CruiseDirect Review: Still worth the hype in 2024?

Have you ever cruised before? Set sail on a majestic vessel, checking into a luxe cabin with an ocean view. Strolling around the deck, you take in the fresh sea air as you watch seagulls glide through the sky. You can feel the excitement in the air as traveler's from around the world come together to explore new destinations.

If you haven't cruised before, then you're missing out! But don't worry, today I'm going to review CruiseDirect so you can see if they're worth the hype in 2024 and beyond.

CruiseDirect is a cruise company that offers a variety of cruises to different destinations around the world. They have cruises for all budgets and interests, so there's something for everyone. And with over 25 years of experience, they're one of the most experienced cruise companies.

But does CruiseDirect live up to the expectations? Let's find out!

What Is CruiseDirect?

CruiseDirect.com is a cruise company that helps you research, book, and arrange cruises online. With their latest technology updates, they've made it super simple to find cruises that fit your budget and schedule.

Their philosophy is that your vacation should start as soon as you visit their site. CruiseDirect has provided customers with rich, inspiring content to help ease decision-making. CruiseDirect is driven by its passion for cruise ship travel and its commitment to helping its customers find the perfect packages and book their dream vacations for less. Since 2001, their upgraded booking engine has been the best in the business, and they offer excellent customer service.

CruiseDirect can make your cruise dreams come true, whether it is your first time cruising or a seasoned cruiser. CruiseDirect makes booking cruises easy with their online search tool that lets you find cruises by departure date, length of cruise, destination & more.

Who Owns CruiseDirect?

John Maguire is the founder of International Voyager and CruiseDirect. He has always had a passion for traveling, which he pursued after college. During his time in this company, Maguire helped launch and later managed a port lecturing program. The program promoted Caribbean shopping and activities on all major cruise lines.

Maguire is known for his successful business ventures and love for family, travel, technology, sailing, skiing, and scuba diving. He's cruised on more than 100 different cruise ships! Talk about a well-traveled guy. Maguire is also an avid sailor and has captained boats worldwide, from the northeast United States to the Caribbean to Thailand.

Where Do CruiseDirect Cruises Go?

CruiseDirect cruises go to many unique places all around the world! Some of their most popular destinations include Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and Panama.

CruiseDirect cruises allow travelers to see some of the most beautiful places on earth while enjoying their ship's luxurious amenities.

What Do CruiseDirect Cruises Include?

Cruises are a great way to see the world and have a ton of fun while you're doing it. And when you book with CruiseDirect, you know you're getting a great deal.

When you book with CruiseDirect, your cruise includes a variety of amenities and activities to keep you entertained throughout your journey. For example, all cruises have a free open bar, so you can enjoy cocktails by the pool or in the casino without worrying about racking up a bill.

In addition, free wifi is available on all CruiseDirect cruises so that you can stay connected with friends and family back home. And if you want to explore ashore, most cruises include free CruiseDirect shore excursions in each port of call. To top it off, CruiseDirect also offers free specialty dining on selected voyages.

Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner for two or a festive meal with friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, drink packages are available for purchase if you want to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout your cruise. With so much included in the price, booking with CruiseDirect is the best way to get the most value for your money.

How To Book A Cruise From CruiseDirect?

Cruising is a great way to see different parts of the world while only unpacking once! CruiseDirect is an excellent option if you're considering booking a cruise. Here's how to book a cruise from CruiseDirect:

Visit their website or talk to a representative to see what plans they offer.

Once you've decided on a schedule, select your desired cruise, date, and destination. Enter the number of guests, ages of guests, and your email address on the next page. Then select your room type from the interior, outside, balcony, or suite plans. Check your total, apply any special offers if you have them, and then press "select."

Next, you'll be prompted to select your stateroom. Choose your desired room from the available rooms highlighted in purple and press select. Check your price details, and add your dining preferences on the next page. Also, input each passenger's information, and enter your phone number. Then press "book now."

On the next page, confirm your payment schedule and enter your card details. Also, add your billing information and tap on the "make payment option." And you're done. Now you can enjoy all that CruiseDirect has to offer without a care in the world.

How much do CruiseDirect cruises cost?

Cruises are fabulous, affordable vacations that offer a little bit of everything for everyone on the team. At CruiseDirect, you can find cruises for as little as $75 per person, depending on the time of year, length of the trip, destination, and add-on amenities. Higher-end cruises can cost up to $1500 per person.

Cruises are a great way to see multiple destinations without worrying about packing and unpacking your bags every few days. Plus, there's always something to do on a cruise ship, whether taking part in one of the many scheduled activities or simply relaxing by the pool with a good book. And let's not forget the food! Cruise ships are known for their all-you-can-eat buffets and 24/7 room service.

But wait! Don't forget to look at my cruise packing list before you depart for your cruise trip; it will save you from chaos and mishaps down the road.

Bon, voyage!

CruiseDirect's Cancellation Policy

When you book a cruise with CruiseDirect, you can be confident that you're getting the best price possible. They offer a Price Match Guarantee on every cruise, so if you find a lower price elsewhere, they'll match it. Plus, they have special deals and discounts you can take advantage of to save even more.

If you need to cancel or make changes to your booking for any reason, their team is there help. They understand that things come up and plan change, so they've designed their Cancellation Policy to be as flexible as possible.

There are no cancellation fees if you cancel more than 60 days before your cruise departs. And if you need to change your travel dates or make any other changes to your booking, the following is the fee schedule you need to follow.

Fees you might incur with CruiseDirect

These fees may be assessed if changes are made after deposit or if the booking is canceled:

Air deviation: $35.00 - $50.00 per passenger

Bounced check: $50.00 per check

Cancellation: $35.00 per person

Name change: $35.00 per name

Reissue or reroute documents: $15.00 per package

What Are People Saying About CruiseDirect?

CruiseDirect has earned a reputation for being a customer-friendly company that goes above and beyond to ensure its clients are satisfied. Travelers from all over the world have praised CruiseDirect for their helpfulness before and after cruises and their competitive pricing.

In addition, many customers appreciate the company's wide selection of cruise options, noting that there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a luxurious getaway or an affordable family vacation, CruiseDirect is sure to have an option that suits your needs.

Hans Vega of CruiseDirect is known for his excellent customer service. When one customer had difficulty booking a family cruise trip, Hans went above and beyond to help. He even offered to book the rooms next to each other or across the hallway.

This level of customer service sets CruiseDirect apart from other travel booking websites. Eugene Marc also called the customer when he said he would, further establishing CruiseDirect's commitment to its customers. These two customer service representatives are just a few of the many reasons why CruiseDirect is the best choice for booking your next vacation.

What Are The Critical Reviews Of CruiseDirect Saying?

Overall, the customer reviews for CruiseDirect are positive. Customers appreciate that they can find great deals on cruises through the site and find the chat function helpful in answering questions quickly. However, a few critical reviews mention some negatives about the company.

Some customers have complained that they were charged more than the published rate. Others have had problems with their rooms, either being given the wrong room or being unable to get a different room when requested.

Despite these few negative CruiseDirect reviews, the vast majority of customers report having a positive experience with CruiseDirect.

Are CruiseDirect cruises worth it?

In short, yes! Most CruiseDirect travelers think so! In fact, CruiseDirect received a 4.55-star rating from more than 180 CruiseDirect reviews on public rating sites.

Some common complaints include hidden fees for changing or canceling a cruise and not getting a preferred room on the cruise.

Despite these drawbacks, many cruisers find the experience worth the price tag. The all-inclusive nature of most cruises means that food, drink, and entertainment is covered in the initial cost, super convenient! In addition, cruising offers opportunities to visit multiple destinations in a single trip - perfect for those who love to explore.

But, if you want to compare CruiseDirect against another similar cruise company. Check out our full-length review on Uniworld River Cruises.

So, are cruises worth it? It depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. But if you're looking for an all-inclusive getaway with plenty of opportunities to see new places, CruiseDirect might be the right choice for you.

Our Rating: 4.4/5‍

Pros:‍

• Multiple cruise deals
• 12+ types of cruise lines
• Smooth onboarding experience
• Includes specialty dining options
  

 Cons

• Fees for canceling/changing the cruise
• Unfriendly customer agents

Ready to start planning?

Cruise Direct is a great resource for planning your next vacation, but you can make the process even easier.