Cruising Tips and more, a preview

This mini-episode is to tell you about the next episode I will be publishing which will feature a conversation I'm having with Kurt Oswald, a cruise advisor specialist with Expedia Cruises.

We're going to talk about everything from the basics of how to select a cruise that's right for you, your friends or your family, to what should you expect while you're on the ship.  We'll talk about how much a cruise really costs and how to find a vacation that fits in to your budget.

I hope to share with you some tips that I have learned over my 30 years of traveling, including cruises and get some insights from an industry expert to help you make the best cruise decision.

Transcript

Cruising 101: Tips and Tricks for picking the perfect cruise for you, your friends or your family

Hey there!  I’m Russ.  Welcome to Explorations All Over.

Duncan and I are heading off for a 19-night cruise on Silversea Cruises’ “Silver Moon” from Los Angeles to Hawaii, then cruising the Hawaiian islands before heading to Vancouver.

But before I left, I wanted to share with you my plans for the next episode of Explorations All Over.

You want to take a cruise but are scared to take the leap or have tried it and are not sure you want to go back.  Where do you start?  How do you choose from the wide variety of cruises and destinations out there?  How much is it going to cost?  What cruise line is right for me or my family?  How long should I plan to be away?

You may have read reviews.  You may have talked to friends who have taken a cruise.  You may have seen ads on TV or the internet.  There’s just so much to sort out.  They all look so amazing, but what is the truth?  What is the reality?

Where do you start?

Well in my next episode I am going to have a conversation with Kurt Oswald, a cruise specialist with Expedia Cruises, who is going to answer a lot of these questions most new and even seasoned cruisers have when it comes to today’s cruise options.

Deciding whether cruising is right for you is a great starting place, and Kurt is going to share his thoughts on who is and is not someone who will enjoy a cruise.

We’ll talk about the reality of taking a cruise, what’s it really like, and dispel some of the myths that are out there about cruises, cruise ships and managing expectations once you’ve booked a cruise.

We’re going to talk about solo cruising: for those traveling, well, solo.  Family cruising, when you’re with your loved ones together for 7 days or more.  Couples cruising, for those looking for some romantic time away together.   And Senior Cruising, also known as Empty Nest cruising, for those who are looking for some more grown up time and are looking to forego waterslides for 5 star dining experiences or broadway shows for small venue cabarets.

We’ll talk about destinations from popular ports to smaller, out of the way destinations.  Warm weather.  Cold weather.  And all those in between.

Kurt is going to also walk us through the reality of the cost of taking a cruise.  You pay the basic fare, but what other costs do you have to keep in mind like WiFi and specialty restaurants.

So, I’m publishing this episode now in the hope that you, my listeners, will submit your questions for Kurt and I to discuss.  Send them to my email, russg4willard@mac.com or post them on the Explorations All Over Facebook page and I’ll make sure to include them.

Remember to like and follow the podcast to be notified when my conversation with Kurt is published.

I’m Russ and thanks so much for listening to my Explorations All Over.  Until next time, I’ll see you soon.