TravelSmart newsletter offers tips for booking cruises

[Bulldog]

NEW YORK - TravelSmart Newsletter has a two-part series with tips for booking and taking cruises in its May 15 and June 15 issues. Both issues are available free for the asking by calling 800-327-3633, or you can visit http://www.TravelSmartNewsletter.com.

"Rates for cruises are the lowest I've seen since I began publishing TravelSmart," said editor Nancy Dunnan. "All lines are offering recession rates - as much as 40 per cent less than last year with many giving free or reduced airfare, along with remarkably low prices for children and seniors." She called this a "buyer's market" and added that with departures from more than 20 U.S. and Canadian cities, many people can drive to their cruise.

Here are a few recommendations from Dunnan's advice for finding the right cruise:
 

-Look for a cruise with like-minded people. Retirees tend to take longer cruises of nine or more nights. Families sail during holidays and summer, often on large ships with kids' programs. College students like spring-break cruises; scholarly types pick cruises with cultural themes or on-board experts giving lectures. Professional couples may gravitate to quick getaways of five days or less. Well-travelled types like exotic destinations, luxury yachts, four-and five-star ships and river cruises with gourmet dining. Solo travellers often opt for singles-designated sailings or ships offering to find a cabin mate.

-Ship size matters. Megaships, with 3,000 or more passengers, have nonstop activities; midsize (500-1,000 people) are more personal, like an inn. Small ships (fewer than 500) are great for those who like to read, write and study nature; they easily navigate shallow waters, getting you up close to wildlife.

-If you're buying insurance, ask what it covers. Some cruise policies only give you credit toward a future sailing if you cancel.

-Book the right cabin. Inside cabins are cheaper, but will you be unhappy without a view? If you get seasick, select a cabin in the middle of the ship. Avoid cabins near restaurants, elevators, galleys, laundry rooms, pools, ice cube machines, nightclubs and casinos.

-Ask about tipping. On some cruises, a daily gratuity fee is added to your onboard account, and a 15 per cent gratuity is often automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck chair tabs.

http://travel.canoe.ca/Travel/News/2009/05/14/9454526-ap.html

[flopnfly]

On some cruises, a daily gratuity fee is added to your onboard account, and a 15 per cent gratuity is often automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck chair tabs.

You have to pay for deck chairs?   Wow, they nickle and dime you to death on these cruises don't they?

Perhaps if the resorts charged for the beach chairs, it would eliminate the towel wars.   

[Bulldog]

Yes it seams those extras would be a little too much