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Choosing your cruise is one of the most important steps of your cruise experience. Finding the best cruise agent is essential. Knowing which liner will best suit your needs, style, which destination ports will be of interest to you and when you should travel, are some of the many aspects which should be considered. This is why a cruise agent is such an important part of your cruise vacation decision. Below are just a few of the aspects that a good cruise agent will discuss with you during your cruise consultation. Be sure to make notes of any special questions you may have before you speak with them. The Five W's 1. Who: Knowing who is travelling is one of the more obvious questions but one which must be carefully considered. Are you a single traveler, a couple, a family, or a group? Are there small children traveling or would you prefer an adult only ship? Would you prefer a younger or more mature onboard age group? These are some of the important factors which must be considered when selecting the right cruise ship, and some of the many things that your cruise agentwill discuss with you. 2. What Ship to Choose: Each luxury cruise line has many benefits and aspects that make it unique in the industry. Some ships are intimate vessels carrying approximately a hundred passengers, whereas others set sail with several hundred to over a thousand passengers. The onboard atmosphere of some ships is more formal, with traditional dining venues, whereas others offer a more casual setting with an open dining experience. Matching you with the ship that will best suit your needs and style should be your first priority. Let the cruise agent help you to choose the ship that is right for you. 3. Where: With over 65% of the world being covered by water, it seems as though the "Where" possibilities are truly endless. Where does one start? How do you choose? Well, one way is by knowing when you can travel to each location and what time of year the itineraries are offered. Also, what do the destinations offer and are the ports of interest to you? Some of the more common destination choices are: the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and Africa & Asia. And for the brave what about the titanic route, you may see some nice icebergs. Your cruise agent should be happy to discuss the many options being offered. In addition, once you have decided on your cruise destination, a good cruise agent will provide you with in-depth information on pre-cruise and post-cruise stays, as well as private shore excursion options. 4. When: When to cruise usually depends on one of two things: when you are able to go or when the itinerary you are interested in taking is being offered. The first consideration, when you are able to go, is easily determined. Once you establish your time frame, your cruise specialist is able to provide you with a selection of cruises being offered at that time. If you personal availability is flexible, often times, the second consideration, when the itinerary you are interested in taking is being offered, is another way of choosing when to go, as certain itineraries are only offered at certain times of the year. Your cruise agent can help you to select the best time to travel to your destination and which itineraries are being offered. 5. Why are you traveling: The question is, far too often, overlooked by travelers, and is one of the more important questions to consider. Are you traveling for rest and relaxation? Are you traveling to learn about a specific destination or culture? Are you interested in a learning or life enrichment experience? Or is it a special occasion (i.e. a honeymoon, an anniversary, a family reunion, etc.)? These scenarios are just a few of the many reasons that you may be considering a cruise and knowing "Why" you are traveling, will help your cruise specialist match you with the cruse line, ship and itinerary that will best suit your needs. As you can see, there are many factors that go into the planning of your cruise vacation. Researching, defining, and refining all of these variables is why your cruise agent is such an important part of your decision and selection process. Hope you have a wonderful cruise. By the way,do you get seasick? The chances on a cruise are very slim. However it is always advisable to take some sea sick pills with you; just in case.
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