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.

Car advertising may focus on style, speed and brand, but it’s the initial price and costs of operating a vehicle that are the key interests for people car shopping, according to the results of a recent poll taken by the Better Business Bureau.

Price was the leading factor, with 29 percent of survey respondents picking it as their primary consideration. This was followed by gas mileage, stated by 17 percent, and costs of service and warranty, cited by another 12 percent. These economic factors totaled 58 percent of the concerns survey respondents had when looking for a new vehicle.

“Buying a vehicle is a major purchase an individual or family can make, so it is reassuring that economic considerations are primary for buyers,” said Kim States, BBB of Southern Arizona president. “Other factors, like looks and performance may be influences, but our poll shows it is dollar concerns that outweigh other factors.”

While the features of a new car were picked by 19 percent of the respondents as a consideration, they were outweighed by the cost issues by a three-to-one margin.  Also taking a backseat in car buying considerations were online ratings of dealers, selected by 9 percent as important; previous dealer relationship, 8 percent; and picking the same brand as a previous car, 6 percent.

Visit BBB’s website for more consumer tips at www.bbb.org

Whether you are ordering flowers, shopping for custom jewelry, or arranging for a special spa day appointments for the wonderful women in their life, be a smart consumer. BBB sees lots of scams that focus on holiday shopping, and is warning consumers to proceed with caution before falling victim to a Mother’s Day vender scam, especially when shopping online.

BBB urges consumers to take extra precaution with placing floral orders, especially online. “Not all online florists are the same,” says Kim States, BBB President. “While some people are extremely happy with their online floral purchases, others find themselves disappointed when the flowers don’t arrive on time, or don’t arrive at all.” In 2011, more than 96,000 consumers searched for trustworthy florists on www.bbb.org. Most major floral delivery services are BBB Accredited Businesses, as are more than 500 local florists across the U.S. and Canada.

When finalizing gifts and shopping online, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona recommends adhering to the following:

Do your homework. Before ordering flowers, jewelry or any other gifts for Mother’s Day, check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.tucson.bbb.org. This is a great way to help prevent disappointment with the product or customer service.

Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the retailer or website to be certain that you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will be less than last-minute or overnight shipping. Some florists offer discounts for deliveries a couple of days before a major holiday, since that helps them deal with the rush.

Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store’s guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It’s best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn’t come through. Charges made on a debit card are the same as cash and you have no recourse through your bank if there is a problem.

Make sure the business has your information.  When it comes to flower delivery, there are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Making sure the florist has a call-back phone number or your cell phone to help them make sure your mom gets what you expect.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.tucson.bbb.org.