How to: pick the cruise that will be right for you

By Don & Maureen Anderson Owners of The Cruise Store Special to PRIME With so many cruise lines setting sail and offering itineraries to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica, the big question is, "how do I choose the cruise that's right for me?" A useful first step is to visit a travel agent with a good knowledge of the cruise industry. We can help you sort through the myriad of options and match you up with the right ship and itinerary, with no service fee while offering you the same or better rates as booking online. Things to consider: Ship size Today's mega ships are floating resorts that carry between 1000 and 3000 or more passengers. They offer choices of restaurants with different types of cuisine. There's little chance you'll get bored with first-class spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, swimming pools, casinos, Broadway-style entertainment, and children's programs. Some even offer full size basketball courts, ice rinks, rock climbing walls, pool tables, miniature golf, even a bowling ally. Yet in spite of its size, one can figure the layout of the ship with relative ease. There are maps, and the logic of the design will become apparent as ships tend to keep daytime activities predominately on one level and nighttime events on another. Midsize ships carry between 400 and 1000 passengers, and offer a more intimate cruise experience. They still have some of the same onboard amenities such as swimming pools and spa, just not at the same level the larger ships offer. This class is very popular with veteran cruisers. Small ships carrying less than 400 passengers can make you feel like you're sailing on your own private yacht. They are able to go to more unique, out-of-the- way destinations as they can fit into tight spots. Dining Most cruise lines offer what is called "traditional dining". This means there is a main seating at about 6 p.m., and a second seating at around 8:30 p.m. You are assigned the same table for the duration of the cruise, and will be seated with anywhere from four to 12 people. There are almost always other options offered on these types of sailings, room service, casual buffet dining, etc. Some lines offer freestyle or personal choice dining where you can eat anytime you'd like although reservations are sometimes necessary for the most popular dining times. There is so much more to finding your dream vacation. Feel free to call us. It is like going to the full service fuel pump, and paying self-service prices. The Cruise Store is locates at 55 Maple Street in East Longmeadow. Tel. 1800 SEA BUYS (1 800-732 2897) or 413 525 9001. Visit them online at www.CruiseStore.com.