by Nathan Devore
Once upon a time, cruising was for the rich and leisurely vacationer. Today’s cruise vacation opportunities are more plentiful than ever before and more affordable than most people realize. And yet, as affordable as a cruise vacation is, it remains a truly luxurious way to travel.
As cruise vacations have expanded over the past decade, the cruise lines have built and launched a series of new mega-ships that are accessible for travelers with disabilities. In fact, cruise lines have been among the first in the travel industry to make vacations truly accessible for all people.
But not all cruises are alike. There are variations among the cruise lines that a knowledgeable travel agent can help you discern. Even within an individual cruise line there may be differences on certain ships that will make your vacation more enjoyable. Certain itineraries will be better than others, depending upon where your interests lie.
This summer, the two most popular destinations for cruise vacations are Alaska and Europe. The European cruises, either the Northern Capitals itineraries or the Southern Europe and Mediterranean sailings, take travelers through such historic cities as St. Petersburg, Marseilles and Athens. Many of the ground operators now provide tours that are accessible for travelers with disabilities so you can see the historic sights.
Alaska, the last U.S. frontier, is the other peak summer cruise destination and it comes alive with a variety of stops along the way in Eskimo villages, Russian towns and the ultimate sightseeing in Glacier Bay where the ice becomes the focus and even whales and sea lions watch along with the vacationers.
If you are going to book a cruise to these or any other destinations, you really need to call a knowledgeable travel agent. First of all, most cruise lines only book through travel agents. But more importantly, you want to use a travel agent because there is so much that the agent can help you with beyond just making sure that you have an accessible cabin.
The right travel agent will get you the right cruise. And there are so many from which to choose, you don’t want to leave that up to chance. The right travel agent will also get you the right price and possibly an upgrade to a better cabin or some amenities not included in every cruise. And finally, the right travel agent will look after your every need, which is what you want when you are paying for a vacation. Spend your money wisely and protect yourself by using a travel agent, especially for a cruise vacation. Then go out and enjoy your vacation. You will have memories that last forever.
Call us at 1-800-333-RICH to discuss your options and begin to explore a wider world of travel.
Nathan Devore is President of Rich Worldwide.
