Cruise Planning 101

First-time cruisers typically start a conversation with us in one of two ways:

Client #1 - They want to cruise to a specific destination and just want the cheapest option

OR

Client #2 - They want to try cruising but with so many options, they don't know where to begin.

I was Client #1 on my second cruise.  I was leaving out of Baltimore for spring break with my teenagers.  We were looking for two cabins and I just wanted to do this cheaply.  It turns out we could upgrade from an inside cabin to a balcony for $50 for the week.  The weather cooperated and the balcony was greatly appreciated.

I was Client #2 when I decided to take the family to Alaska.  There are more than 120 Alaska cruises departing during the one week period where everyone's schedules aligned!  The specific itinerary, departure port, stateroom selections, activity and food options, along with duration and cost all factor into determining the best cruise for the experience.  This was when I was glad to be in the travel industry!

In both situations, Trippin' with Jamie can help.  But also in both situations, we need to take a step back and start with a conversation on what is the real desire behind the vacation.

The reality of cruise pricing is that the base fare will be the same no matter who does the booking. While travel agents may have amenities and other perks that make the deal better than what a client can get booking directly with the cruise line, the real value of a travel agent is to match the desire of the client's heart to what is available.    

Key Goal:  ** Make the experience as close to what the client is dreaming, given their budget **

Our services do not stop once the cruise is decided.  Excursions are key to experiencing the destination -- especially in Alaska.  Again there are many choices and Trippin' with Jamie can help to sift through the tours to select the best value for every experience.

October is Cruise Month.  This is the BEST time to book -- most cruises can be reserved with a small, refundable deposit.  In some cases 2016 cruises have limited availability and 2017 cruises are available now.  Contact Trippin' with Jamie (TrippinwithJamie@gmail.com or 703-973-1334) for more information!