Cruise Critic: Your One-Stop Shop for Cruise-Related Information

Cruise Ship
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Cruise Critic: Your One-Stop Shop for Cruise-Related Information

If you are a first-time cruise traveler, you need to have at least an idea of what cruising is. Your travel agent will only provide you quotes or travel brochures from different cruise lines.

What if you have questions concerning the cruise package offered? What if you want to be informed of the latest in the cruising industry? Who will be your reliable source information to answer these queries?

Bookmark now Cruise Critic and you will be receiving and learning many stuffs about cruising.

Cruise Critic is an interactive community launched in 1995. All seasoned and first-time cruise travelers can join this community in order to share experiences, conduct some research, and planning either your next or your first cruise vacation.

It is a one-stop shop with all the information you need. It includes a complete and detailed cruise vacation-planning guide such as the following:

• Latest objective cruise reviews of 225 and more ships

• Business and company profile of 55 cruise lines

• Useful information on what to do and where to go in more than 135 worldwide ports

• Ratings and reviews of cruise ships based on the reader’s perception and experience

• Different cruise package bargains, and

• Helpful cruise tips both for seasonal and first-time cruise travelers

Cruise Critic helps cruise travelers to sort out the best ship suited to their own personal interests and plan a perfect cruise vacation. They also delivers the latest news and views concerning the cruise industry.

Because of their popularity as a reliable cruise guide, they are one of the online cruise websites that receives heavy traffic with over 160,000 registered online members.

It features the following sections for easy cross-referencing of information and details needed.

• AT YOUR SERVICE section, where it tackles different issues and offer a clear and concise explanation about the policies, especially on-board rules and regulations

• BEYOND THE DECK section, which focus on answering different cruise questions straight from the cruise industry leaders. They also offer some behind-the-scene insights regarding cruise operations

• COMMUNITY section, where it features different reviews of cruise ships, cruise travel packages, and others by the members

• CRUISE BARGAINS section, where it focuses more on the latest deals offered by different cruise lines

• CRUISE NEWS section gives latest news and analysis concerning cruising. It is updated on a daily basis

• CRUISE PLANNING section, where it includes topics like latest cruising trends, different cabin packages, last-minute cruising, and others

• CRUISE SHIP REVIES AND CRUISE LINE PROFILES section. As mentioned earlier, it reveals the reviews on more than 225 operating cruise ships and the profile of the 55 cruise lines

• CRUISE STYLE sections with comprehensive reviews, humorous facts, and different ways of cruising styles including:
1. Romance
2. Family
3. Senior
4. Gay and Lesbians
5. Disabled
6. Solo
7. Luxury
8. Soft Adventure
9. Ocean Crossings
10. Holiday

• DESTINATION section, where it features comprehensive profiles of the 20 cruising regions and more than 135 ports of call worldwide

• EDITOR’S PICK section, which includes the top personal choices and recommendation and his Top Ten List

• FIND A CRUISE section, where you can choose the cruise best for your needs, whether by destination, cruise line, or price

• LINK EXCHANGE PROGRAM MESSAGE BOARDS section, where members and visitors can post all their comments, suggestions, and blogs

• TRENDWATCH section, which features different issues surrounding the cruising industry that have changed or in the process of change (like solo travel or low carbohydrate cruising)

Current Cruise Critics Prediction

Another feature that Cruise Critics offers is their prediction of the cruising industry. They are conducting it on every first quarter of the year. It also helps cruising industry leaders plan ahead. Here are some of the latest predictions of Cruise Critic for the year 2006.

• Cruising will be a perfect vacation for families because of family travel packages offered the previous years.

• Ships without comprehensive children program will have difficulty in managing hundreds of energetic children.

• Traditional swimming pool will now be out of style. The new approach is the on-board water park.

• Do not be surprise if Ronald McDonald will say hello to you on-board. Cruise lines are continuing to include favorite brand names into cruise ships and restaurants and dining facilities.

• Because of the growing amenities of cruise ships, an increase in cruise prices can be expected.

• More cruise destinations are coming up, with Cunard Lines’ Queen Mary 2 will go around-the-world sailing.

More and more things will happen every year, so always stay informed by Cruise Critic—your one stop shop for cruising information.

Book your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

4 Tips For Finding A Great Cruise At A Good Price

Cruise Ship
Image by Yortw

4 Tips For Finding A Great Cruise At A Good Price

One of the most relaxing vacations you can take right now is an ocean cruise. Many people have the belief that a cruise will cost them more than they can afford, but there are some good tips that can help you get the cruise you want at a price that fits your budget.

1: Cruise ships have set itineraries so they want their ships to be at full capacity each time they leave the port. If you schedule your cruise vacation for the off season you can save as much as 50% of the cost during peak season. Keep a close eye on last minute deals too. Many cruise lines will offer much lower prices to sell those remaining spots instead of setting sail with them unsold.

2: Take the time to look at everything a cruise package is offering you. Most of them are all inclusive meaning everything on the ship is included in one price. Yet there are many amenities that you won’t be using you are throwing your money away. Look for a cruise that only offers the items you will be likely to use.

3: When you book your cruise you will be offered many different options for your accommodations. The more room you have and the nicer they are, the more expensive they will be. Yet on a cruise most people only spend time in their room to sleep and shower. You can save a great deal of money going with more basic accommodations.

4: If you can get a large group of people to book the same cruise, you will likely be able to save 15% or 20%. A group in generally considered 20 people or more. The entire group will get the discount on the portion they are responsible to pay. Make sure you find out which cruise line can offer you the best deal before you commit to one.

Find your dream cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.

Cruising – Five Quick Tips Before Taking A Cruise Ship Vacation

Cruise Ship
Image by andrewasmith

Cruising – Five Quick Tips Before Taking A Cruise Ship Vacation

Cruising is a wonderful and relaxed way to see several countries while enjoying the sun. Today, cruise trips are extremely popular due to their low cost and luxury travel experience.

However, like all travelling, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you start to plan your cruise ship vacation.

Here are some cruise tips to help guide you on your journey.

1.All inclusive cruises are not available

Most all cruise lines do not offer an all inclusive cruise package. Alcohols, soft drinks and even water all needs to be paid for when on cruise ships. The only things included are the cruise itself, your cabin and generally at least 1-2 meals a day.

2.Shop around and consult different cruise travel agents

Cruise travel agents are like travel agents, but are experts in cruising. Be prepared to tell the cruise agent exactly what you are looking for. You could visit 5 different agencies and receive 5 different quotes for the same cruise. In addition, look for deals in off weeks. A fare may be 00 one week and 0 the following week.

3.Be aware of added charges

If you are planning to cruise alone and don’t want to share your cabin, you can anticipate a single’s supplement charge of 10% to 100% of a per person’s rate (depending on cruise line). In addition, a lot of cruises require you to pay extra for any cruise shore excursions, or any special activities that are offered on board. Be prepared to spend an additional 30% of the cost to take part in any of these activities.

4.Knowing when the best time to cruise is

Cruising is usually a little cheaper during the spring or fall. Weather can be uncertain, especially in the fall given many Caribbean destinations could have hurricane seasons during this time. This is something to watch out for. The dry season for Caribbean cruises is during the summer where as the rainy season is during the winter. Other cruise lines have short cruising seasons, such as Alaska cruises which normally run from May to September.

5.Have fun!

One of the most important tips that I can give to you on your cruise ship vacation is to have a great time. Relax! After all it’s your vacation and you deserve to make the most out of it. There are many things for you to do, fancy dinners and dressing up, meeting new friends, visiting exotic locations, being on deck in the sun, doing cruise shore excursions, and much more! It’s important to have fun, so when you come back you feel better about yourself and that you got the most out of your time and money.

Remember, cruising is an absolutely exceptional way to spend your vacation. They are very relaxing and a very enjoyable way to spend some time away. However, like all vacations, you need to know what is required before purchasing your dream cruise ship vacation. Keep this in mind and I have no doubt your cruise trip will be a complete success!

Book your next cruise at TopCruiseFinder.com.