Ask Endora

Dear Endora,

We want to go to Alaska but I am so frustrated. I don't understand why there are so many price options to consider. Can you help me understand because I'm really confused?

Dear confused,

And this is the reason why you should consult a cruise specialist - cruising appears easy, but it takes a trained professional to sort though all the details! Your question is asked quite often, and we sense great frustration from many would be cruisers who have spent hours researching on websites only to find out that they are not on the quality of vessel they would have opted for had they "known" better. In a nutshell, class of service will dictate price, high season/low season itineraries will dictate price, tour packages will affect the price (you will often times get a better value booking a "package" rather than not), embarkation port will dictate the price, size of ship will dictate the price (large ships are more economical, small ships are more expensive and offer the best itinerary for a once in a lifetime experience). If you have a set cruise in mind and are picky on the location of your stateroom you will want to book in advance to get the best pricing and availability. Sometimes last minute specials offer great value, but these require the traveler to be very flexible as you will not have many choices.

Alaska, the Last Frontier, is breathtakingly beautiful and one of my favorite cruise destinations. I strongly encourage you to work with Pat, Incredible Journey's Master Cruise Counselor, to help you create the ultimate cruise to Alaska!

Happy cruising!    Endora

Dear Endora,

I am planning a long awaited trip to Tahiti and want to spend several days on a few islands. In Hawaii we typically rent a car, should we rent a car in Tahiti and if not how do we get around the island?

Susan - Texas

Dear Susan,

I have rented cars on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, but you will only need a car for one day max as the islands in French Polynesia are much smaller than the Hawaiian Islands. A fun mode of transportation is a scooter on the larger islands. If you are visiting smaller islands such as Bora Bora, you can ride a bicycle around the island in about 4 hours (leisure ride with just one tough hill). But most travelers will typically go on escorted adventures and the mode of transportation will be either a 4 x 4 or boat. As you can imagine the Tahitian Islands are surrounded by water and for the most part this is how you will get around.

Have a great adventure in paradise,
   Endora

Dear Endora,

I want to take my family to Europe this summer. Would you suggest a cruise?

Anxious - Reno

Dear Anxious,

Cruising the Mediterranean is to die for. I have taken my family on a cruise to Europe and find that this is the best way to see many countries, cultures, historical sites. What other mode of transportation will allow you to unpack your luggage once, sleep in the same room every night, offer children's programs, entertainment, fine as well as casual dining options, a fitness center, and the list goes on! You have a chance to tour the highlights of each port daily, and then are back in the lap of luxury as the day ends, sailing off into the sunset to a new port of call. It's a great way to go!

You can hardly fly to Hawaii for that price!

Bon Voyage,
   Endora