Ask Endora

Dear Endora,

If I book a cruise and have the cruise line add the air, which carrier will I fly?

Brian - Michigan

Dear Brian,

Well my dear, if you want to pay extra you can choose the carrier and flights. However, if you take the best available air OR their free inclusive air you won’t be picking which airlines or flight times to travel. This is determined a few weeks prior to your departure and IMO is not worth the hassle.

Our master cruise counselor always finds better air pricing outside of the cruise lines. So I highly recommend booking your air on your own, and always arrive one day prior to your departure to ensure the ship doesn’t sail without you!

Hope this helps,    Endora

Dear Endora,

I do enjoy reading “Ask Endora” and thought based on current trends I would look at a cruise for my family. With that in mind what are the key points I should focus on when ascertaining if a particular cruise is the best value?

Geoff - Washington

Dear Geoff,

Thank you so much for reading my section, I do enjoy writing back to so many dedicated travelers.

And darling it is great you will be able to take advantage of the cruise specials that are being offered!

For me when I research a cruise I look at the following:

  • Is the itinerary right for me?
  • Is the ship a nice one? There are different class categories for ships on all lines.
  • Is the price right? This must be done by isolating the cruise only price.
  • How good is my cabin?
  • Is this the right time to buy? Remember cruise lines will give you a lower price if they are being offered even after you have purchased your cruise.

Once I go through my checklist I can then narrow down my cruise choices – which surprisingly will not be that many! Then I ALWAYS have a travel agent book it, they will provide countless “free” information that is truly informative and has saved me $1000’s.

Good luck in your search,
   Endora

Dear Endora,

I have always wanted to travel to Europe and I am seeing so many specials I am not sure if any are really that special. Where do you think the bargains are for 2010?

James - Portland

Dear James,

Well, honestly right now the pound is the lowest it has been in many, many years. In fact, the British pound is pretty close to being on par with the Euro. I feel for that very reason that all of Britain is on sale. But I have seen incredible rates to Ireland and Scotland as well. In fact, check out the specials this month there is one that is about $800 including air (from the East coast), accommodations, breakfast daily, and car rental!

You can hardly fly to Hawaii for that price!

   Endora