How Do I Book A Cruise?
Contact us,Click Here 718-668-2855 or 877-682-6700
How Do I Book a Cruise?
So many people call us all the time, saying they want to go on a cruise, but they have no idea where to begin or how they should get started. So, we've put together some simple steps, a kind of "homework" if you will, that should be done, before giving us a call. That way, by giving us an idea, as to what you're looking for in a cruise, we'll be able to serve you much better.
1. You first need to decide what time of year you want to travel, as well as which destination(s) you're interested in. Do you want to go to the Bahamas (Nassau, Freeport), or the Caribbean (St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios)? How about Cozumel, Progreso in Mexico? Interested in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas? What about Alaska, Hawaii or Europe? The possibilities are endless, and we can't possibly know what you're interested in, unless you tell us. Decide how long you want to be away? Are you only interested in a 4-night cruise, or maybe a 7-10 night cruise? If you need help making these decisions, you can use this website, to find a wide array of cruises, and information on all the different destination ports-of-call. You can search based on the length of cruise, destination, time of year, cruise line, etc. Then, contact Tom or Arlene at Cruise Planners and let them know when and where you want to go.
2. Decide what type of accommodation best appeals to you and your family/friends: Interior Stateroom - no window; Oceanview Stateroom - a picture window or porthole with a view of the ocean; Balcony Stateroom - a private verandah from which you can enjoy having breakfast on, or relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fresh ocean breezes; Suite - a much larger stateroom with a private balcony -- ultimate luxury.
3. Once you have made a decision, a deposit is required to hold your stateroom. Deposit amounts vary by cruise line and length of the sailing, and can range from $100-$900. per person. Deposits are fully refundable prior to the final payment date, which is usually 70-75 days prior to the sailing, so don't be afraid to get your deposit placed on the sailing you want! It's much better to know that you've got the stateroom you want, rather than waiting too late, and finding out that the space you wanted is already sold out, or is available, but at a much higher rate. Most clients book 6-12 months in advance to get the best selection of staterooms AND the best rates! The days of waiting til the last minute, to get a great deal, are long gone! Cruise ships fill up fast, and always sail full!
4. Once you are deposited, Tom or Arlene will mail you a confirmation showing your travel arrangements and when your final payment is due. They will also enclose information about the online pre-registration that we must all do, and about travel insurance, which is a very important consideration when traveling. All of this will be discussed ahead of time as well.
5. Once you are paid in full, your cruise documents will arrive, just a few short weeks before your trip. Your documents will have comprehensive information regarding proper documentation, pre-registration, etc. And if you need any assistance with the pre-registration process, Tom or Arlene will be happy to help you out.
6. Get ready for your cruise! Make sure to keep all of your important travel documentation (i.e. passport, travel insurance confirmation, etc.) in a safe place. Never place these items in checked luggage, because you're going to need access to them, when you arrive at the pier, and throughout the check-in process. Keep them on your person, in a carry-on bag.
7. Tell a friend that you received great service and refer them to Tom and Arlene at Cruise Planners. 718-668-2855 in the New York City area, or our toll-free number when out of the New York City area at 877-682-6700
"You Haven't Lived Until You've Cruised!" 
718-668-2855 in New York City
877-682-6700 toll-free
There are many people who feel the need to just keep shopping around for the "best" price, sometimes spending weeks of their valuable time, thinking that if they book their cruise themselves, they're going to save lots of money. But do they really know just what they're booking? Or how much they're really paying? It can be a very confusing, and even costly, process! Many of those online agencies have hidden fees, that aren't mentioned up front. They don't realize that when they book online, they sign away their rights, releasing the online company from any responsibility or liability, should either of them make a mistake?
I cannot stress enough, the importance of using a professional, and knowlegeable travel agent, when booking your vacations! Ask anyone who's booked their cruise with one of those giant online companies, and then, in a panic, when something went wrong, called a professional travel agent to help get them out of a mess, because no one from the online company would return their calls or emails, and give them the help they were desperately looking for! One online company actually advertises that they don't have any phones, and don't speak with their customers! Do you really trust someone who refuses to talk to you? A professional travel agent knows what to look for, what to avoid, and knows how to get you the best deals available, and will make sure that your vacation planning goes smoothly, from start to finish.
IT DOESN'T COST, TO USE THE SERVICES OF A PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENT.... IT PAYS!
