Cruise Holidays agents were asked, “Do you have any top tips for
someone who is about to book their first cruise?” The number one response by a
significant margin was to heed the advice of a professional travel agent. “Our
cruise experts have heard countless horror stories from clients who were burned
by a ‘too good to be true vacation deal’ or who ended up on the wrong kind of
cruise because they didn’t get proper advice before the trip,” said Kevin
Weisner, Senior Vice President, Cruise Holidays International. “Some people
think ‘Do-It-Yourself’ translates to savings, but the facts don’t support that
thinking.”
“As for the second most important tip from our experts, the
variety in dining and entertainment aboard large cruise ships has reached
nearly dizzying heights. What first-time cruisers may not realize is that due
to the popularity of these cruise amenities, you can’t always expect to just
walk up and be seated,” added Weisner. “Our cruise agents can counsel their
clients on exactly when and how to book these ‘can’t miss’ opportunities. With
blockbuster shows such as Chicago
The third most urgent tip for first-time cruisers is to book at
least some shore excursions in advance. Travel agents can often provide a wider
array of options than what is offered by the cruise line, and they use tour or
activity providers that have been thoroughly vetted for safety, quality and
price.
Here is the Top
10 list of tips for first-time cruisers, according to Cruise Holidays
International:
|
Ranking |
Tip |
Percentage
of Responses
|
|
1
|
Book the
cruise using a professional travel agent
|
23.6%
|
|
2
|
Reserve
specialty dining, onboard entertainment and spa appointments as early as
possible to avoid disappointment
|
14.6%
|
|
3
|
Book some
shore excursions before leaving for your cruise (use a travel agent for best
variety/additional options)
|
10.1%
|
|
4
|
Ensure legal
documents are in order, including passports and visas (or other necessary
I.D.)
|
9.0%
|
|
5
(tie)
|
Get to know
layout of ship as soon as possible to make the most of your time onboard
|
5.6%
|
|
5
(tie)
|
Plan to arrive
at least one day in advance of cruise departure
|
5.6%
|
|
7
|
Choose the
cruise vacation that’s best for you, not just the lowest price
|
4.5%
|
|
8
|
Complete
cruise ship online check-in early; don’t wait until day of departure
|
3.4%
|
|
9
(tie)
|
Make sure to
allow for some free time – you don’t need to schedule full-day excursions for
every port of call
|
2.2%
|
|
9
(tie)
|
Budget for
extras such as shore excursions, beverages and gratuities
|
2.2%
|
|
9
(tie)
|
Purchase
travel insurance when you book the cruise
|
2.2%
|
Cruise Holidays agents were also asked to identify the most
popular types of shore excursions they book, and “general sightseeing tours”
ranks first. However, vacationers may be surprised to learn about the diversity
of options available. “With activities such as swimming with dolphins, local
culinary experiences and even flight-seeing all landing in the top ten, it
shows the variety of resources at our agents’ fingertips – they may be able to
help arrange the excursion that makes the trip one the client will never
forget,” added Weisner. “Some activities are heavily restricted in terms of
number of participants, so only a select few guests will be able to enjoy some
of the more dramatic trips. But no matter what kind of shore excursion clients
choose, they are better off making arrangements in advance instead of waiting
in line aboard the ship – that time would be better spent enjoying oneself.”
