So Many Cruise Lines; How Do I Choose? Part 1 - The “Popular” Cruise Lines

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The cruise industry offers a wide selection of carriers to choose from for your cruising experience. Generally, cruise lines are grouped into three main categories, popular, luxury and specialty.

There is no one size fits all in the cruise industry. Choosing a favorite cruise line is like choosing a favorite restaurant; it depends on personal taste.

In this article, I will be looking at the popular category of cruise lines and describing each brand using their own advertising, guest feedback and personal experience. I’m listing them in alphabetical order to avoid the appearance of favoring any cruise line over another. 

Shore Excursions-A Big Part of Cruising

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Shore Excursions are a big part of what ocean cruising is all about. Although many guests are perfectly happy staying onboard and enjoying all the ship has to offer, excursions give you a chance to see a destination for the first time and enjoy other fun activities on land.

The following is only a snippet of what’s available in two of the most popular cruise regions and may even cause you to give a cruise vacation another look.

How to Choose the Perfect Cruise

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

So, you’ve decided to take a cruise for your family vacation next year. Great! Did you know there are literally thousands of cruises to choose from? Choosing the right cruise depends on a number of factors requiring you to answer some basic questions to get started.

5 Reasons You Should Use a Travel Agent

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Sometimes, making vacation travel plans is easy. Technological advancements, particularly the internet, have made booking travel seemingly simple. Some travelers feel they can do it themselves and save time and money. A travel agent just isn’t necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth!
If you are an inexperienced traveler or just don’t have the time, patience or personal knowledge to do it yourself, using a travel agent makes a lot of sense.
Here are five reasons why travel agents are still a wise choice for booking travel: