Booking a cruise (cruise ship, best, vacations, passport)

[CChelle]

my husband and I want to go on our first cruise. What is the best way to book one in terms of price, etc? Travel agent, online, directly with the cruise line? Any recommendations are appreciated.

[tamcim72]

some of those big online travel places are the best place to start. cruisesonly.com is one that comes to mind.

best deals are when kids are in school and it isn't a holiday (october, early december, january, february etc), caribbean is still nice this time a year and not many storms.

booking under 2 months also gets greats deals.

[nitram]

We always use a travel agent. We get the best deals and a guaranteed itenary, pricing, and insurance in case something goes wrong. They arrange everything from door to door.
A good travel agent will work with your wants and needs. They can explain every detail to you and work out side trips etc.

[pfw]

Go checkout Cruise Critic - Cruises, Cruise Ship Reviews, Ratings, Cruise Deals, Cruise Forums, it's a great website to help you with cruises.

[foma]

I've been on 2 cruises and just booked my 3rd cruise yesterday. All three times I've booked directly from the cruise's web site. The best deals you get will be during "off peak" and no matter what web site you go to, I've noticed, is always high during peak. I've never booked through a third party before. I tried through my credit card's discount site but it wasn't much of a discount. It was seriously cheaper to book directly through the company. If I were you, I'd start with a "small cruise". Nothing to big or fancy just to see if you like the experience. Some people don't like that kind of atmostphere. Personally, I love cruising! So many great opportunities to people watch! Anyway, goodluck and have fun!!

Here are some main cruiselines here in the States:
Royal Caribbean
Princess
Norwegian Cruiseline
Celebrity
Carnival
Holland America

[princesspolamalu]

I also think it is best to book directly through the cruise line. It doesnt seem to me that you really get any great discounts through 3rd party sites. I dont know your age and what kind of experience you are looking for but I do have cruise experience and if you want more detailed information feel free to PM me. If you do have a little extra money to spend I reccommend Princess. They are a fantastic line. Some people might disagree, but I say avoid Norweigien at all costs. The worst cruise I have ever been on.

[nitram]

I agree Princess is great, we've done 8 of them. Carnival is the party boat if you're into that sort of thing.
We found booking through a travel agent cost no more than booking directly. With our travel agent we were able to get the best rooms with a view, guaranteed, and all the amenities and side trips making it no hassle. They also coordinate the air flights and have gotten us good deals on air pricing. TA's work on commissions from the cruise lines, so if you book direct the cruise line makes a little more profit.

[Huckleberry3911948]

Originally Posted by CChelle

my husband and I want to go on our first cruise. What is the best way to book one in terms of price, etc? Travel agent, online, directly with the cruise line? Any recommendations are appreciated.

expedia.com will do ya.
take lots of underwear and comfortable dancing shoes.
dental floss and toothpaste & laundry soap.
swim trunks.
have fun.

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[magnusiax]

Hello there,
Try this cheap cruises vacations deals this might help you a lot. Good luck...

[BelizePlease]

Originally Posted by nitram

I agree Princess is great, we've done 8 of them. Carnival is the party boat if you're into that sort of thing.

Party boat? That's such an old stereotype! Have you been on Carnival or are you speaking from what you hear?