Surprisingly, the myths and misconceptions about cruising are probably the top reason why cruising is still one of travel's best kept secrets.

Getting people on their first cruise is the hard part, but the number of people who continue to cruise after trying their first cruise is extremely high. All it takes is one cruise before all of the mis-conceptions are dashed.

When is the best time to cruise?

Alaska: May - September

Bahamas: All Year

Bermuda: May - October

Canada/New England: June - October

Caribbean: All Year

Hawaii: All Year

Mediterranean: May - October

Mexico: All Year

Panama Canal: January-May, September -December

Baltics-Scandinavia: May - September

Trans Atlantic: May - October

Is cruising affordable and good value?
Yes! There are cruise holidays to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your holiday will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extras will be drinks, optional shore excursions & items of a personal nature.) You'll be amazed at the value.

How long can i cruise for?
As long or as short as you want. Itineraries can range from as little as three days to as long as three months!

Where can I go?
The world's your oyster! Cruise ships visit practically any destination accessible by water. There are cruises from Ireland to the Canaries, to the Baltic, to Norway and to the Med. You can fly directly to the Med and cruise from there or further afield to the Caribbean, Alaska or the increasingly popular Hawaiin Islands. Just on the market are cruises in Australia & New Zealand. And of course, the option of a world-wide cruise is always available to simply spoil yourself!

How do I book a cruise?
By letting us know your preferences, we can help you pick the cruise that fits your holiday schedule, tastes and budget; then we make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your cabin and back! The usual arrangements include a flight from your nearest airport to the embarkation point on the day before you cruise. Overnight and cruise the following day at your leisure with worries about flight delays or lost luggage.

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. Cruise ships can range from boutique stlye ships that are under 200 feet to sheer breathtaking ships that are over 2,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 3,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. We have the full range of Cruise companies to choose from.

What's fly/cruise?
A fly/cruise package includes a return airfare to the point of embarkation, usually an overnight pre-cruise and your cruise. Flights are direct in the case of cruises from Barcelona, Southampton or Venice or via a stop-over en route for Caribbean, Alaska or Hawaii.

Can I book on short notice?
Yes but cruises operate differently from regular packages in that they give the discounts to early bookers and usually charge more at short notice. You are also unlikely to get great value on your air ticket at short notice also. To get exactly the ship, cabin and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you're going to have!

Do I need a passport?
Yes, all cruise companies require passports and depending on your destination and nationality you may require a visa. Please ask us at the time of booking.

Can I extend my cruise holiday?
We can arrange pre or post cruise land packages at the same time you book your cruise. And, in many cases, your airline ticket will include helpful options, such as free stopovers, that enable you to make your own special arrangements.

Is motion discomfort a problem?
Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters in the world. Today's modern ships are all stabilized to reduce rolling (side to side motion) and designed by sophisticated computer aided design equipment to minimise pitching (up and down motion).

Can we stay in touch with news from home and our friends & family?
No problem! Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While most ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. In addition, many ships have fax capabilities and newer ships offer Internet access and e-mail capabilities to passengers.

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with your us to be sure. Many ships feature hair-dryers in your cabin.

Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Absolutely! Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapes, wine & cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise us in advance

Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
We have excellent rates for groups and inevitably can offer the group leader free travel. A group will avail of discounts, free cocktail parties and many extras for travelling together. See your dedicated groups section for more details.

I know nothing about ships; I'll look silly....

Fear not, the majority of cruisers today are not "old salts" and you'll all be in the same proverbial boat together. There are a few basics that I think everyone should know:

Bow: the front or "pointy end" of the ship

Stern: the back of the ship

Port: the left side of the ship as you face forward

Starboard: the right side as you face forward

Galley: VERY important!! It's the ship's kitchen!

Bridge: Where the ships officers control and navigate the ship from. Usually high up and forward. It is the command centre or "cockpit" of the ship if you will.

Everyone on a cruise is old....

It used to be the case and in some instances, it still is, but cruising is becoming more and more appealing to younger passengers as it gains mass appeal. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the majority of cruisers today are between 48 and 59 with the 25 to 39 and 60+ age groupings in a virtual tie. In fact, it has recently been reported in the trade papers that the cruise lines have identified the Baby Boomers and Gen-X'ers as the most likely candidates for explosive market growth over the next five years. The cruise lines are catering to younger cruisers like never before by offering more and more variety, options and excitement.