Here are some companies that specialize in cruises and offer discounts.
Cruises Inc., Pioneer Business Park, 5000 Campuswood Drive, East Syracuse, N.Y. 13057; 800-854-0500.
Cruises International, 1050 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, Ill. 60193;
708-893-8820 or 800-255-7447.
Kelly Cruises, 2001 Midwest Rd., Oak Brook, Ill. 60521; 708-932-8300 or for ”hot line” tips call 708-932-8361.
The Cruise Line, Inc., 260 N.E. 17th Terrace, Suite 201, Miami, Fla. 33123; 305-372-2830 or 800-777-0707.
World Wide Cruises, 8059 W. McNab Rd., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33321;
800-882-9000.
These discounters are well-established, reputable travel agencies that specialize exclusively in sea travel. They offer the personalized service of regular travel agencies.
There are, however, dozens of other discounters around the country. Most of them operate legitimate businesses, but others specialize in scamming. Because this is a virtually unregulated business, it is best to work exclusively with the more established agencies.
The rule of thumb is that if someone makes you an offer that is too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, ask questions. Check to see if a discounter has an escrow account at a bank, then call that bank to verify.
When booking a cruise through a discounter, ask for the option and cabin number, which any reputable agent gladly will supply. Then call the toll free reservation number of the cruise line to verify price and availability of that cabin.
Be advised that discounted cruises sell like hot cakes, and some listed in the accompanying article may be unavailable now. However, the agency probably can provide you with a similar deal on another ship.
