Which is the right Cruise?
I just sat down yesterday with my sales rep from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, to go over her product, and it really impressed upon me that you can't choose a cruise based on price alone.
Cruise ships differ in so many ways, from the places they go, the standard of accommodation, the age group that they attract and the inclusions that they offer. Room sizes, drinks packages, amenities, dining choices onboard, entertainment, enrichment programs, shore excursions; these can all be a minefield for someone looking to cruise for the first time who isn't aware of the ins and outs of each cruise line. It's easy to get caught out, by missing out on a great deal or having charges applied onboard that you weren't expecting (gratuities is a major one and the fact that some cruise lines charge in $USD not the $AUD that most Aussies are expecting). This can spoil your cruise experience and tarnish your perception of what can be an amazingly fun and easy holiday.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of cruises. We have done a few with the kids and never had a bad experience. Never been sea-sick, never suffered from a tummy upset, never were bored. Perhaps we have been lucky or perhaps I just knew how to choose the right cruise for my family. Either way our experiences have been fantastic and we are planning our next trip hopefully through Asia.
When you look at a cruise line and a cruise in particular, look for the inclusions. Some people are happy with a quick getaway and just nuts and bolts and that's absolutely fine. A quick 3 or 4-day getaway not only recharges batteries (depending on how hard you party) but also can give first time cruises a taste of what to expect on a longer journey. More seasoned travellers will be looking for the total experience, fine dining, world class entertainment, spacious and comfortable rooms, enrichment programs and interesting shore excursions.
This is where Regent Seven Seas and other Five-star cruise lines, while they look more expensive initially, really come into their own. They offer more inclusions that you don't pay extra for once onboard. If you crunch the numbers they aren't that much more, however the experience is often chalk and cheese.
Just a few things to think about when considering a cruise holiday. Remember of course, I'm always here to help, make sure you get the best deal, and more importantly, have your back. x