CompareCruises.com Reviewer's Comments

CompareCruises.com makes the grade as a TopTenREVIEWS cruise service. With a well-designed website that incorporates attractive, inviting graphics, this service makes booking the cruise part of the vacation. You're sure to get the lowest price on your cruise with a low price guarantee, and the first-class customer service representatives promise you'll have no problem finding and booking the cruise you want.

With so many assets, we felt CompareCruises.com could have thrown in few more features and offered stronger search capabilities; then this cruise service would be a contender for our top rankings.

Ease of Use:  

For the most part, we cruised through this website without any glitches. The stunning photographs kept our attention. However, we did find some links that were confusing. For example, we clicked on a link titled: "View All US Ports" and we found ourselves looking at worldwide cruise destinations. While puzzling links are an inconvenience, you'll still accomplish your goal of booking a cruise on CompareCruises.com.

Feature Set:  

The features on this website are basic. These include: a low price guarantee that ensures you will get the best deal, cruise specials, email updates with cruise information, helpful cruise articles full of relevant information, vibrant, colorful destination photos and itinerary maps. While viewing the itinerary of a cruise, you can also see a list of activities offered at each port of call.

However, CompareCruises.com didn't offer virtual tours or links to books and articles. These materials come in handy when planning a cruise, especially for first time cruisers and for those who have never been to the Caribbean.

Search Capabilities:  

CompareCruises.com offers some basic search tools that allow you to search cruises by destination, date, length of cruise, and cruise line. Unfortunately, the site doesn't include a search by ship, a star rating, or allow you to do side-by-side comparisons of cruise packages. We feel these features would improve CompareCruises.com's service.

We were impressed that you can rent a car, make hotel reservations and book a flight through this cruise service.

Ease of Booking:  

CompareCruises.com offers a number of website articles full of information on booking cruises.

Booking a cruise with CompareCruises.com requires a few extra steps compared to other services, but overall is simple. Text fields and drop-down menus guide you through the process. During booking, links allow you to view deck maps and cabin photographs (although some cabin photographs were not available).

Help/Support:  

An "Ask Agent" icon appears as you are booking your cruise-this allows you to email your questions to a customer service representative. There is also toll-free customer service available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to Midnight EST, and Saturday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. CompareCruises.com has an extensive FAQs page to assist you with common questions (read the "Off-The-Wall Questions" for some chuckles).

Summary:  

CompareCruises.com is a Caribbean cruise service website that we'd describe as "fun." With eye-catching photographs and just the right amount of humor, booking a cruise through this service is an enjoyable experience in itself.

Though CompareCruises.com doesn't include as many bells and whistles as higher-ranked services offer, the website has enough information for you to find and book your dream cruise.