Cruising is big business.. According to Cruise Market Watch’s 2013 Cruise Trends Forecast released in late November, the industry was estimated to crest at $36.2 billion – a 4.8% increase over 2012. One of the top two lines, Carnival Corporation, not only garnished the lion’s share of the market, it has been headlining the news since the Triumph disaster began off the coast of Mexico on February 10.

With images of the crippled Carnival Triumph splashed about, you may be re-thinking a vacation at sea. Yet, while it’s impossible to foresee extreme weather conditions or make allowances for mechanical failures, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises that there are things travelers can do to improve the odds of a care-free cruise.

Your BBB recommends the following tips:

Research the cruise line. Like most things, there are high-end and budget-friendly lines. Make sure you compare apples-to-apples, including amenities, dining options, ports and not just price.

Inquire about the ship’s history. When was it first entered into service? When was the last dry dock? How long was the last dry dock? A dry dock for a couple of weeks may be long enough to allow for paint and some sprucing up, but a longer period is necessary for major renovations. Considering the cost and time it takes to build a new ship, ships are being kept in service for decades. Some ships are even renamed to make them sound new. Carnival’s “Destiny,” launched in 1996 is going through an overhaul right now and will emerge as “Sunshine.”

Check your itinerary and ports of call for travel/safety alerts. Before you put your money down, be sure to get the latest information on your destinations. The U.S. Department of State has some great information for travelers at travel.state.gov. In addition to travel warnings, the website offers the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program as a way to keep you advised about specific warnings that may arise after you’ve made your plans.

Consider travel insurance. There are circumstances that could force you to cancel your trip, return home early or require you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. Before you purchase coverage, check your homeowner’s or medical insurance policies to avoid any overlapping. Here are a few things you should know before you purchase a plan:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption. If your plans suddenly change and you have to cancel or end your trip early, TCI will reimburse you for reasons on the policy, such as injury, sickness, the death of a family member, business partner or traveling companion. Watch for exclusions about pre-existing medical conditions.

Emergency Medical Evacuation. If you are going on an adventure vacation or to an area that is far from modern medical facilities, you may want to give this some thought.

Baggage Loss. The U.S. Department of Transportation caps airline liability to $3,000 per passenger for domestic and $1,500 for international flights. However, if your luggage is lost, the airline may reimburse you according to their published policy, which could be less than the U.S. DOT cap, as long as the policy is posted at a prominent location. Your homeowner’s insurance may also cover some or all of your loss. Be sure to check your policy or contact your agent before opting for additional coverage.

Know the weather. For domestic ports, check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.weather.gov . While there are no guarantees that you’ll have perfect weather, you can find plenty of information online about seasonal weather patterns, winds, storms and hurricanes.

If you’re new to cruising, give thought to working with a trustworthy travel agent who is knowledgeable about cruise lines, ships and destinations. You can find reliable travel agents and check their Business Review at www.bbb.org

Is it safe to order prescriptions online? Yes, says Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona, but you have to take serious precautions.

Consumers should know the source of their prescriptions to make sure what they are buying is safe. Medicines may be fake, have dangerous ingredients or may not have been checked for safety and effectiveness, or may be labeled, stored, or shipped incorrectly.

There are some red flags to watch for:

• Prices that are too good to be true.
• You can buy the drugs without a prescription.
• The pharmacy company has drugs that are not FDA approved.
• They will ship prescription drugs worldwide.
• Drugs are being shipped from a foreign country.
• Pharmacy is not licensed by a state board of pharmacy in the United States.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only three percent of online pharmacies reviewed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy are in compliance with U.S. pharmacy laws and practice standards.

Before buying prescription medicine online peruse the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou. Also, make sure the pharmacy you are contemplating using does the following:

• Requires a valid prescription.
• Provides a physical address in U.S.
• Is licensed by the state board of pharmacy in your state and where the pharmacy is operating.
• Has a state-licensed pharmacist to answer your questions.

It is good to shop prices, just do it with caution. Don’t forget to make sure your insurance company will approve payment to the pharmacy you choose

It’s time to book a cruise if cool ocean breezes are calling your name and you’re dreaming of lounging poolside, 24-hour buffets and enchanting ports of call.

More than 20 million people worldwide are expected to embark on cruises this year, according to Cruise Market Watch. The Caribbean tops the list of the five most popular destinations, followed by Europe, Alaska, Bermuda and Hawaii.

However, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises that planning a cruise is usually not something to do last minute. Most vacationers book a minimum of six to nine months out and it’s not uncommon to put a deposit down one or two years out. However, because cruise liners like full ships, it’s sometimes possible to find good deals at the last minute.

BBB recommends keeping the following tips in mind when booking your next cruise:

• If you’re new to cruising, consider working with a trustworthy travel agent who is knowledgeable about different cruise lines, ships and destinations. You can find reliable travel agents and check their BBB Business Reviews at www.tucson.bbb.org.

• Know your budget and stick to it. Base prices may appear affordable, but the total swells when airfare, excursions, shopping, spa treatments, entertainment, gambling, upgraded dining, tips, etc., are factored in.

• Consider the time of year. Check out what the weather is typically like at that time of year you want to book your cruise. Temperature, hurricanes and rainy seasons can make a particular destination less appealing.

• Know where you’re willing to compromise. You may be dreaming of a stateroom with a balcony, but an interior stateroom might be more in line with your budget. If you take advantage of the ship’s offerings and amenities, you won’t be spending much time in your room anyway.

• Shoulder season – when most folks stay home – often comes with modest savings, such as 10 percent off typical high-season rates. If you’re looking at a Caribbean cruise, for example, shoulder season is September and October, the non-holiday weeks in December, and early January to Presidents Day.

• Ask for a discount. If you’re a return customer, mention this when booking and ask if you are eligible for a discount. A third or fourth person in your group could get a 30 to 60 percent discount. And those 55 or older and active and retired service members should always inquire about discounts.