|
Is a cruise for me?
Anyone can go on a cruise. You just need to find the cruise that is right for you. Think about what type of vacation you are looking for. Do you want something that's laid-back, active, romantic, party-oriented, or a little of each? Once you have an idea of what you want, you can judge the different cruises based on how well they meet your expectations. By doing a little research, you’ll be able to tell which cruises are best for you.
^ top
Are these all-gay and lesbian cruises?
No. Some providers offer a group travel event. Some includes private onboard and optional shore side events aboard a large ship with a mixed clientele. You should feel free to be yourself and show your gay pride. Gay cruise groups range in size reaching up to 500+ gay travelers.
^ top
How old do I have to be to take a cruise?
The majority of cruise lines state that guests under age 21 must be accompanied by a parent, relative, or guardian 25 years of age or older staying in the same stateroom. The only exception to this policy is when parents traveling with their children have booked more than one stateroom.
^ top
Where can I go?
You can go on a cruise pretty much anywhere in the world where there is water. Although the most popular cruises are on the ocean, you can also take a cruise on a lake, river, or other waterway, depending on the cruise company.
^ top
What types of cruises are there?
There are many types of cruise vacations that suit many different interests and personal preferences. Luxury cruises, for example, offer high-class amenities along with cultural enrichment programs. Exploration-based cruises offer expeditions to places like Antarctica, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, and other extraordinary destinations. Some cruises are destination-focused, offering opportunities to tour many different countries and port cities. Others feature special interests, centering on themes.
^ top
What kinds of ships can I cruise on?
Cruises can take place on a variety of vessels, including ships (and mega liners), windjammers, barges, freighters, and yachts. These vessels can be very small (carrying only 10 people), very large (carrying over 3,000 people), or anything in between.
^ top
How do I know the ship won’t sink?
You don’t need to worry whether the ship will stay afloat. All passenger-carrying vessels must abide by strict maritime standards. All cruise ships for the major cruise lines are regularly inspected for safety and feature state-of-the-art technology.
^ top
How long do cruises last?
A cruise can last anywhere from two days to four months.
^ top
Are cruises one-way or round-trip?
Many cruises sail round-trip from particular ports. However, numerous cruises end in different ports such as around-the-world cruises that start at one port but stop at a variety of countries and return to a different port.
^ top
How do I decide which cruise line to choose?
Cruises are big-ticket items, so doing some homework is essential in helping you find a great cruise that’s right for you. When it comes to picking a cruise line, there are many different factors to consider. For one thing, ships vary in size, age, and amenities—one cruise line's most luxurious ship may be equivalent to another's oldest, most run-down ship. Which cruise line you pick really depends on your vacation style and budget. Some of the things you need to consider include the price, ship quality, itinerary and type of passengers.
^ top
How much do cruises cost and how do I get the best price?
Cruises can run from as little as $250 per person to well over $200,000 per person—the price all depends on the itinerary and cruise line. Other key factors in cruise pricing include the type of cabin (inside cabins are much cheaper than outside cabins), length of cruise, time of year, and age of the ship.
One way to save on cruising is by being a repeat customer. Often, cruise lines offer promotions for past passengers through membership clubs, which can cut the brochure price by 50 percent or more.
^ top
How far in advance should I plan?
The amount you plan in advance depends on what time of year you want to cruise and how much time you have. If your heart is set on a particular cruise and itinerary, it is best to plan as far in advance as possible, particularly if you are traveling during the busy holiday, spring break, or summer seasons. Many customers book cruises over a year in advance because they prefer cabin types that sell out quickly.
^ top
More Frequently Asked Questions...
|