What does a Cruise Specialist look for in a cruise?

Have you ever wondered what a cruise specialist looks for when booking their own cruise?  Well look no further than here!

To be honest, I am probably my own worst customer!  My wife certainly seems to think so.  There are so many cruise lines to choose from, it is hard to choose which one is best for us.

1.  Itinerary! – Where a cruise goes is a big thing for me.  I like to see as many places as I can one cruise, so the fewer days at sea the better for me, saying that, days at sea are fun as it gives you chance to explore the ship a bit more and see what it has to offer!  Then you’ve got exclusive islands in the Caribbean which are exclusive to that cruise line, and amazing to see these islands, and that feeling knowing that you’ve seen these islands is fantastic!
2. Departure Port – Sail from Southampton or fly?  That’s always a dilemma I face when booking my cruises!  What is the best value for money – is to fly out to say Venice or Miami and cruise the Caribbean, stay for longer.  Or the alternative is to sail from Southampton.  Both are great options, but the decision I make all depends on the itinerary of the cruise.
3. Special Offers! – Everyone loves a bargain!  Am I right?  Come on, you know I am right.  We’ve have become this culture now, where everyone loves a deal, and getting something for nothing.  I am no different.  I love when I book my cruise, if there is on board credit, or even an upgraded cabin!  There is nothing better than booking your cruise to find you have on board credit AND a drinks package!  You wouldn’t believe how happy that makes me.
4. Ship Facilities – This always tends to be at the bottom of my priority list.  When I go on holiday or cruises, yes I like to see what facilities each ship has to offer.  But to be honest, I always like to experience different ships.  As long as they have a bar and a restaurant, I am easily pleased.  As long as my wife can have coffee in the morning, she is happy.  I love the ships that have the innovative ideas, such as the bionic bar on Royal Caribbean ships or you’ve got the NEW Celebrity Edge which has a moving platform, called the magic Carpet.  The Magic Carpet becomes the ultimate speciality restaurant at Deck 16, on Deck 14, it becomes an open-air expansion of the main pool area.  On Deck 5, the Magic Carpet extends one of the ship’s speciality restaurants into al fresco seating, and at its lowest position on Deck 2, it is a luxury embarkation station.  All these new ideas are fascinating to be a part of.
5. And finally, I look at the cost and value for money.  I like to know what I am getting for my money, I don’t always go for the cheapest option.  If all my boxes have been ticked and it is more expensive than another one that doesn’t tick all the boxes then i will go for the best one for us.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t go mad, by booking a Suite because it has £X amount of on board credit, but I will book a balcony if I can and at the very least an outside cabin – I like to see the ship coming into port – another reason why number 1 is so important.  There is nothing like sitting on your balcony or looking out your window and see a new destination every day!

So there you have it!  That is what I look for when booking my own cruise – if if your like me and like to tick those boxes, then take a look at our special offers page and see if there is anything that tickles your fancy!  And if not, I am confident I will find your ideal cruise – so call me on 0333 300 2662 or via email [email protected]  and I will be more than happy to help!