If you're looking for something different this winter, something that combines relaxation, adventure and value, why not take a cruise?

If you have never cruised before, you're truly missing out on one of the best vacations around.

One of the biggest advantages in choosing a cruise vacation is that almost everything is included in the one price you pay -- transportation, accommodations, all meals, entertainment, shipboard activities and all the excitement of the ship's ports of call.

Most first-time cruisers will choose either a three- or four-day Bahamas cruise or a seven-day sailing on one of three Caribbean itineraries -- Eastern, Western or Southern.

To find out which cruise is best for you, make an appointment with your travel agent. They can work with you to match your preferences to a ship and itinerary that's right for you.

The one thing that will determine the cost of your vacation more than anything else is your selection of cabin. Cabins range from the most expensive suite to simple inside cabins on the lower decks. (Inside cabin means one without windows or portholes.) The price of a suite can be several times that of an inside cabin, and your travel agent will help you select one that will be within your vacation budget. Occasionally cruise lines will offer upgrades to passengers who book early. This means you pay for a smaller cabin... maybe an inside cabin... and get a larger cabin or one with a porthole or balcony.

As a rule, you get a better cabin and a better price by booking early. Booking early means planning your vacation three to six months in advance, sometimes longer.

No matter what type of cabin you select, everyone on board receives the same treatment. All the food is the same, entertainment is the same, and the only difference is your cabin. (Veteran cruisers say it is better to pick a lower-price cabin on an up-scale ship than a nicer cabin on a budget-priced ship.)

When you do the math and look at the total cost of your vacation, a cruise is hard to beat. You know up front what everything will cost, and it makes creating a vacation budget much easier. Combine that, with family programs and the variety you will find in the different ports you will visit, and it becomes clear why cruising is one of the most popular vacations around.

Picture the Ultimate Dream Vacation.
· What views would you see?
· What kind of service do you like?
· What kind of activities appeal to you?
· How Social do you like to be?
· What other components make a "picture perfect" vacation?

A Cruise will Please just about everyone.
· There are no compromises with a cruise vacation.
· When you cruise, you have virtually no worries.
· When you cruise you can relax because your safety is assured.
· When you cruise, you receive luxurious treatment.

A Cruise is the Most Perfect Vacation Because it Truly Offers Something for Everyone!

Is Cruising for You?
· Just as there are all types of people. there are all types of cruise lines with different personalities.
· The advantages of having so many cruise lines from which to choose is the diversity.

Why Cruise Now?
· Only a small percentage of North Americans have ever been on a cruise.
· In order to attract those who have never cruised, large amounts of advertising dollars and creative discount temptations are being offered.

Do You Have Any Questions?

How do I get to the port of embarkation?
· Reaching the port of embarkation is convenient and economical.
· Transfers from the airport to the port terminal are handled by the cruise line when you buy cruise air add-ons.

What kind of safety provisions are on board?
· All ships must meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
· Fire hazards have been virtually eliminated with the new 1997 rules.
· Modern telecommunications help ship captains avoid hazardous weather conditions.

What about health issues on board?
· There is always a doctor on board.
· Ships have hydraulic stabilizers that maintain balance and decrease the motion that causes seasickness.
· All ships have non-smoking areas.

Do I need travel documents?
· Proof of citizenship is all that is generally required.
· International ports require passports.
· Getting through customs is a simple and painless process.

What if I want to call home?
· All ships have short-wave radios, satellite communications and fax machines.
· All ships maintain 24 hour contact with land.

How much privacy will I have?
· Public rooms on ships differ in size, decor and number, but all allow for intimacy and privacy.
· Some public rooms on ships are large and spacious, but they still provide areas that lend themselves to small groups or couples.
· Some of the cabins have their own balconies.

What can I do on a cruise?
· No matter what a person's interests, her/she will never be bored cruising.
· The range of activities include:
games, gambling, movies & shows, physical care, demonstrations, lectures, lessons, a library, shopping, socializing and touring beautiful places.

Do I need special Clothing?
· Most cruises are very casual during the daytime.
· Evening dress varies from ship to ship; some ships require more formality than others.
· On-shore excursions may mean your dress will be more conservative than on the ship.
· Ships offer on-board laundry and dry cleaning so you can keep your packing to a minimum.

Is there that much food?
* On most ships aperson can literally eat around the clock.
· The style and size of the midnight buffet varies.
· There are two seatings for dinner with after dinner diversions to accommodate both.
· Most ships have 24 hour room service and restaurants.
· Special dietary needs are available at a person’s request.

What types of shore excursions are there?
· There are fun, general and attraction-oriented tours.
· There are usually four stops on a 7 night cruise.
· A person who does not prefer the escorted tours can explore on his/her own.

Is there duty free shopping?
· Cruise ships are able to offer for sale foreign goods at prices lower than in the U.S.
· U.S. citizens who visit foreign countries are, at present, allowed to bring back $400.00 in duty free goods.

What if I am single and want to cruise?
· Guaranteed single rates are available at slightly higher rates than per person double occupancy rates.
· With all the activities on board, you can find plenty to do and meet new friends at the same time.
· Joining a group cruise is a good option.

Can I bring my children cruising?
· A cruise for the entire family can be perfect.
· Taking children may be cheaper and more satisfying than leaving them at home.
· Many cruise lines cater to family cruising.

When should I book my cruise?
· Booking a cruise should be done as soon as possible.
· Booking early gives you the best cabin selection.
· Booking early can save you money.
· Booking only requires a deposit.
· By booking with your travel agent and the price goes down the agent can get you that new price. Will the Internet do that? Would the cruise line call you back? We Will?

What type of cruise is best for me?
· The length of your cruise is an important consideration.
· Select an itinerary that is of interest to you.
· Consider the time of year that you wish to cruise.

What is the Right Ship for You?
· Working with a knowledgeable travel agent is the best way to determine which ship is for you.
· Each cruise has a definite character.
· When you book a cruise, you book a total environment.
· What kind of amenities are available will determine how enjoyable the cruising experience will be for you.

Make a good match between you and the ship?
· Your style and the ship’s style should be in sync.
· You need to take time to find the match that will make your vacation memorable.

What kind of technical advancements are on board the new ships?
· The new ships offer everything from virtual reality theaters to in-cabin entertainment centers.
· The new cruise liners offer such amenities as waterfalls, moving sidewalks and computerized golf simulating play on the world’s top courses.

How do I choose a stateroom?
· Most ships have 8 - 12 categories of rooms.
· Inside staterooms are less expensive but just as pleasant.
· There are more outside staterooms because that is what more people want.
· The location of the stateroom is important.

How does the size of a ship make a difference.
· Smaller ships can be more intimate.
· Superliners always have nooks and crannies for those desiring solitude.

What does all-inclusive pricing mean?
· Virtually everything is included in the cruise price.
· Cruises tend to stretch the vacation dollar.
· You buy a consistent level of quality.
· Your vacation is enjoyable because it is worry free.

What do I have to pay for?
· You need to pay for non-essentials: drinks, phone calls, massages, laundering, etc.
· Organized shore excursions are extra because on most ships they are purchased from local tour companies.
· On many cruises you are expected to give a gratuity at the end of your cruise.
· Because your investment is considerable, insurance is worth purchasing.

How Can I Save Money Cruising?
· The surest way to save on cruise fares is to book early.
· Be flexible about when you will go on your cruise.
· Full payment advance discounts are offered by some cruise lines.
· Booking back to back cruises saves you money.
· Many cruise lines offer special rates for a third or fourth person sharing a room with two full fares.
· Many cruise lines offer special discounts for children sharing a room with parents.
· Cruise lines typically offer best buys at specific times of the year.

Take Me Home

Phone: 360 794-4886 * 800 433-5945 Fax: 360 794-0311
www.vacationshop.com * Travel@Vacationshop.com