Row Row Row

Ms Budget Travel does not wish to take a cruise. That is her right and her privilege --- as always she reserves the right to change her mind at any point for any reason --- so please Gentle Readers if Ms Budget Travel chooses to cruise at some point, please do not be alarmed.

However Ms Budget Travel has noticed a recent drop in cruise prices. She suggests you check your local Sunday travel section for cruise packages --- it seems that many companies have put offerings on sale.

Even though she herself is not planning a cruise she has a bit of advice for all her Gentle Readers who long for such a trip.

All cruise ships have great advertising

Ms Budget Travel can spot the seedy in a photograph of a Myrtle Beach hotel or London Bed and Breakfast but she's never seen a photo of a cruise ship that looked less than lovely . . . cruise companies do a great job of advertising. Which unfortunately means that you can't judge a cruise by its commercial coverage.

You can make your assessment several ways. First and foremost, you're a budget traveler. Come up with a price that you are willing to pay and stick with it. Once you start looking at packages that are only one hundred dollars more it's time to stick a fork in you: you're done. Cruises come in all price ranges from affordable to astronomical --- decide what you will spend and don't even look at the most expensive offerings.

Second determine whether the itinerary or the ship itself is the most important factor for you. If cruising is a means to an end and you want to spend time in specific destinations itinerary may well be your main consideration. If you like the cruising experience and don't much care where you go the ship is the most important consideration. Before booking get information about cabin dimensions, meal plans, and on-board activities.

Three distinct types of ships serve the cruise market. The classic liner is usually an older ship with larger cabins than more modern liners. Deck space is sheltered --- some classic liners are still steam powered and have less vibration than a diesel powered ship. Cruise yachts are the smallest vessel, while they manage a casino on board these smaller ships serving 100 to 300 passengers tend to have more in-cabin amenities and fewer shipboard extravaganzas. All the cabins in cruise yachts are outside.

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