I suppose it begins with where. Where do I want to go that I have not been before? So I begin by reviewing all the different websites, different ships, length of cruise, departure port, return port.
I find a cruise that has made me curious so I begin to check prices. I do think this is key to any cruise. I realize you may be bonded to one cruise line, or your friends have told you about their favorite or least favorite cruise line. I just met a couple this weekend who made it perfectly clear they dislike larger ships and find the under 300 guests on a smaller ship to be a perfect fit. For me
I do enjoy the ships that are mid-size, less than 1,000, not an entire city, dining hours that fit into my schedule, and most importantly like a larger plane...well I prefer a larger ship.
Cost, ah yes cost. I have already talked with the amazing customer service staff who spent a solid 30 minutes with me not only anticipating my questions but outlining costs. Remember the cost does not include port excursions, does or does not depending on the package include gratuities. Also remember the base cost does not include port taxes.
Once again I was faced with the decision of cancellation plan that must be paid for the day of the booking. I have never had a doubt about this purchase over the last ten years. Primarily because of the cancellation policy permitting cancellation with only a small percentage lost. I may have mentioned that I had to do this two years ago on a 14 day European cruise closing dates of the house were in direct conflict with the cruise. Besides all of the port excursions that I booked, separate from the excursions available from the cruise line where I got 100% back, all I owed the ship was $500.00 of a $12,000 cruise. Everyone's schedules, lives, unpredictable occurrences are
real. The cost of the insurance is $300.00 to $400.00, it is worth every penny.
Higher priced cancellation plans cover some medical insurance coverage. I checked my 2018 Medicare coverage on pg. 57. " Medicare may cover services you get while on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor or ambulance services." Plans do not cover care you get outside of the U.S. Contact information medicareandyou@cms.hhs.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Next post I will let you know if I had the perfect amount of detail to feel comfortable booking a cruise not only a life experience commitment but a financial commitment.
So I you are planning a cruise, I am right there with you. Patricia G. Kay