "luxury"). Equally important, when looking at pricing, is to base comparisons on the "net daily rate" (i.e., ALL required and desired optional costs divided by vacation days) rather than the cabin cost. (And we haven't even addressed quality)

 

CC itself has quite a few "stickie" articles which, though very basic, can get you started. But, you may also want to consider "primer" articles in major cosmopolitan newspapers with good travel sections (NYT, LAT, etc) and travel oriented magazines like Condé Nast Traveler.

 

[JimnKaren]

I agree.

Jim

[Host Kat]

@Cnote74

 

Howdy and welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Cruise Critic has beaucoup articles, so here we go!

 

First of all, Finding a Cruise Travel Agent. Try to find a good Cruise Specialist, or at least one that has taken many cruises before. 

First-time cruisers should check out our First Time Cruisers resource guide.

A collection of feature stories in Cruise Planning

The What to Expect on a Cruise series, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life.

 

I sincerely hope this information will be helpful and glad to have you aboard Cruise Critic!

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat

[Markanddonna]

I agree with ronbe64. The vast majority of agents read from a script and have limited personal knowledge of details. Booking a typical Caribbean cruise is relatively easy compared to sailings in Europe, Asia, transoceanic cruises, etc. 

The collective wisdom of cruise critic regulars is far superior to a typical agent. 

[adventuredancer]

i might start out with what kind of cruise are you looking for? carribean? europe? new england/canada? etc

that alone will narrow things down.

then maybe pick a port (or 3) where you want to leave from

then figure out your budget. if you know that you will have XXXX dollars to spend on this vacation then you have to start looking at whether cruise line A offers all inclusive drinks or excursions, etc and yes will cost more outright, but might be better off than an a la carte ship.

you also have to take into consideration how long each cruise is.

will you be flying into the port or can you drive there?

take into consideration the temperment of all the parties going. are they more laid back? picky about things.

what kinds of kids programs are on board for your kids.

 

i personally am one of those people that will plan out tons of stuff and research things.