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COLUMN:
Dream Boats
by Linda Coffman
Do you dream of glacial splendor beneath the midnight sun, a gondola ride along Venetian canals or Carnival revelry in Rio? While setting off to experience these far-flung destinations is appealing, the planning process may seem daunting.
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It doesn’t have to be; it’s not that difficult to see much of the world in comfort, safety and style on a cruise ship. Cruises enable you to travel from place to exotic place after unpacking just once. Designed purely for pleasure, vessels boast spas, theaters, casinos, libraries, nightclubs, shops, tennis courts and restaurants featuring menus created by the world’s top chefs.
Days at sea are filled with possibilities, including golf clinics, movies, karaoke contests, bridge and dance lessons, and lectures by experts on topics ranging from the history of your destination to the pairing of food and wine. After dark, music fills the lounges and Broadway-caliber entertainers take to the showroom stage.
Perhaps best of all, cruising can be an affordable option for seniors on a fixed income who have flexible schedules and time on their hands. Rates include onboard meals and entertainment, and airfare and shore excursions can be added to complete the package.
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Where you can go by ship is determined by season. Ships ply warm regions such as the Caribbean and west coast of Mexico year-round, but to visit Alaska, you’ll have to travel in the summer, from May through September. Plan your Bermuda, New England or Canadian cruise from June through November.
If Europe is on your wish list, sail through the Mediterranean from
April though November or the Baltic region from late May until September.
Head for steamy South America from November through March. You’ll
find trips through the Panama Canal pretty much all the time, although
most of them are scheduled during the spring and fall when ships reposition
from the Caribbean to Alaska.
Some 20 companies offer cruise vacations, and just like resorts on
land, they vary greatly in personality and features. Examine your
lifestyle, then select the line that most closely mirrors your tastes
and expectations.
Do you own a tuxedo and prefer formality? You’re likely to enjoy a luxury voyage on Silversea Cruises or Crystal Cruises. If you had your druthers, would you be dressed in capris and boat shoes? Consider casual chic SeaDream Yacht Club. Are you somewhere in between? Holland America Line or Celebrity Cruises would probably suit you.
Those who require mobility aids might prefer a smaller vessel; it’s just easier to get around on them. And while their ships are large, Princess Cruises and Holland America have honed their accessibility features to accommodate a wide range of challenges, even offering select shore excursions for the physically impaired.
Once you’ve determined where and when you want to sail, and in what manner, it’s time to check out fares. Keep in mind they can fluctuate as fast as the winds and tides, often changing in a single day; the fabulous deal you were quoted in the morning can be long gone by sunset. One thing is certain — do not ever pay brochure rates; there’s always some kind of discount available.
Factors to take into account when pricing cruises are:
• Your travel date: fares are seasonal and the earliest or latest weeks of any season tend to be cheaper
• Your booking date: the earlier you book, the lower the fare
• Your itinerary: some destinations, especially those deemed unique or exotic, are rare and, thus, more expensive
• Your age: most cruise lines offer fare reductions for seniors
• Your travel agent: top-performing agencies can pass along deals to their clients
• Your cabin: rates are largely determined by where you sleep
All accommodations are designed for comfort, convenience and prac-ticality. They range from low-cost inside cabins with no window or view to higher-priced outside cabins with a window, large porthole or even a private lanai. For the ultimate splurge, there’s nothing quite like a suite, which usually ranges between 450 and 1,400 square feet on the cruise lines mentioned earlier (standard cabins are about 175 to 200 square feet). In addition to more space, many top suites come with niceties such as butler service and complimentary bar setup.
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Cabins on higher decks tend to cost more, however, if you are prone
to seasickness, you should request accommodations in the middle of
the ship on a lower deck where you’ll feel the least motion.
If you are a light sleeper or a late riser, avoid high-traffic areas
(near elevators and stairs); sections where noise could be a problem
(over or beneath a showroom, bar or nightclub); and the bow of the
ship (where the sound of early-morning anchoring could disturb your
slumber). A hard-and-fast rule for cabin selection is: Pick the type
and location with which you will be most satisfied.
Whether the itinerary for your dream cruise is filled with activities
or lots of downtime, there’s definitely an option for you. On
a cruise ship these days, you can ride the waves and see much more
than the sea.
Call your travel agent for details about current cruise deals. Linda Coffman is the creator of the online cruise guide www.cruisediva.com and the author of Fodor’s Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises. Her cruise stories have appeared in numerous national publications, including Porthole, Consumers Digest and USA Today.