IntroductionWhat to Expect From Your Cruisehroughout my experience working as a purser and shore excursions manager, I have dealt with a wide assortment of passenger problems which can be attributed to misleading information, or the lack of information, supplied by travel agents. Below, I have identified some important areas of cruising that potential passengers should investigate before making reservations. Once you have made the decision to take a cruise, the next step is to locate a qualified travel agent to help you select the type of cruise that is right for you and your pocketbook. It is important to find an agent knowledgeable about the cruise industry, who has a good reputation for booking successful cruises. One of the best places to find specialty travel agencies is the travel section of any major city newspaper or in the phone book. Friends or family members who have recently taken a cruise are even better sources. Speak with the agent in person, rather than only over the phone. A personal visit to the agent office will also help you judge the professional quality of the establishment. First, decide where you want to go. Next, select the appropriate cruise line. It is important to read the fine print in the back of the brochures, which offers information on things such as luggage insurance, cashing personal checks on board and liability limitations of the cruise line. You should evaluate your budget as well as your stateroom needs, including layout and amenities.INTRODUCTIONTStateroomsWhen choosing a stateroom from the ship plans, remember that the rooms vary in many ways, even though they may appear the same on the plan. Cabins contain either two twin beds (that may or may not convert into one) or one standard queen- or king-sized bed. The age of the ship can also contribute to the comfort of the rooms, type of beds available and the overall condition of the cabins. Specialized cruise lines, such as Seabourn and Renaissance, tend to offer
