Book early - the best rates, along with best cabin selection, dining room seating, transportation options to and from the cruise are found when you make your booking as far in advance as possible. Many cruise lines will accept your reservation 18 months, or more, before the sailing date. Book often - the cruise lines love those folks who are their past passengers and often provide booking incentives for returning cruisers. These incentives range from special pricing for returning passengers to cabin upgrades, confirmed dining and a variety of other value added benefits. Always let your Cruise Center counsellor know which cruises you've taken in the past.
Cruisers come in all ages and in all situations.
The cruise lines appreciate the variety of their passenger's life styles and provide a cruise and price to match. During the 1980's the cruise industry realized the need to provide a way for people to get to their ships. The cruise lines must pay various fees and taxes to each local government whose port they call at. In addition to government fees and taxes, there are charges assessed by the local port authority for refuse collection, fresh water service, longshoreman, and so forth. The cruise lines have preferred to show these charges separately.