A Cruise Specials ALERT
Why a Cruise Specials alert? Because when it comes to cruise prices many cruise liners have become a little more covert in their cruise pricing operations - charging less for the ticket while assessing a number of extra fees and surcharges at embarkation.

Cruise Ship Port Charges
Cruise liners have always had an "advertised" price and a "real" price - the price after they assess the various port charges and taxes. As an example, I recently booked a 5 day cruise for myself in the cheapest available cabin at a price of $420. The port charges however added another $198.77 making the actual cruise $618.77. Holy Shmoly! There's also added expenses for shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic drinks, even soft drinks... and tips can easily add another $50 to the total outlay of your cruise.

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

Cruise Ship Boarding Tips
Your cruise vacation dreams are now a reality. You've packed your bags, filled out your cruise documentation, and you're about to start your adventure. But are you really ready to go? Here are some tips about the embarkation process that you'd be wise to take care of before you head out for your cruise vacation:

Travel Documents and a Change of Clothes
Keep all of your travel documents on your person, including tickets for the cruise, travelers vouchers, your passport, and the immigration forms that the cruise line sent you in advance. By travelers vouchers, I mean bus vouchers that your cruise line sent you to get you from the ship from the airport. Also pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case it gets delayed.

Standing in Lines is Expected
When you get to the ship, keep a cool head because the embarkation process can be a little chaotic. There are going to be lines, especially at the beginning of the check in process. There will be lots of stressed out people in line so take some deep breaths, relax, and take things in stride. Many of the major cruise lines have loyalty or reward programs and may even have preferred check in areas. Check on this with your travel agent because it can save you lots of time.

Credit Card Required
When checking in, you'll be required to give the cruise line a credit card for incidentals and on board charges. Keep your room card with you because it serves as your on board credit card and also identifies you for getting on and off the cruise ship at ports of call. Here's a good tip. If you get to your ship early enough you'll get two benefits - you'll get to have lunch on board and you'll get the best shot at getting the spa and beauty appointments you want.

Smile for the Camera
Just before getting to the gangway you will likely be stopped to pose for a picture that will be taken to commemorate your trip. The picture will be displayed in the cruise ship's photo gallery in case you decide to purchase it. Get past the photographer and you're on your way. Happy Cruising!

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog
 

Where Do I Begin?
Are you considering a cruise vacation but you really don't know where to start? Have you started shoping for a cruise vacation? Did you do your cruise shopping online? Were you successful in getting the best cruise vacation for your money? Have you booked your cruise or do you have too many questions to make the committment?

How to Shop for Cruises
You can find information about cruise vacations everywhere - from friends, travel agents, newspapers, magazines, and online cruise specialists to name just a few. While cruise information abounds, your best bet is to begin the research process on your own.

Plan Your Destination
Think about where you would like to cruise... Should it be a tropical vacation to escape cold weather, maybe a fascinating Alaskan cruise, perhaps a European cultural cruise, or maybe even a high seas adventure cruise? Search the web and you'll find merchant links, articles about cruises, sample itineraries, etc. which will help you focus your wish list down to one or two options.

Pick Your Itinerary
Once you have decided on your cruise destination, it's time to start defining your itinerary. The nice thing about doing this online is that you will not have a sales agent pushing a particular cruise for commission. You can investigate this yourself, looking for cruise lines that travel to your dream destination.

Choose Your Cruise Line
This question requires you to look inward at your own particular lifestyle. What would you like and expect a cruise vacation to be? Remember that different cruise lines offer different break points on pricing, different levels of luxury, even different styles.The higher priced cruise lines usually offer a higher level of service (cuisine, excursions, and staff members per passenger). That doesn't mean that you should automatically chose a higher priced cruise line however - just something to consider. In fact, you may want a more "freestyling" tupe of cruise that is offered by Norwegian Cruise Lines or Carnival Cruises. Their cruises tend to be more fun and relaxed than the more formal choices like Radisson Seven Seas. Your cruise line choice becomes a matter of personal preference at this point.

Pick Your Stateroom
Choosing your level of stateroom is a matter of taste as well as budget. If you don't plan to spend much time in your room, you might consider an interior room to save some money. "Ocean view" rooms provide passengers with a window to the ocean which can be kind of nice. My preference is a stateroom with a private deck where I can sit in privacy to enjoy the fresh sea air.  I will mention that all staterooms are comfy, and you will surely enjoy your room regardless of choice. 

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog