Purchasing a Cruise Vacation is easier when you are informed and confident
If you've completed steps one and two, you now have a select short-list of excellent cruise vacations that meet your personal needs. It's time to go shopping.
You know what you need and what choices meet those needs, but you still have to decide which particular cruise, and from whom you will buy it. If you do have a couple of cruise vacations on a final short-list, you'll want to do some additional comparison shopping, so you can find the best deal. You also need to know what kind of final checks to make, and what questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line or hand over that hard-earned cash.
Tip: When you are getting ready to travel, make extra copies of your passport, visas, birth certificate, and government-issued photo I.D. When you pack your bags, don't pack separately. Instead, pack half of your clothes and half of your partner's clothes in each bag, just in case one bag doesn't make it. Bring a carry-on that has all the necessary toiletries, clothes, medications, and electronics you will need. If children are coming along, have them do the same.
How will you purchase the cruise?
Buyers now have a number of choices when it comes to buying cruise vacations. These can be broken down into two major options - in person or by remote purchase. Some people aren't comfortable with remote purchase options such as mail-order, TV shopping networks or the internet, and prefer to buy directly from a travel agency, or from the actual resort or provider.
Remote Purchase:
- TV - shopping network, regular advertisement, special offer
- Internet - travel agency, individual operators
In Person:
- Travel Agency
- Individual operators - cruise lines
Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, and these may be influenced by your individual taste and previous buying experience. For instance, staff at travel agencies can usually offer knowledgeable advice, but on the other hand the prices can be more attractive through individual operators. Experienced representatives can be invaluable if you are still unsure about whether to get a cruise vacation with many ports of call or one that simply drops in on a few.
Buying online can give you excellent opportunities to shop around and compare discounted prices - the major disadvantage being the problem of getting all the information you need on the accommodation or facilities on offer. Travel agents and cruise operators usually have photos and brochures and can often discuss the amenities from firsthand experience. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons to determine which option is most suitable for you.
Tip: Remember, regardless of how a service or package is offered for sale, if a deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Choosing a seller
Many factors have an influence when deciding where to buy a cruise vacation, and these need to be weighed up; you may have a tight budget, in which case the sellers who offer the best prices will be most attractive to you. Alternatively, you may prefer to deal with a seller who has excellent customer service and employs knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. The major factors that need to be considered are presented below:
Choosing a
Seller Checklist
- Reputation - time established, fair dealing, complaints record, good name, reviews
- Price - discounts, specials, less for cash, bonus schemes, rebates
- Sweeteners - some sellers are more likely to add items to 'sweeten' the deal
- Extras - check what facilities or other extras are offered
- Customer service - product knowledge, at point-of-sale, after service
- Support - phone hotlines, travel tips, troubleshooting and advice
Other considerations:
- Where possible look for members of professional associations or bodies
- A prior relationship with a company can be a big advantage
Once you have factored in all these different considerations, choosing who to buy from often comes down simply to your personal preference. It is important to buy from a reputable, reliable seller, as this offers you the most protection if something goes wrong with the cruise vacation.
Tip: Online forums, blogs and review sites are excellent sources for finding out a seller's reputation for good service and fair dealing.
Booking
There is often little to choose from between particular vacations and their sellers, and small things can make a real difference to your pocket and the satisfaction you gain in your purchase. It's a good idea to anticipate any issues associated with your purchase that might arise either immediately after buying the cruise or while you are on vacation.
Tip: Make sure you budget for toiletries and other small necessities. On a cruise ship, even a tube of toothpaste can set you back three times the amount it would cost at home.
Many of these issues will only become significant if there is some kind of problem, but it's a good idea to investigate before you make your final purchase. Ask the seller about guarantees and cancellation policies, as these can vary between sellers - some cancellations incur a fee, for instance.
Purchase and Aftersales Checklist
- Money back guarantee - unlimited, limited, time frame, what is covered, fees
- Insurance
- Refunds
Tip: Even if you can't imagine calling on a guarantee, or taking out insurance for your cruise vacation, do ask the seller about their policies; it's always better to have all the information.
Buying a cruise vacation can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Once you've worked your way through all three steps of the
Buyz123 three step guide you can buy exactly the right cruise vacation for your needs.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Cruise Travel Vacation Planning Guide How To Choose The Right Ship For Your Cruise Vacation Tips For Choosing The Best Cruise Vacations FAQ - How to find cruises & vacations online ... How to Plan Your Cruise