Volendam (Holland America) – A passenger was able to take a partial transit of Panama Canal and remembered that all of the HAL ships have curled around promenade decks as well as opening the bow which they did while in the Panama Canal.

Oceania – The passengers went on a smaller ship with many mature people on board and recalled the food as being very good and at the same time very expensive.

Princess – A lady said that the ship was good but she usually goes for bigger ships but the problem is that they can’t fit through the canal. 80% of the crowd were around 60-70 years old, 5% were older and the rest was in their 40’s and above.

The price was reasonable but she wouldn’t think twice on booking a Holland American Balcony cabin that’s on sale provided that it’s going through the whole canal. The perfect time for her is going on November for Thanksgiving because you won’t get bugged by flies. The food was okay but the buffet could do a much better job.

Every cruise line is different and you have to determine what’s important to you when it comes to having a great cruise experience. If having good food is important then you would want to go with Oceania because all of the others doesn’t come close. Royal Caribbean for entertainment but bigger ships won’t be able to go through the locks. And for the best service, it’s recommended that you go with Celebrity or HAL.

Tips in planning a cruise:

* Who will join the cruise? The number of people, the ages and the sex are to be taken into account.
* Your budget. This is very important or else everything will be spoilt. The common knowledge is you need to allocate at least $100/person in a day, excluding airfare. Booking in advance (9 months before) or take risk and book late (2 months or less in advance) will minimize the costs. Your budget will also determine the length of your vacation, the schedule of the cruise and the cabin.
* The places you are to see and the activities offered by the cruise. This must be discussed and agreed upon by everyone.
* Dinner time. Cruise offers three choices – early dinner (6 pm), late dinner (8-9 pm) or the open dinner (6:30-9:30 pm). You are given the freedom to choose to fit in your schedule. One thing which you need to know is that some ships have assigned seating and thus, you will be asked of your preference.
* Dressing up. Check the brochure or the web. Study carefully the dress code observed during dinner time.
* Means of travel to your cruise. By land which is convenient if you will not be driving within a day while by air involves transfers. Whatever you choose, be sure that you do not get stressed rushing to get there. Remember you are going on a cruise and what better way to start it is leaving relaxed and at ease.

Evaluating the pre-cruise assessments will assure you of an enjoyable break.