Cruises By Internet: If you build it, they will come

That advice, which prompted an Iowa farmer in the 1989
movie "Field of Dreams" to plow over his corn field and
build a baseball diamond, has become the mantra of many
high-tech startups promoting electronic commerce on the
Internet. And the cruise travel industry has also
embraced this "shop by computer" concept.

Indeed the Internet can be a wonderful source of
information to help you plan an exciting holiday,
obtaining ship and stateroom descriptions, itineraries,
tips on sites to see, passport and visa requirements,
shore excursion, shopping, weather and local interest
information, but is it the right place to book your dream
vacation?

Cruise lines are investing over US$15 billion to build at
least 50 new ships in the first half of this decade in
addition to the over 300 vessels already in service. Each
of these ships offer different amenities with unique
ambiance and often this kind of information can only be
understood and communicated by face to face discussions
with a cruise expert to avoid turning a terrific vacation
into a mediocre experience.

There is a common misconception that because something is
offered for sale on the Internet, it will be an
exceptional or a major saving for the consumer. More
often than not however it is the ease of completing a
transaction that is the major benefit for certain types of
travel. Do not assume that pricing on the Internet will
automatically be the lowest. Often local agencies will
have agreements with the cruiselines that allow them to
offer exceptional "not to be advertised" specials.

Sometimes there are "residents specials" which are
applicable only to residents of Canada or even a
particular province. Most cruiselines offer price
protection to the consumer should the fare for your
category of stateroom be reduced. A good agent will watch
for reductions and ensure you receive the adjustment.
Using an electronic service may not provide the same
protection or make available specific specials applicable
to your requirements.

Arrangements unique to your vacation such as special
dietary requirements, handling disabilities, and providing
meet and greet services, may be overlooked booking on-line
and there may be no way to get answers your very specific
questions. On the other hand booking your frequent flyer
points travel directly with the airlines or even obtaining
a air ticket can be a simple process with little risk if
you are dealing directly with the airline's booking
engine.

Above all make sure about who you are giving your credit
card to. Where are they located, and how long have they
been in business? Can you get references? Are the web
transactions secure? Is the currency Canadian? How will
my documents get to me and are there additional charges
that have not been itemized? What happens if I do not
receive the tickets?

Now for the good news. As a research tool, the Internet
is second to none. Most cruiselines have sites that
provide detailed information on their offerings. Carnival
Cruise Lines at www.carnival.com offers comprehensive
information on their ships, itineraries and even the shore
excursions available for each sailing. Similar sites are
available from Princess Cruises at www.princess.com or
Royal Caribbean International at www.rccl.com where you
can print a custom information brochure in full color if
you wish!

The official trade organization of the cruise industry,
the Cruise Lines International Association
(www.cruising.org) also works in partnership with nearly
21,000 affiliated travel agencies throughout North America
to ensure the highest caliber of cruise sales expertise
and service for cruise vacationers. This is a fun place
for exploring what cruising is all about and CLIA provides
links to all major cruiselines, frequently asked
questions, vacation planning information and even a cruise
expert locator to find an Accredited Cruise Counsellor
near you.

If you would like to create a printed mini-guide to your
vacation destination, you may wish to visit
www.fodors.com. The creators of the famous travel books
allow you to create your own mini-guides to a destination
covering transport, lodging, dining, currency, health, and
more in a personalized format. The Columbus World Travel
Guide (www.wtgonline.com) is a resource often used by
travel agents for complete information on almost any
destination in the world.

This site will give you history, maps, visa and passport
requirements, how to get there, public holidays, political
structure, useful addresses, accommodation, business
profiles, climate, social profiles and much more. Cruise
Vacations Guide, www.cruisevacationsguide.com contains
links to other very useful areas on the Internet such as
Mapquest, Yahoo Weather, Traveller's Health Services,
World Tourism Offices, the Government of Canada Travel
Advisory and Information service as well as links to ship
bridge cameras offering live pictures from their vessels.

Having both a computer and travel background, I am excited
by the potential of the Internet as a comprehensive
research tool. My practical side reminds me that there is
no such thing as a "free lunch". It is not how much you
save but what you get for what you pay!