Q – My husband and I have been married for almost 15 years. We love traveling. Since we’ve been married, we have been fortunate enough to take a cruise at least once every year. However, now that our children are starting to get older, our cruise trips are going to become fewer and farther between. Can you please tell me what is going to happen to our trips in the future? How do we decide which of our Caribbean cruises to buy when it’s time? How do we choose a cruise line when there are so many great companies out there? I just do not want to give up our Caribbean adventures! — Bonnie
A – I know that cruising is a great way to travel and to experience lots of different places around the world. One of the things that is so great about it is that you get to explore an area on land that might not be as “visitable” or exciting if you’re visiting by car. Most cruise lines also offer pre- and post-cruise excursions that let you enjoy that same local flavor.
However, cruise lines are also getting more expensive, and I think this is the part of cruising that you have a tough time keeping up with. It seems like one cruise line is always raising their rates and the price goes up and up each year. You might think that by getting multiple cruises in a year, you can get the best of both worlds and pay a price that is more affordable. Unfortunately, I don’t see that working. I think you should do some research on which lines offer the best value for the money and the best cruise experience for you.
This is also a great question because it’s often hard to get a good deal for first-time cruisers, since they are often shopping around for the best deal. Just like with hotels, cruises have gotten so popular that everyone is looking to get the best deal. Therefore, they are often willing to give up a little bit on amenities, service, or more luxurious amenities in exchange for a cheaper price. A more affordable cruise can work out in the end, but it can be tricky to get the best deal.