Before You Sail | Travel + Leisure
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Before You Sail

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Don’t get lost at sea. Follow these tips from the president of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Terry Dale, to help plan your trip.

Know what you want from your vacation Whether it’s expert lectures, great kids’ programs, many days at sea, or cultural sites, make sure everyone you’re traveling with is satisfied with the itinerary and the features of the ship before booking.

Find an experienced travel agent There is a wealth of options out there, and certified agents keep up with all of them and are educated about special cruises. A specialist can suggest itineraries, specific ships, and even room categories. You can find qualified agents on the CLIA Web site, www.cruising.org. Or, log on to travelandleisure.com/alist for T+L’s 2006 list of cruise experts.

Size matters The mega-ships offer lots of activities, but smaller ships can provide more personalized service, so choose accordingly.

Splurge on a balcony Of course you should look at the cost of the outdoor space, but generally it’s worth it. A balcony opens up the world to you even before you disembark—and nothing beats sailing into port while sipping a cocktail on your private deck.

Be loyal It’s better to cruise with a line you’ve cruised with before, since there are unbeatable deals for repeat guests.

Book early Gone are the days of last-minute deals, so book no later than six months before you sail—especially if you’re thinking of Alaska, Europe, or exotic ports. Most cruise lines offer early-booking specials.

Think through your schedule Nearly every line lets you reserve shore excursions and spa treatments online, and these extras often fill up early. For onboard activities, such as a personal-trainer session, try to pick a day at sea. A word to the wise: Don’t overschedule yourself—sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than reading that book that’s been on your night table for months.

Prepare for departure A lot of voyages depart in the morning, leaving you with little time in port and a lot of pressure to get to the dock on time. Do yourself a favor: Preboard online and arrive at your port a day in advance.

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