At CIRE Travel, we are the cruise professionals. Our experts are real people, professional travel advisors. No faceless chatbots or online booking tools here! We are passionate about working hand-in-hand with our clients and partners to create and support unforgettable travel experiences. Travel can be stressful, and with the endless cruise options available, it can become overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our expert team at CIRE can create a seamless travel experience that’s perfect for a wide range of travelers. Especially great for families, and multi-generational groups, cruising offers something engaging for everyone, from kids to grandparents. It’s also an ideal means of travel for those who love exploring multiple places without crazy logistics, or the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, cruising provides a flexible and fun way to cross the high seas.
Welcome aboard to our exclusive Q&A with Melissa Chaquea, our CIRE luxury cruising expert! With her extensive knowledge of the cruise industry, Melissa is here to help you navigate the essentials of cruising and uncover a few insights you might not have known. Melissa is well-equipped to offer you expert advice, since completing comprehensive training with CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. Her certification included 17 specialized courses on various aspects of cruising as well as firsthand experience inspecting multiple cruise lines and ships. Now, let’s dive in with Melissa to answer some common questions, clear up some cruising misconceptions, and explore what makes luxury cruising so special.
Why should I let CIRE handle my cruise booking instead of just booking online?
“There are a lot of logistics before, during, and after the cruise to think about, and yes while the cruise lines package it all together, you don’t really have the liberty to tweak or customize as you’d like. For example, one of our frequent cruise clients realized just ten days before his sold-out Christmas cruise from Rio that his wife couldn’t join the walking tours due to mobility issues. With last-minute changes being nearly impossible in Rio’s end-of-year chaos, we quickly arranged private tours with a car and driver for every port stop. Thanks to our great connections in the industry, we were able to tailor the trip to their specific needs. If your flight is delayed and you call the cruise line, you might be left on hold until an agent becomes available. With CIRE, if your flight is delayed, Esther or I will answer right away and already have the best alternative ready for you. Last but not least, there are an infinite amount of cruises you could book! It’s easy to get overwhelmed and narrow it down to one because you have decision anxiety, but after speaking with one of our travel agents, we will already have an idea of what cruise would work well for you based on your travel style.”
What should I consider when choosing a cruise line, and how does an expedition cruise differ from a regular cruise?
“Not all cruises are built the same. It is definitely important to consider the focus of the cruise line. For instance, an expedition cruise to Antarctica might not have a casino onboard, but it’s ideal for those seeking adventure. If you prefer socializing and entertainment, there are cruise lines that cater to those desires too. Hand in hand with that is the size of the cruise ship. Larger ships can feel like floating cities with lots of amenities, while smaller ships offer a more intimate and adventurous feel. Also, think about the cruise route—some ships spend days at sea, while others dock at a new port each night. This will influence how you spend your time on vacation.”
I’m not a fan of being indoors all day—what outdoor activities can I enjoy while I am cruising?
“It depends on the cruise ship of course, but there are usually outdoor top decks. Some have tracks where you can run around the boat, or amenities like tennis courts, pools, Jacuzzis, and basketball courts. Some lines like Royal Caribbean even have hybrid indoor and outdoor spaces that hold cities and parks with birds and live trees! If staying outside is important to you or you feel claustrophobic on a ship, many cruises offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor activities.”
How do I pick the right cabin? Are they really as tiny as they say?
“Depending on how much time you want to spend in your room or outside is how you should choose the cabin you want. If you think you will be in your room just to sleep, a veranda cabin would be perfect for you. It’s important to check the square footage if you’re concerned about feeling cramped, as some cabins can be smaller. If you’re someone who likes to spend a lot of time in your own space and have downtime, we would look at junior suites or even two-floor lofts with more space to lounge around. There are many options in different price ranges, and after discussing your preferences with us, we’ll help you find the cabin that fits your needs.”
Are all cruise meals just buffets? What are the dining options really like?
“There will almost always be a buffet available to you on a cruise for ease of dining, but that being said there are also plenty of á la carte restaurants, some even with Michelin starred chefs! You will also find restaurants with cuisines ranging from Mediterranean to Italian or more exclusive experiences with guest chefs. Depending on the ship you choose, dining can be a major focus with diverse options. If you’re a foodie, consider a smaller cruise where you can enjoy local dishes from each destination.”
What’s a typical day like on a cruise? Is it all planned activities?
“There are typically daily schedules showing your activity options, ranging from something active or creative to something more educational. On sea days, you’ll have more options for onboard activities, while port days are great for exploring new places. CIRE can book private tours and activities for you on shore, or you can do the larger group tours the cruise lines have scheduled. There’s no shortage of things to do on a cruise, and the daily schedule helps you choose what interests you.”
What are some of the best places to see from a cruise ship?
“Any location of an expedition cruise would be a great place to see from a cruise ship. Alaska, Antarctica, and other cold locations are places you can’t really visit easily from land, and transportation would take up a lot of your time. On a ship, you would have a luxury lodging experience, rather than an inn or sparse hotel on land. Also, places that can only be accessed from a boat are ideal places to cruise! The Panama Canal experience on a ship is a once in a lifetime activity compared to looking at it from shore. Islands like the Galapagos are also an awesome place to see on a cruise. Island hopping via cruise means seeing more of the culture and nature than if you were trying to get around on your own. Boating and cruising are sometimes the only way to see a fun new place!”
If you have any questions we didn’t cover, or just need some extra cruising tips, drop us an email in the form below. Melissa and our team of expert travel agents are here to help you cruise from one unforgettable destination to another with ease and comfort. Bon voyage, and here’s to smooth sailing on your next luxury cruise booked by CIRE Travel.
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.
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