Cruise Fever's advice on Hurricane Season cruises

Some might want to avoid cruises during the late summer, early fall because of Hurricane Season. Weather patterns and change in ocean temperatures send big storms towards the Atlantic Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean annually. But according to Cruise Fever you should embrace cruising during this time of year. They point out that when you are on a ship, you can avoid dangerous weather.

While ships are able to move out of the way, sailing during hurricane season does require some preparation and planning from passengers. Because weather can impact flights and even ship departures, you should arrive in your departure port early. Cruise Fever also makes the point to get travel insurance. Most plans cover weather issues that might impact your vacation.

TheStar.Com: buy your airfare through cruise companies

TheStar.com posted a Q&A regarding cruises and addressed one of the most frequently discussed topics: airfare. They advise (and we agree) that you should buy your plane tickets through the cruise company whenever you can. With most of the major cruise lines, the prices will be nearly identical to what you can find elsewhere, plus you get the cruise's commitment to getting you and your luggage to the ship.

If you get to the ship on your own and experience any issues, the cruise company is not obligated to help you out. They will leave without you if it comes to that and won't be too concerned about your bags getting to the next port (if needed).

You might pay a little more for this piece of mind and commitment from the cruise company, but it is worth it.

Deadspin's Adequate Man series takes on cruising

It is always interesting when a popular site dips its toes into writing about cruises. In this case, Deadspin's Adequate Man column gave some tips on cruises. Considering Deadspin focuses on sports, some of the suggestions were pretty spot on.

Where we agree with Adequate Man

Unless you really plan to load up on topshelf liquor every night and buy bottles and bottles of wine, the drink packages are not worth the money. We also like the writer's suggestion of paying for everything up front and in cash. There isn't built in savings by paying in full early, but there is an added piece of mind.

Where we disagree with Adequate Man
We feel better about the ship's tours and excursions than the columnist. Always do your due diligence, but any premium you might pay by going with the ship's preferred tours, you gain in knowing the vendor has been cleared by the cruise line.  

Good and bad advice for new cruisers

What do you tell non-cruisers about cruising? Cruisemates.com's Paul Motter wrote a good article for Fox News on their common objections and how to overcome them.  Most of Motter's points are good. We think his best rebuttal is the argument over "fitting in." As Motter writes, very few worry about "fitting in" when they check into a hotel. Why is that a concern on cruises? First-time cruisers can do as much or as little interacting with passengers as they want. If you "fit" with some fellow cruisers, great! If not, it shouldn't impact your enjoyment. Plus, if you want to "fit in" you can always coordinate a cruise with friends and family.

The one point where Motter might have missed the mark is on experiencing destination. Even with longer hours or multiple days in a port, a cruiser will be hard pressed to experience a destination like you might on a land vacation. Even if you eschew the cruise company's excursions and get your own local guide, things won't be the same. But a first time cruisers shouldn't be looking for an in-depth experience in each city. The cruise is a chance to see small samples of multiple ports all within the comforts of a state-of-the-art resort.