You are ready to go on vacation. Or at least start planning your next vacation. YAY!! It has been way too long since you went anywhere. You are overdue! You know you want to take a cruise, but you need some guidance. Where do you find it? Where do you turn? Where do you want to go? What cruise line do you want to take? What are your best information options?
Is reaching out to strangers on social media your best bet? NO! I say that emphatically…NO! Yet I see this everyday. You may ask, “why not?” “Joe in Timbuktu say Waterways Cruise Line is the best. Sue in Truth or Consequences says cruises to Mexico are the bomb!” While that may be true for both of THEM, those may not be the best choices for YOU.
Norwegian Cruise Line – 17 World Class ships in their fleet. Check out The Haven on select ships for a luxury experience!
Going to one cruise line for information will help you book ONLY with THEM. You will only know what that one cruise line sells. You will not hear about other options that might be a better fit for YOU. Joe was totally fine with Waterways Cruise Line, but does that mean Waterways Cruise Line is YOUR best choice? Why or why not?
Cruising is not a one-size-fits-all vacation. There are big ships as well as small ships, each with a different vibe and experience onboard. There are cruise geared at Multi-Generational travel as well as Adult-Only cruise lines. The world is an amazing place filled with thousands of destinations to visit. What makes Joe happy might not make YOU happy. Or Sue either. So where IS the best resource for different cruise options?
Above you see 3 very different cruise experiences. The first photo on the left is Avalon Waterways cruising along one of the many scenic rivers in Europe and the Medieval Castles that dot these scenic waterways. In the middle there are 2 different photos of Lindblad Expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. Bonus with Lindblad – they partner with National Geographic so almost every cruise has at least one amazing Photographer onboard you can learn camera tips and tricks from. The photo on the right is Regent Seven Seas Explorer. This is one of the top Luxury Cruise Lines in the world where everything is included in your cruise fare.
Contact a Travel Agent. We have several amazing cruise line partners and are constantly learning about cruise line updates, new destinations, and new ships. We will talk with you to get a feel for what appeals to YOU, and then make some recommendations. Infinity Travel has access to a fantastic cruise booking tool that allows us to search a specific destination during a requested time frame and every cruise line that sails to or around that specific area during that time frame with pop up for us. We can then compile a list of great options to offer you. PLUS, if there are any good cruise promotions or Virtuoso added benefits available, we will know about them. This adds value to your vacation for little to no additional cost.
Here is something else Joe or Sue won’t know. Book as far ahead as possible for the best offers. WHY? By doing this, you get THE BEST choice of cabins and cabin location on the ship and the best promotions. You will pay a small deposit to hold space on the ship and will be able to make payments along the way to better maintain a good budget for your vacation. What happens if the price goes down on your cruise fare? We can check that for you, but make a note that you can lose your booking promotions. A lower fare can cost you money in the end.
In this group of photos, we have some fun vibe experiences. The first photo is the Paul Gauguin that was purpose built for cruising around the South Pacific. Imagine dropping anchor off a Tahitian Island shoreline to play in the warm, tropical waters amidst the exquisite beauty. The center photo is Star Clippers Tall Mast Sailing ships. These ships sail almost 100% of the time under the power of sea breezes billowing through the sails. Climb the main mast and sit in the Crow’s Nest for the best views! The last photo is from SeaDream Yacht Club. Lots of private play toys are held in cargo for times when the seas are calm and passengers are ready to play. Do a private buy out for family reunions or corporate events!
Why is cabin choice good? If you are prone to motion sickness, we will arrange your cabin as midship as possible for the least amount of movement. if you are claustrophobic, we will make sure to book you a balcony cabin so you have outside space at your whim, without having to go up on deck. Believe me, my balcony on my ship is my favorite space onboard! Morning coffee watching the sunrise. Evening cocktails watching the sunset. It is magical!
I have heard people say for years “You aren’t in your cabin that much, only to sleep, so why spend money for anything more than an inside cabins?” I SO disagree with this statement! Your cabin is your living space while you on on your cruise vacation. Would you choose a room at a resort with no windows? Would you live in a house with no windows? WHY would you choose a cabin on a cruise ship with no windows?
I don’t know about you, but I want to be as comfortable in my cabin at sea as I am in my bedroom at home. I want daylight. I want room to move about. And I want a door to open to get fresh air when I want it. I don’t want to be in a dark space that never changes unless I turn a light on. AND I want ALL of this without having to get dressed and go up to the sundeck until I am good and ready to. A little private outdoor space is really nice when you are not ready to be around other people.
Virgin Voyages ships – Adults Only – Sailing in parts of the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
In summary, I would like to suggest that you think again about asking faceless people on social media to recommend YOUR best vacation options. Get to know your Travel Agent. We will take the best care of you because we care about your vacation experience. Joe and Sue don’t know you and have no clue what you like or dislike. Put your faith in someone that will take the time to learn about YOU.