Top Tips - Ocean Cruises

Select your destination first, and any essential ports of call or special experiences (eg concerts, wine tastings).
Decide on ideal length of cruise.
Do you want to depart from a UK port or fly/cruise?
Do you want a relaxed or more formal cruise?
Is all-inclusive important to you?
Then choose the right ship for you, as there are a wide variety on offer at different price points (e.g. target market, type of food, amenities, entertainment).
Study the deck plan and select your cabin (e.g. consider a balcony cabin for scenic cruises such as Norwegian fjords & Alaska; avoid above or below entertainment areas; avoid front & back of ship if you are prone to sea sickness).
Check availability for your dates.
Book well ahead to secure an ‘early bird’ discount and your preferred cabin.
Alternatively book during the January to March ‘wave season’ when special promotions, free upgrades, solo traveller savings and BOGOF (buy one get one free) offers are usually released.
Shoulder season will be cheaper.
Relocation cruises (ie when ships are moved from one routing to another) offer good value, but you will have fewer port calls and more days at sea.
Review exactly what is included and what is not (eg drinks, Wi-Fi). American ships often have hidden service charges (eg on drinks) & VAT, which can be very high.
Factor in the cost of gratuities, if not already included.
It’s not a good idea to book your flights separately. Rather keep them as part of a protected ‘package’, in case your cruise dates change.
Pre-book any essential on-board services (e.g. vegetarian meals).
Always arrive at least a day early (i.e. book an extra night at your departure port).
Let us help you book your shore excursions separately.

Top Selling Ocean Cruises

Europe:

Mediterranean
Norwegian Fjords
Scandinavia & Baltic
UK Domestic Cruising

Worldwide:

Caribbean
Alaska’s ‘Inside Passage’
New York (transatlantic)
Australia & New Zealand
Hong Kong to Japan
Mexico, Panama & Costa Rica
French Polynesia