As we approach summer, I can't help but notice that my future bookings are the lowest in twelve years.
Part of that is attributable to the fact that 24-hour bad-news cycles make people less inclined to plan vacations early, but as much as I hate to acknowledge it, I know more and more people are simply tapping their smart phones and tablets to book online without contacting me.
Most assume they will find a cheaper price, but whatever the cruise lines offer, I can match. As you know, I will delve into promotions to find the deal that works best for you personally, since sometimes there are specials for past guests, senior citizens, residents of particular states and, in an emerging trend, new guests to a particular cruise line, plus others with assorted gimmicks and for assorted demographic fractionalization.
More imporatantly, I can recommend other cruises that perhaps you never considered but which may be more suitable for your needs.
However, if you want to book online, please remember that you can now book directly for most major cruise lines at http://www.CruiesPlanners1.com (and don't forget the 1), with the easiest consumer booking engine available. Just pick out the cruise line, specific ship, sail date, region, cruise length or embarkation port, and you'll find lots of great choices. Then select "Book Online" to see live pricing and, if the price is right, book your cruise.
You'll be able to see applicable specials based on information you enter. I will still be your personal Cruise Planner, available by phone or email if you have any questions, problems or concerns.
As you've probably heard, the Mediterranean is somewhat softer price-wise this year, but as you also may have learned, air prices are higher than in prior years, and the combination has resulted in some people who planned great European vacations bowing out due to higher than expected air rates.
As such, there are some great deals, especially if you can cash in some air miles or plan your trip with flexibility to fly on less expensive dates. In any case, you can look at the news (and realize that fuel prices show no sign of declining in time for this summer and, most likely, any future years.
Don't forego living your dreams just because air prices are higher than they were five or ten years ago.
Because the cruise lines have so many ships in the Mediterranean vying for Euros as well as American dollars, there are fewer ships doing those cruises you may most associate with summer, the Caribbean.
This shorter supply will result in many disappointed families who procrastinate much longer. In assessing the value of a Caribbean cruise, don't forget to factor in the flight time and hassle time to get to a destinaion like Grand Cayman or Punta Cana.
I am not saying they don't have wonderful properties, and I am happy to help you book a trip to any of these islands, but flying to Florida, for, example, is usually much easier and has many fewer hassles than going to a small island.
With a cruise, you get the opportunity to visit several great islands, taking in the best parts of each, and then return "home" to your floating resort to a welcoming staff, delicious meals and world-class entertainment.
Take a break from the daily grind and read my article about this summer's cruises to the Caribbean.
Then let your thumbs walk your smart phone to http://www.CruisePlanners1.com.
The shocking early death of artist Thomas Kincaide reminds us that no one lives forever. Make the most of your time on this beautiful planet. Today is no less important a part of infinity that any other time.
