Expert: Linda - 4/18/2003

Question
Hello,I would like to go on a cruise in August.Do I need to use a travel agent or can I book it on my own?Also, any other tips on picking a cruise ship and is cruising southern Bahammas good for a first cruise?Thank-you ,Dale

Answer
Dale, there are many sites on the Internet to book cruises.  It depends on your comfort level in dealing without human intervention.  If you feel you need some hand holding, then you want to use a travel agent.  If you use a TA, then choose an agency that specializes in "cruise-only" as they book more cruises and will get a better price.  Here's some that have good reputations.  Galaxsea.com  we're using them for our cruise May 10.  I searched the internet and they had the best price.  TA I worked with was John.  Vacationstogo.com, good pricing, reliable.  Seasavers.com, cruisesonly.com.These are some others.  Spend some time doing your homework for the best price.  If you're flexible and can cruise in September, you'll probably get a better rate as the ships that are in Alaska are back in Florida, so there are more cabins to sell, hence a better price.  Your choices for the caribbean are eastern and western.  For a first cruise, I'd choose the eastern as it's not so much a culture shock as the western.  The western is great, but you visit poor islands and that is disturbing for some.  Eastern, you usually go to St Thomas, an incredible island and whether you shop, snorkel or sightsee, you son't be bored.  San Juan is another popular spot for the eastern.  Great history, lots to do.  Your particular ports will depend on the cruiselline you choose.  If you're young and into the party mode, then I'd choose Carnival, only make sure you book one of her newer ships.If you want great entertainment, food, service, choose Princess or Royal Caribbean.  NCL is also in contention with Princess or Royal.  Costa is good also, but, it caters to European clients, so you will listen to announcements made in several languages.  If you're a non smoker, don't choose this line as Europeans do smoke and there are complaints from non smokers.  By the way, if you are totally against smoking or allergic, choose Carnival Paradise, it's totally non-smoking.  If you like adventure and are young and healthy, I'd choose Royal Caribbean voyager of the seas, explorer of the seas.  They have rock climbing walls, ice skating rink, virtual golf.  Oops, forgot Navigator of the seas.  Also log onto cruisecritic.com, click on the "boards", you'll see the cruiselines listed alphabetically, click on the cruiseline you're interested in and you can read reviews of the ships, see pics of your ship.  They also have "cruise critic parties" on board many of the ships.  You'll see where cruisers will all get to know each other before you sail via e mail, pics etc.  Our cruise has 85 signed up for the party.  It's a good way to meet people.  
If you need airfare to Florida, you'll find it cheaper than flying to San Juan, which is where you will need to fly if you want to do the deep southern route for a cruise.  If you're in New York, there is a new airline "Song" that flies from New York to Florida.  Spririt and Jet Blue also offer cheaper airfares.  Your TA can also arrange airfare for you at discounted fares.  If you don't like being stressed or fear missing the ship, fly the day before to Ft. Laud or Miami and use Priceline.com for a hotel.  If you're flying to Ft.Laud, click on 4 * ...Beach.  August and September are off peak for Florida, so you'll be able to get a room for under $50.  Some provide transportation to the pier as well.
I hope I've given you enough info to start your search.  Please e mail me if you have any other questions.  We're leaving on vacation on Wed and won't be back till Sun. so if you e mail during that time, I can't answer till next Monday.
Linda