How to find and plan the best cruise

Ebony, June, 2005 by Nikitta A. Foston

HOTELS are nice, resorts are great and amusement parks will thrill you with rides, but there is an unimaginable thrill--a rush, if you will--when you take a cruise. Nowadays, cruise packages are tailored for every income and interest, and are among the most desired and most-planned-for events on the typical social calendar. Still, the secret to having the best cruise is finding the right cruise for you, one that fits your pocketbook and your passions. So, before you set sail, take note of the following tips to be sure your cruise meets every facet of your desires.

Start Early. Most cruise lines, especially the major players, offer substantial discounts to early-bird shoppers, those who book four to six months in advance. With discounts between 10 to 50 percent off and other perks, including reserved dinner seating, reduced air fare and preferred cabin selection, starting early may make a huge difference in your bottom line and your overall cruise experience. As an added incentive, most early bird deals offer price adjustments if prices go down.

Create a Budget. Once you've determined how much you want to spend, you can begin to browse by length of stay, destination, location of cabin and departure city. Browse the Web sites of some of the most popular cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Norwegian) and check out the special deals for your personal specifications.

Determine Your Interests. If it's romance, adventure, entertainment or kid-friendly travel choosing the cruise that fits your interests will be the key to maximizing the cruise experience. Since your ship will serve as your on-site entertainment, restaurant and hotel, you will want to make sure that there is a fit between your desires and the package offered.

Consider a Travel Agent. If this is your first cruise, a travel agent, one who knows the business and has built a relationship with the major cruise lines, may relieve the stress of doing it on your own. In addition to finding the best-priced package for your needs, a travel agent can provide an installment plan, with a deposit up front, if you cannot pay the entire cost at the time of booking. Many agents can offer deals not listed on the Web as well as last-minute specials that are not advertised.

Think Group. Depending on the number of people traveling, you may be eligible for a group discount, or other special group offers. Because a cruise line expects that a group of travelers will spend collective monies, they are able to discount travel fares, room rates, port charges as well as offering free cabins, parties or shipboard credits.

Decide Your Length of Stay. Whether you're traveling with a group of 50 or just you and your sweetheart, you'll need to determine how long you can afford to stay. You can select a cruise package for just about any budget.

Pick Your Favorite Destination. Your choice of destination will affect your costs, as will traveling during peak season (May-August). Lower cost packages are normally available during the off-peak season.

Pack for the Occasion. You'll have plenty of things to buy on your cruise, especially if you have several stops along the way, so try not to overpack. Once you've checked the forecast for your destination, pack according to temperature and include evening wear, beachwear (if appropriate) and temperature-friendly clothing for your daily activities.

For more information, call your local travel agent, browse the sites of the major cruise lines, or check travel sites like expedia.com, travelocity.com and orbitz.com--and book the cruise of a lifetime.