Luggage Solo

Im a first time cruiser and I have some questions about cruising?

Im looking, cruises / cruise lines, so I will go solo. Im thinking of making an Alaskan cruise for next September or take a cruise in the Caribbean in December this year or spring or autumn next year. Im planning to cruise with Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity and NCL. Do you have any tips or advice? Do you use a travel agent or you do everything yourself? If you're a DIY kind of person is there a certain website that you use to book your cruise in addition to the usual (Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity or Expedia)? Do you have tips for saving money on a cruise? Do you have tips for choosing a cab? How do you get the upgraded cabin? Do you arrive at the departure city the day or you get a hotel and spend the night? If you can you drive a car or you just fly? Have you ever used a service baggage if you fly? Sorry for all the questions, you do not have to answer all if you do not want to do.

I surfed all cruise lines that you mentioned and have also sailed to Alaska and throughout the Caribbean. I've been on over 20 cruises and I made certain with an agent and others without, just right on the booking. So here's my answer to your questions. 1. If you know exactly what you want to cruise or that cabin, when, then you can easily book right on line. But if you book online then use websites online cruise booking with them directly rather than through those other websites cruise line you mention. If you get stuck or have questions, you can then call the cruise line directly (or email) and get an answer quickly and accurately. If you have any questions about when, where, what cabin, date and sense things then use an agent. Agents do not charge for their services because they are paid Commission by the cruise line. 2. All cabins are sold to the cruise lines based on "double occupancy" which means two people per cabin. However, you can go, as you say "solo" by paying what is called a single supplement. The single supplement is basically a rate double the same cabin where two people were in it. There are some websites that advertise cruises singles (http://www.singlescruise.com/pages/Home.aspx) that will try to match you with someone who goes cruising in the same cabin with you. But ask yourself if you want to take a cab with a stranger for a week. I prefer to pay the single supplement. If you're eager to go it alone (I've met many people cruise only is not uncommon), then find a cruise that is updated and / or select a date on which the price of the cruise is the lowest. 3. To save money just to watch on-line sites on the web cruise discounts and special; Most every site lists a few. More importantly, the earlier you book the more money a year in advance usually gets the best price. Once you decide if its Alaska or Caribbean then lean on the price difference for each day. Alaska is cheaper in May and September. Prices in the Caribbean can change each week, choose the least expensive week. Look how the price for this cruise itinerary changes every week http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itineraryAndPricing.do; jsessionid = 00004rIc0a9QpSGyZON9K_kv6Na: 12hdhu87a? LB07W035 packageCode = & date = Any & selectedCurrencyCode & promoType = = = hasSenior & & hasMilitary HasFireandPolice = & = & state = 4. Evaluate you are not likely to get one. I've done 20 + cruises and won once and one of them was a passage in the cabin of the same type on a higher floor. Thus, some of these "improvements" do not be really more, a higher floor amidships instead of further back or forward. The cabins are the best amidships and upper floors, those also cost more, but are basically the same as the cabin of the same type in other places. There is less movement in the center of the vessel and the lower floors. I suggest always get the best cabin you can afford. I still Cruise in a balcony cabin, you enjoy your cruise more in a balcony cabin. 5. I drove to cruise departures in Florida and transferred to other ports of departure. I always go a day earlier to avoid problems with flight delays and / or loss of baggage that can make you miss your cruise. Even when I drive to Florida (from NC), I drive there a day earlier, then stop in about an hour or two from the port of departure. So, if I have problems car, I have some latitude. 6. I have never used a service baggage because they are too expensive in my book, and it may also lose your luggage.