Many of our guests are repeat customers. We think we've done a great job for them, but you can hear what they have to say in their own words.

Click here to read their comments.  

Great Rates.  We provide a competitive rate on any cruise and destination.  You receive the lowest price the cruise line offers on all Lines, all Cruises, all Cabins. There's no doubt - you get the best service and the best possible price with Cruise Direct Online.

Group Bookings at specially reduced rates.  The group leader goes free!

Last Minute Deals. We also receive updated Last Minute Deals with new specials from the cruise lines.  Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter and you can get the latest prices, just when we do.

Fair and Impartial Advice.  We represent all the cruise lines - we don't promote one particular cruise line over the other. Choosing the right cruise experience for you is our number one priority.

Consumer Protection:   For security reasons, we do not take credit card information over the Internet and with our Pay Direct Process (PDP) the credit card information provided by fax, phone or mail is given directly to the Cruise Line who will process your charges. Their name will appear on your monthly card statement. Our Pay Direct Process provides comfort and assurance that your funds are deposited directly with the Cruise Line. Cruise Direct Online aka Travel Direct Corporation is a licensed, bonded Seller of Travel in Florida, Registration # 31254.

Cruise Direct Cruise Guarantee

Within 14 days of placing a deposit, if you find a lower price offered by the cruise line on a cruise vacation you bought from us, provide us with details, including written proof of the availability of the same exact cruise arrangements at the time of booking at the lower price. The lower rate must be available from the cruise line for the same exact cruise ship, sailing date, category, deck and type of assigned cabin. We then try to match that rate ( see exception note below ). Rate must be published by the cruise line and available to the general public. ( consolidator, group , incentive, guarantee form of reservation, meeting or convention rates excluded ) Match price valid for cruise only, airfare included as part of a cruise tour or air-sea package or purchased separately, any land portion, shipboard credits, group amenities are excluded.  Travel providers other than the cruise line rate(s) are excluded.

Passenger (s) must qualify for any rules that apply to the rate as established by the cruise line. This may include state or city residency for regional promotions, cruise line alumni/past passenger promotions, group, senior or child price-related offers. Rates cannot be matched when the same category or deck is sold out.

Any lower rate that is offered 'by the cruise line' for new bookings only is not covered by this cruise guarantee-price match.

Proof of availability must be in the form of the cruise line's own written confirmation ( the original-no photocopies ) either sent to you or to a travel provider. E-mail's and photocopies are not accepted as they can easily be altered.

Exception Note: (a) Within 14 days of placing a deposit and prior to making final payment should we become aware that the cruise line reduced prices for the category you have booked, we will contact them and request an adjustment. All adjustments are net of any commission we earn on the reservation. That is, we retain the full value of the commission income earned on the original price of the cruise fare prior to any adjustments.  It is at the cruise lines discretion to make a price reduction, offer an upgrade or any other change to your booking. As most cruise lines have no set policy concerning this issue, there is no guarantee that the cruise line will make any adjustment at all. Our experience is that sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. We have secured some significant price reductions in the past for our guests, however we cannot predict nor promise that we can do that for you. (b) As always, we will do our best to secure the best price available, however we reserve the right to decline to match any other offer. In that case, the guest may choose to keep the rate as agreed-or-cancel their booking with no service charges from Cruise Direct Online provided that their request is made prior to any payment or cancellation charges/policies that apply to that booking imposed by the cruise line. Once any cancellation charges/policies take effect and/or final payment is made, the offer to match price is withdrawn.

Your Cruise Travel Advisor

Every staff member is an experienced cruiser. And all of us are involved in positively outrageous guest service.  We provide expert advice, not just a flood of information.

To insure your every want and need is met, our staff continually attend seminars at sea, taking classes and learning everything there is to know about the cruise industry.

Our people travel "round the world", visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, go on cruises, sample and critique shore excursions... They are constantly communicating, learning and passing on that knowledge and information to you. 

• They understand your needs
• They give you good solid advice you can count on.
• They are knowledgeable of what's on offer. 
• They are able to get you exceptional value for your cruise

Your Cruise Travel Advisor once engaged when you book a cruise with us:

• May be able to offer you group rates( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts.  We receive daily faxes from the cruise lines offering special promotions so be sure to ask if there are any special offers available.
• Will offer the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc.
• Will review the proper immigration/passport/birth certificate documentation necessary for your cruise.
• Arrange any special needs -- such as a handicap-designed stateroom, or a special diet.
• Inform you of your dining choices and ask if you prefer early or late seating , or "freestyle" dining where you can dine with whom you want, when you want... and arrange for any special occasions you might be celebrating like a birthday or anniversary. 
• Explain the importance of travel insurance to cover the unexpected such as trip delays, missed cruise connections and lost or delayed baggage.
• Give you General Information materials that cover over 18  "Things to Know Before You Go". 
• Point out your stateroom on the deck plan ( select deck plans available online ).
• Inform you when final payment is due and the deadline to request air deviations and arrange pre-or-post cruise land packages.
• Advise you about tipping; packing; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, etc.

We want you to feel confident- and excited- about the choices you have, no matter if this is your first cruise or simply seeking a new adventure. We'll help you choose the cruise that's right for you--whether you're traveling alone, with children, or with a group of relatives or friends.

We Know Where To Find The Best Deals!

Each of us is a cruise vacation professional. We're a valuable resource of first hand knowledge coupled with contagious enthusiasm for our work, here to help you plan the perfect cruise vacation. You'll find we're just like you, sharing one common dream, the dream of cruising and the spirit of the sea. Call today and let us plan your most memorable vacation experience ever.

At Cruise Direct Online we provide the highest possible level of support and service

to our clients. We work hard to get you the lowest price possible, on any cruise line.

Memberships include: CLIA The Cruise Line International Association Cruise Shoppes Consortium travel buying group Professional Internet Travel Alliance Certified Charter Member Business Hours: 9AM to 5PM EST Monday-Friday

Cruise Direct Online aka Travel Direct Corporation is a licensed, bonded Seller of Travel in Florida, Registration # 31254.CDO/TDC carries professional liability coverage.

The Professional Internet Travel Alliance....

• Identifies our company as a member of an association whose membership is comprised of the most respected travel professionals doing business on the Internet.

• Demonstrates our commitment to earning our customer's trust.

• Provides the contact information necessary to enable you to reach us in the event of a dispute or problem.

• Denotes that we operate a web site that adheres to the guidelines established in the PITA Rules of Conduct for Online Travel Sales.

About The Editors     Working on a Cruise Review aboard  the Queen Mary 2

Raye & I are a husband and wife team with more than 30 years experience cruising the world. Our mission is plain and simple. We started Cruise Direct Online so we could provide real-life accounts and expert advice, not just a flood of information.

We literarily have cruised "round the world", sailing thousands of nautical miles,  visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, sampling itineraries and critiquing shore excursions... And now through Cruise Traveler Magazine and our other web sites we hope to pass on that knowledge and information to you.

Our stories offer the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc....plus we'll point out where to get group rates ( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts.

At Cruise Direct Online you will find information about your dining choices. Advise about tipping; packing; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, proper immigration documentations and much more.

At Cruise Direct Online you will find information of value to seniors, families, singles, couples and groups. Plus some "behind the scenes" and 'Know Before You Go" information not found elsewhere.

We also will tell you how to avoid travel scams and common travel mistakes, and share our insights on the latest cruise news and how it affects your vacation planning.

After reading Cruise Direct Online, we hope you will feel confident- and excited- about the choices you have, no matter if this is your first cruise or simply seeking a new adventure. After all, we know that each time you cruise, you will meet new people, make new friends and learn new things as you cruise around the World.

Choosing the cruise that's right for you--that the premise behind Cruise Direct Online and our editorial content promise to you.

Where have Raye and Marty traveled? The Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, French Polynesia, Tahiti, Hawaii and more.  Cruised to over 40 Countries with over a dozen cruise lines....Over 30 times.   Watch for some great stories as they share their adventures with you.

We receives hundreds of cruise questions from all over the world asking our advice in planning a cruise. Now it's your turn. Send us your cruise questions or comments about Cruise Traveler Magazine articles, content, and features. Member Society of Professional Journalists, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

A little bit of background...

 

Marty is a veteran travel professional. He has been a corporate travel executive for over 30 years. Along with eight years of retail cruise industry experience, he has handled corporate incentives for Pepsi and Ford, managed retail and wholesale tour operations, been a theme park/attractions marketing planner and directed one of the largest annual migration of British Tourists to Walt Disney World!

 

In addition to Cruise Direct Online and Cruise Travel Magazine, he and his wife are also editors and publishers of Cruise Reviews Online. At Cruise Reviews Online you can read hundreds of cruise line and cruise ship reviews by travelers and cruise experts on today's most popular cruise ships. Unbiased and unedited, they share their experience with you. Cruise Reviews Online, is one of the most recognized leading resources for fair and objective information about cruise travel.

 

Together Raye & Marty have edited and published 'The Ultimate Cruise Guide". a cruiser travel reference guide book that is available free for the reading... online.

 

As an knowledgeable expert in the cruise industry,  Marty is a member of the Society of Industry Leaders, where he shares his expertise with members of the financial community conducting industry research. He has also been called upon to assist the media with expert comments on cruise industry news discussing everything from holiday travel trends to cruise safety.

 

They are members of the Society of Professional Journalists, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

 

Raye is an educator by profession with over 25 years of teaching experience. Her  experience, both as a mother and teacher bring a unique perspective to family and multi-generational travel. She writes for Dan and Molly's Dockside Cafe'  a travelogue and has worked in the travel industry part-time for as many years as she has been teaching. Through the years, she has helped families from all over the world catch up with loved ones and creating new family memories at sea, noting that "a cruise vacation offers more variety and things to do for both grandparents and children than on a land-based vacation plus a cruise brings everyone together to share a once-in-a lifetime family experience".

 

Raye loves to cruise, likes the big ships to the small ones and always takes timeout to visit the grandkids.

 ( Marty prefers the opposite, the ships that is, )

 

Contributing Editors

Dawn Gesualdi is a professional school and family counselor who has cruised since she was five years-old and offers readers the "scoop" on what children and their parents can expect and experience from the cruise lines kids' and teen programs. Plus Dawn will offer good advice on how to make cruise planning easier for you.

 

CAMERACRAFTSMEN OF AMERICA - MAY 17, 2009  STAR PRINCESS - 90 Guests. "The weather this week was incredible, 70 and sunny. Never saw a bit of rain...but, lots of whales, eagles, porpoise, bear, moose.....etc."