EVERY CRUISE SHOULD BE UNFORGETTABLE.
I'LL MAKE SURE YOURS IS.
CRUISING IS A SAFE and hassle-free way to visit some of the world's most glorious destinations. It's a remarkable value, since its price covers most of your vacation costs.
It also presents an overwhelming number of choices. And that's where my experience makes a difference. I can help you decide where to sail, which ship, which cabin, how to get there, what to do in the ports during the cruise, and what to do before and after you sail. Step by step, I guide you through the process, so all you have to worry about is packing your passport and a camera.
SIX THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BOOKING A CRUISE:
1. IT ALL STARTS WITH A CHAT.
TELL ME your vacation goals and I'll find you the perfect cruise. Longing for sunswept beaches and warm tropical nights? Then a Caribbean or Mexico cruise would be just the ticket. Maybe a taste of Mediterranean history? The pristine beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage? Or a river cruise to Europe's most breathtaking cities? Share your dream and we'll select the perfect destination.
2. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHIP IS CRITICAL.
SIZE MATTERS! A cruise ship's size greatly impacts your cruise experience. Smaller ships can dock at more ports and offer a more personalized, intimate experience. Midsize ships (1,000-2,500 passengers) retain a village-like ambiance but have room for more popular amenities. Mega-ships offer countless recreational activities and dining options. Each option offers its own pleasures.
3. THEME + SPECIALTY CRUISES ADD TO YOUR FUN.
SPECIALTY CRUISES let you sail with like-minded travelers and enjoy a favorite hobby, learn new skills or increase your knowledge. Themes include food and wine, fashion, wellness, astronomy, golf, chocolate—even Star Trek. Music genres like Broadway and jazz cruises are hugely popular. Family-friendly cruises like "Nickelodeon on Norwegian" are ideal for families with small kids.
4. EXPEDITION CRUISES ARE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.
EXPEDITION CRUISES let you be active in an exotic location. You'll get out in the elements, coming face-to-face with penguins or hiking in the Amazon. Back on ship, you'll learn about the region where you're sailing. Not designed as cruises for the masses, you'll sail in smaller ships that can easily handle a variety of environments—from the reefs of Australia to Antarctica's glacial waters.
5. MY GUIDANCE MAKES YOUR CRUISE BETTER.
AS A CRUISE specialist, I prevent planning mistakes that Internet cruise retailers don't have time or incentive to worry about. What documentation do you need to enter Russia? What's the best choice for travel insurance? I help avoid minor pitfalls as well, like not booking a cabin above or below a promenade deck because many ships have jogging decks that are loud. Details make a difference!
6. USING A TRAVEL AGENT SAVES YOU MONEY.
I CAN GET YOU better deals than Internet retailers or even the cruise lines themselves. Why? Because travel agents have access to discounted group rates and exclusive pricing that's not found elsewhere. Cruise lines generally communicate promotional offers to travel agents first, before they appear on bargain travel websites or even on their own websites. That means big savings for you.
"MY PARTNER AND I love cruising and we always rely on Ron Stern to find us the best itinerary at the best price. Ron knows the ins and outs of the various cruise lines and has arranged many memorable cruise vacations for us. He's truly a pro."
—SEAN DANKOWSKI, Post-Production Supervisor
