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I like to start with two files on my computer. One, a MS Excel spreadsheet, is to budget expenses from the time we leave till the time we get back home. Another an MS Word document, is for all the details of the entire trip; ground transportation, pre or post stay accomodations, air and cruise fare details and confirmation numbers. I create a shortcut for both of these files and leave them on my desktop so they are handy and can be easily updated. Here is an example of both from a recent cruise:
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When it comes to getting cruise info on the Web, you have a mixed deal. While some of the cruise line sites are amazing, giving you everything from their ships' itineraries and prices (the site for Peter Dielmann EuropeAmerica Cruises is particularly impressive in this regard; www.deilmann-cruises.com) to virtual tours (the Holland America site, for instance, at www.hollandamerica.com), that's mostly all they do: give you information. Unlike airline and hotel sites that allow you to book your trip or stay directly through the Web, hardly any cruise line is prepared to anger the travel agent community by taking this step, as agents are responsible for the overwhelming percentage of cruise bookings.
All this aside, the cruise line sites (listed in our individual cruise line reviews) will give you some great visual reference points, and the following independent sites can provide other valuable information as you plan your cruise.
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Twice each year, the Centers for Disease Control's Vessel Sanitation Program (www.cdc.gov/travel) rates sanitary conditions aboard all ships that have foreign itineraries and carry 13 or more passengers. Access this site for the latest test results.
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The Web site for Cruise Critic (www.cruisecritic.com or AOL Keyword: cruise critic) offers reviews, useful tips, chat opportunities and postings of cruise bargains.
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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA, www.cruising.org), the U.S. cruise industry's marketing arm, maintains a Web site that lists CLIA-affiliated travel agencies and more.
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Cruise News (www.cruise-news.com) gives news on seasonal and themed cruises and information about upcoming launches of new ships. You'll also find links to agents who specialize in selling cruise vacations.
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The Cruisemates site (www.cruisemates.com) contains ship reviews, information for first-time cruisers, and lots of opportunities to chat with other cruise aficionados.
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Cruise News Daily (www.cruisenewsdaily.com) provides a matter-of-fact daily update on cruise news, such as delays on a cruise line unveiling a new ship or special deals on off-peak cruises. You can sign up for a weekly e-mail dispatch or check the Web site daily for news items.
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The most valuable part of CruiseOpinion.com (www.cruiseopinion.com) is the section of passenger reviews. Most people who comment include their age, occupation, and number of cruises they've taken, and some add their e-mail address so you can send follow-up questions. This site is a fine example of travelers getting online to help one another.
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The Web site of Porthole cruise magazine (www.porthole.com) offers light feature articles on cruising and a great list of cruise links.
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The well-stocked Sealetter (www.sealetter.com), managed by a husband-and-wife travel agent team, features a lot of reader ship reviews, cruise tips, and loads of great cruise links.
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Steiner (www.steinerleisure.com) runs most of the onboard spas in the cruise industry. Via their site, you can get a preview of the spa treatments you'll find aboard ship.
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