How to Buy a Cruise

There are three channels you can use to book a cruise: internet, phone and in-person.

1. Internet

The internet has revolutionized how people book cruises. There are many advantages:

• Convenience: Buy your cruise at any time of day or night, without leaving home
• Selection: You can compare the full range of cruises and go into as much detail as you like
• Price: Just like with Amazon and book sales, the lower overheads mean lower prices

CruiseDirect: We are happy to recommend our travel partner, CruiseDirect, because they have a low price guarantee and are trusted members of the Better Business Bureau. You can help support CruiseSavvy by searching and booking your cruise through our sponsored search. (But feel free to shop around, too!)

Of course, there are other online agencies but be aware that some, like Expedia and CruisesOnly, add extra service charges. Also, neither of those has a low-price guarantee.

2. Phone

Nowadays, most people are comfortable making purchases online. However, if you want to book by phone, you absolutely can. If you are lucky enough to find a travel agent you know and trust, by all means work with them (though again we would encourage you to compare prices). Otherwise, we recommend either booking direct through the cruise line, or contacting a Virtuoso-certified travel agent.

In theory, any travel agent (and there are many) should be able to give you information about a range of cruise lines. Unfortunately, there are many poor-quality travel agents. Anyone can become a cruise travel agent by simply sending a $400 check to the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) - there are no exams required.

Virtuoso travel agents: Virtuoso is an invitation-only association of top-quality agents. They are helpful and knowledgeable. They have higher overhead expenses than an online agency and can't offer a low-price guarantee, but if you prefer to book by phone with a travel agent, we recommend using a Virtuoso-certified agent. You can identify them by the Virtuoso logo on their advertising.

Cruise lines direct booking: Another good option is to call the cruise line directly. They all have direct sales agents. These agents are very knowledgeable about their own cruise line. The disadvantage is that if you want to compare options across multiple cruise lines you will have to make several calls.

3. In-Person Agents

There are fewer and fewer storefront travel agencies. Those that do exist are usually holdovers of an earlier age. Their overhead costs are high and, just like the phone agents, there is little guarantee that the person you talk to knows much about cruises.

That said, if you have a travel agent you know and trust, by all means work with them (though again we would encourage you to compare prices).

Next steps:

• Check prices and availability through CruiseSavvy's sponsored search