To Cruise or Not to Cruise...THAT is the Question

It seems that lately you can't flip on the TV, or the computer, or even your phone without seeing some horrible cruise line update.

"Passengers Stranded on Board Cruise Ship..."

"Cruise Line Cancels a Dozen Trips..."

"More Woes for Cruise Ships..."

It sounds really horrible, and in many cases - such as with the Carnival Triumph - it was horrible.  No one wants to be stuck at sea, with limited resources, for an undetermined amount of time.

So many people have called and asked "Should I still go on my cruise?"  or "Why should I cruise at all?"

I won't address the issues with any particular cruise line here.  What I will say is that the answers to those questions will be difference for different people.

Here is the way I see it...

Every few years, there is a hurricane.  People live for days to weeks without power, with limited food, no transportation or ability to get anywhere, and limited communications.  These conditions are the result of something unexpected.  No one planned for that to happen, and when it did, most people powered through and made the best of it.

How many of us have sat in airports for hours (sometimes days) because there's been a mechanical issue with a plane, or because there was a weather delay?  Most of us.  It's inconvenient.  It's no fun.  Sometimes there are no hotel rooms.  Sometimes no restaurants are open.  Sometimes you get re-routed halfway across the country, only to miss your connection in THAT tiny, regional airport.  It happens.  No one plans on it happening, but it does.

Cars break down.  Planes crash.  Ships get stranded.  ALL of these things happen, and no one plans for it.  

So many of us watched the planes crash into the World Trade Center in New York, and yet the number of passengers on planes increase each year.  Looking back on it, we all can say "What would have stopped that? What could the airlines have done better?"  Hindsight is 20/20, they say, and I think that is true here.

One particular cruise line is obviously having some issues pertaining to their equipment maintenance.  They are aggressively addressing the issue(s), and making adjustments as necessary.  They are making efforts to compensate passengers for their inconvenience.  

Cruising isn't for everyone.  However, if you want an environment that includes food, lodging, and entertainment, and that allows you to visit multiple destinations in a short period of time, the cruise is hands-down your best choice in terms of value.  Plus, for those of us in Florida, there's no need to fly anywhere, which is an added benefit (and cost saver too.)  

So how can you decide if you want to cruise, and which cruise is right for you?

Do your research.  Contact a Travel Professional that knows the industry.  Ask questions.  Some cruise lines cost more than others - why is that?  Find out what you get for your money on the various cruise lines, and then evaluate if you think it's worth it.

As a Travel Agent, I can confirm that in the past two weeks cruise bookings are UP, even as news breaks on additional propulsion and mechanical issues on cruise ships.  Cruise lines throughout the industry still want you to cruise, and they're tossing out incentives to make the trip more enticing to you.

My advice for a first-time cruiser?  Let a Travel Professional help you find the RIGHT cruise line, cruise ship, and itinerary for you.  Buy Travel Insurance!  It allows you to recover your losses in the event of a mechanical issue, trip delay, or trip cancellation. Rememember that "price" is what you pay, but "value" is what you GET.

Hundreds of thousands of people cruise each year, and love the experience.  It provides travel options for a variety of schedules at a variety of price-points, and has activities and destinations that appeal to people of all ages.  

Do your research.  Contact a Travel Professional.  Then decide if you want to try a cruise.  It can be a great vacation experience! 

-- Beth Edwards is the licensed and insured owner/operator of Cruise Planners Total Travel Services, located in the Westchase & Upper Tampa Bay area.