Ask Mister Cruise
Real questions from travelers, answered by Peter Coloyan — and a way to ask your own.
Get Up to 5 Free Cruise QuotesYour Cruise Questions, Answered by Mister Cruise
Travelers have been sending Peter their cruise questions for years. Here are some of the questions he is asked most, with his answers. Have a question of your own? Send it through the free quote form and put your question in the comments box — a cruise specialist will reply.
I like to walk off the ship and explore on my own. Does that work on a European river cruise?
Very well. Many river cruise excursions in Europe are walking tours, because the main sights of most river towns are close to the water — the river was, and is, the lifeline of the city. Walking tours require different fitness levels, which each line defines, and many historic towns have cobblestone streets. For travelers with mobility issues, slower-paced tours are usually available. If excursions are included in your fare, it pays to join them.
I use a mobility aid. What should I know before booking a river cruise?
On excursions that use a motor coach, mobility aids usually go in the luggage hold and you will need to climb the coach steps. In Europe, excursions are often included in the river-cruise fare, so you would be paying for tours you cannot take if you cannot manage the steps. There is a river cruise for most mobility needs, and new, more accessible ships launch every year — which is exactly why this is a trip to plan with an expert.
Is the Hawaii cruise on NCL’s Pride of America worth it?
Peter’s answer is a strong yes: one week, four islands — Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai — on a US-flagged ship with no casino. He rated it 4.65 out of 5. Read the full review.
Will I pay more if I use a cruise expert instead of booking direct?
No. Cruise counselors are paid by the cruise lines, and the fare for the same cabin and promotion is generally the same whichever way you book. What you gain is advice, advocacy, and access to promotions and amenities you might not find yourself. Ask your counselor to show you like-for-like pricing.
Ocean or river — which is right for my first cruise?
It depends on what you want from the trip. River cruises put you in the heart of a new town almost every day, with small ships and most extras included. Ocean cruises offer more variety onboard, more destinations and a wider range of prices. If you love culture and history and dislike crowds, start with a river; if you want beaches, entertainment and choice, start with the ocean.
When is the best time to book?
For the best choice of cabins, book early — 9 to 18 months ahead for popular itineraries. The first months of the year (“Wave Season”) bring many of the year’s strongest promotions. Last-minute deals exist, but you give up choice of ship, cabin and date.
Bonus: River Cruises and Accessibility
One of the best things about a European river cruise — on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle or any other river — is the scenery that keeps passing by: castles, vineyards and villages line both banks. River cruising keeps growing, and with it the options for accessible river travel. Don’t assume you can’t go because the right ship isn’t sailing today; it may launch next season.
For river-cruise lines, ships and itineraries, visit the Official River Cruise Directory.
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