Don't Underestimate the Value of Cruising

Sometimes, it's easy to talk yourself out of taking a cruise.

There's no shortage of online opinions from poorly informed people with questionable motives who will tell you all the reasons you should avoid doing anything, and if you believe them, they will stop you in your tracks.

For newbies, prices sometimes seem too high, if you have been counting on prices you saw during the fall.

September and October traditionally have the lowest prices on Caribbean cruises for solid reasons.

First, most kids have returned to school, so their families naturally have less interest in booking.

Along the same lines, demand from teachers, who as a group tend to be ardent cruisers, also drops as they return to classrooms.

At the same time, lots of ships reposition to the sunny Caribbean from their summer homes in Alaska and Europe, dramatically increasing supply.

The coinciding decreased demand and increased supply would be enough to bring about lower pricing, but on top of that, the first week in September happens to be the peak of Hurricane Season.

The reality of one storm and its aftermath plays on the collective psyche of the public, who worries this could be just the beginning of non-stop tropical storms.

In fact, most days in the Caribbean are sunny in most ports, and cruise ships have the mobility to re-route their voyages to take advantage of favorable weather patterns in another part of the Caribbean, so if you have the time to cruise in the fall, it's not a bad move to take advantage of the bargains.

However, don't expect to find those same prices in the winter and spring, when Caribbean weather is usually ideal, or in summer, when families and teachers travel.


That's not to say there aren't great deals, but you have to be realistic.

Think about what you get on a cruise.



First, you have your vacation lodging, and it will stay with you as you travel between unique ports, so you don't have to pack and unpack as you would on a road trip.

Second, all your meals and snacks on board are included, unless you choose to eat at one of the alternative dining venues which carry modest surcharges.

Entertainment every night is also free, and I'm not talking about sitting in your room watching television, although you are free to do that too.  You'll appreciate the most talented performers in the world on a cruise.

And in daylight hours, you experience a floating resort with all the comforts you would ever want.

Enjoy a glass of free champagne at an art auction like a bon vivant.  Watch a movie on a big screen poolside or in the theater.  Compete for prizes in Trivia, or just stretch out on a lounge chair between dips in the pool and hot tub.  Get active on a sports court, rock climbing wall or one of the mind blowing new onboard attractions.



You could enjoy a great vacation without ever going ashore, but you will have the opportunity to visit exotic new places, where you can simply do as the natives do or splurge a bit for an excursion.

Julie and I almost always snorkel in Caribbean ports of call.  Our typical $30 mask and snorkel lasts ten plus years, and then it is just a matter of finding a beach with a rocky outcropping that's the home of colorful fish, which I'll be happy to recommend one for you in each port.

Make the adventure your own by choosing how you personally enjoy spending time ashore.  History aficionados can visit forts, Mayan ruins or pirate haunts.  Music buffs can find that perfect beach side bar.  Foodies can seek out the best in local foods.  Nature lovers can seek out caverns, rain forests and wildlife sanctuaries as well as sandy beaches by turquoise seas.  Best of all, do something unique in each port to make every port experience distinctly memorable.



It's easy to get tempted by the newest, flashiest ships, and if you can afford to spend more, by all means go for it!  If the price seems too high, however, don't let that stymie you.  I'll be happy to recommend a similar cruise to fit your budget.

Usually, an older mainstream cruise ship will cost less than the same line's newest mega-ship, and opting for a less expensive room category can help.

These days, everyone wants a balcony, and some families want to go with a full blown suite, hoping it will cost less than two lesser rooms, but 4 people in an inside cabin is better than staying home.  I will help you find the best room for your budget as well as your real needs.

Then again, you want to get the best travel experience you can comfortably afford, so don't short-change your valuable time.

In addition, it must be noted that each cruise line has a its own philosophy that permeates its offerings.  Frequently, it costs no more to be on the one specifically suited to you.

Seek out the help of a travel consultant, whether for your first cruise or any other time.

"Better service leads to better trips!"