Cruise and River Cruise FAQ: Answers from a North Vancouver Cruise Specialist

Dale Graham is a North Vancouver luxury cruise and river cruise specialist with Expedia Cruises, planning ocean voyages, river cruises and complete vacations across Europe, Asia, Egypt and beyond.

These are the questions I get asked most, answered the way I'd answer them if you dropped by the office. If yours isn't here, give me a call. I'm always happy to talk travel.

Working with a travel advisor

Does it cost more to book a cruise through a travel advisor?

Usually not. The cruise lines pay my commission, so in most cases your fare is the same as booking direct. Often it's better, because through Expedia Cruises I can get promotions and onboard credits you won't find on the cruise line's website. Where it really pays off is when something goes sideways. A cancelled flight or a changed itinerary becomes my problem to sort out.

What does a cruise specialist actually do for me?

I start by asking how you like to travel. Then I find the line, ship and cabin that suit you and build the rest of the trip around it. That usually means flights, hotels, transfers, shore excursions, a few days in a city before or after, and insurance. You deal with one person the whole way through, and I'm still a phone call away once you're on the road.

Do you only book cruises?

No. Cruises are what I know best, but I also book land tours, all-inclusive resorts, flights and hotels. A lot of my river cruise clients add a few days in Paris, Budapest or Amsterdam, and I set that up too.

Where are you located? Do I need to come to the office?

My office is at Expedia Cruises, 110 Esplanade West in North Vancouver. Most of my clients live on the North Shore or in Vancouver, but I work with people all over BC. We can meet in person, or do everything by phone, email or video call. Whatever's easiest for you.

River cruises

What's the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?

River ships are small. Most carry fewer than 200 guests, and they tie up right in town, so you walk off the ship and you're there. The water is calm, there's scenery on both banks all day, and most days have a guided excursion included. Ocean ships are bigger, with more restaurants and entertainment, and they can reach islands and coastlines a river never will. If you'd like a bit of both, the smaller luxury ocean lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn give you a lot of that river cruise feel at sea.

Which river cruise line is right for me?

It really comes down to how you like to travel. Here's my quick take:

• AmaWaterways suits active travellers. They carry bikes on board and offer guided hiking and cycling on many itineraries.

• Avalon is known for its panoramic suites, where the whole outside wall is a window onto the river.

• Scenic includes almost everything in the fare, and every suite comes with butler service.

• Uniworld's boutique ships are each decorated differently, and lavishly. The fare is all-inclusive.

• Viking is consistent and focused on the places you visit, with plenty of history and culture built in.

• Riverside is a newer luxury brand with big suites and a hotel-like feel.

Fares and promotions change all the time, so I'll pull the current offers for your dates and compare them for you.

Are river cruises a good fit for solo travellers?

Yes, and they're some of my favourite trips to plan for people travelling on their own. On a small ship you get to know people quickly, and with excursions included you're never left working out the day by yourself. Some lines reduce or waive the single supplement on certain sailings. Those cabins sell out fast, so ask early. You could also join one of my hosted group cruises, where you travel with a group and I look after the details.

When is the best time for a European river cruise?

Spring has blossoms, and tulip season if you're in Holland. Summer is warm and busy. Autumn is my pick for food and wine lovers, since it's harvest time in Bordeaux and along the Danube and Rhine. December is Christmas market season, and people who go once tend to go back. One thing to know: in late summer, low water can occasionally affect sailings on some rivers. It's one of the reasons I always recommend travel insurance.

Do you book river cruises outside Europe?

Yes. The Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia, the Nile in Egypt and the Amazon are all on my list. Most people add a land extension, like Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay or the Pyramids.

Planning and booking

How far ahead should I book?

For river cruises and the luxury lines, I'd aim for 12 to 18 months out. Popular dates, suites and solo cabins tend to go first. Last minute deals do come up, so if your dates are flexible, ask anyway.

What's included on a luxury cruise?

It depends on the line and the fare. Some include drinks, tips, specialty restaurants and Wi-Fi, and a few include shore excursions too. Regent Seven Seas is the best known for that. Others sell these as add-on packages. A fare that looks higher can work out cheaper once everything is added up, so I'll lay out exactly what you're getting.

Do I need travel insurance, visas or vaccinations?

Get travel insurance, and buy it when you book. I tell every client the same thing. Passports, visas, electronic travel authorizations and health requirements depend on your citizenship and where you're going, and the rules change. We'll go through them together for your itinerary before you leave.

Hosted group cruises

Do you host group cruises?

Yes. I host small groups and travel with them, together with my colleague Elaine Saint. Two are coming up: Brilliant Bordeaux with Uniworld, departing September 19, 2027, and Japan and Korea aboard Azamara Pursuit, sailing Tokyo to Seoul in May 2028. Give me a call for the details and to see what's still available.

Get in touch

If your question isn't here, or you're ready to start planning, call me at 604.985.7447 ext. 105 or email dalegraham@expediacruises.com.

Dale, Travel With Dale | Expedia Cruises