The "
Advice from USA Today"
article of February 10, 2004 wisely states: "if you've never booked a cruise
before, don't try doing it yourself. There are too many product choices, too
many options and too many price points for the uninitiated to understand."
The article suggests using the Internet as a tool to gather useful
information, but warns not to book a cruise online. Online travel agencies'
"specials" become less special when you are charged for hidden fees, faced
with cancellations or other problems arise and there is no one to help you.
Also, cruise line web sites offer details on individual vessels and their
accommodations, amenities and destinations, but for the most part cruise lines
discourage booking a cruise directly through their sites. Some don't even
offer booking as an option.
"You need to rely on the expertise of a
good travel agent," says Andrew Poulton, director of strategic marketing for
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, which derives about 97% of its bookings from
retail agents. This opinion is shared by the entire cruise industry.
When you book your cruise through Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo, you not
only get the benefits of having a personal cruise expert who can help you
choose the best cruise and can answer all your questions, but you get the
advantage of the best pricing available.
