My favorite vacation ever was a week-long Windjammer cruise to the British Virgin Islands. Our idea of getting dressed up for dinner was putting on a shirt. We had a wedding on-board and the captain gave away the bride. For me, the most surprising piece of information that came out of the CLIA luncheon is that you'll get a better deal on a cruise through a travel agent than by going directly to the cruise line, and hardly anyone books a cruise on the Internet. If you call a cruise line to book a cruise, they quote you the full-fare price and nothing else, according to CLIA board member Rick James, senior VP for customer service and sales at Princess Cruises.
Travel agents work on commission and have more negotiating room.
Plus, with so many choices, they know which ships will offer the best fit for your needs, such as kids' programs, special menus, ports of call and shore excursions. If you're looking ahead to next year, the cruise lines are adding so many new ships, the execs expect prices to stay pretty much where they are now. With the recent news of a cruise line that went bankrupt, all the experts recommend paying by credit card. That way, if you don't get what you paid for, you can get your money back. If you love the water, but you'd rather watch it from the shore, Pensacola has several events coming up in November, and off-season rates are in effect.