Columnist Muriel Stevens: Cruises can really float your boat

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 | 8:22 a.m.

Make plans now if a cruise is the right fit for your vacation in 2003. Prices have rarely been better. Destinations close to home may have appeal, or you can choose a worldwide adventure.

If you've never cruised before, do some homework. Better yet, do a lot of homework. It's important to choose a ship with programs and amenities that will fit your budget and your expectations.

Invest in a few travel books devoted to cruises before visiting a travel agent or going online. Cruise prices online change frequently, so be ready to make an instant decision if the price is too good to pass up.

An expert travel agent can be an invaluable source to a first-timer. Ask for an agent who knows the cruising scene firsthand and who can describe the ports of call and answer questions. Make a dream list.

There are many cruise lines that can make dreams come true, and just as many that offer affordable cruise packages.

QE2 changes schedule: The venerable Cunard Line has been offering "regularly scheduled crossings" between the United States and England since 1840. For more than three decades the world-famous Queen Elizabeth 2 has been traveling this route.

This will change in 2003 when the QE2 will mark its final season of transatlantic crossings. Don't fret -- the revered ship is not being retired from active service, merely changing its schedule.

QE2 will continue to be the ocean liner of choice for Cunard's annual World Cruise. Seventeen six-day farewell transatlantic crossings will be offered from April through December. QE2 will then offer a full schedule of new voyages departing from her British homeport, Southampton.

Cunard's new, $800 million Queen Mary 2 (currently under construction) will assume QE2's former schedule. For information about Queen Mary 2's inaugural season (January 2004) or additional information about QE2 call 800-7-CUNARD or visit Cunard.com.

More new ships: Radisson Seven Seas will launch its 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager April 1. Voyager is a rarity -- an all-balcony suite cruise ship. Call (800) 477-7500 for brochures and reservation information. Website: rssc.com.

Princess Cruises has added the Coral Princess (December 2002) and will debut the Island Princess in May. Additional ships will be added in 2004. Inaugural voyages are always exciting, so they sell out as soon as announced. Information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent. For brochures call 800-PRINCESS. Website: princess.com.

Holland America will debut its newest ship, the ms Oosterdam, July 10. The maiden cruise will depart from London. This is the 12th ship for the ever-growing line. More than 400 sailings are scheduled for 2003. For more information vist hollandamerica.com.

CLIA: According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents 24 North American cruise lines, "The new year will bring more cruises departing from close-to-home ports as well as additional in the Mediterranean and northern Europe."

To learn more about cruising destinations visit cruising.org.