
If you're looking for a fun way to rest and relax, a cruise onboard a world class ship may be the best medicine for you. Save money by planning ahead -- we offer to you seven tips to help you keep your expenses under control.
Cruise ships provide some of the best opportunities for rest and relaxation of any kind of vacation option. Meals, entertainment, cabin services and trip planning is handled by the crew and cabin staff, allowing passengers to turn over almost all of their cares to someone else the moment that they set their feet on deck to when they disembark for the final time.
According to cruise industry officials, the period extending from the new year through the middle of March is the busiest time of the year for cruise lines. With many ships porting at tropical destinations, winter weary travelers see a cruise vacation as the perfect time to escape, forgetting seasonal chill along with freezing rain, ice and snow.
7 Ways To Help Save You Money
As with any vacation planning, careful consideration of all your options can provide for you and your family a fun and relaxing trip with good savings too. You can save on your next cruise by considering several money saving ideas:
Plan Ahead – If you’re planning to take a cruise next winter, start planning now. The sooner you book, the better the deal. Also, consider taking your cruise during those times of the year when travel is down. You might not imagine yourself spending Christmas on-board a luxury liner, but it could yield significant savings for your family.
Join A Tour – Your favorite charity or community organization may be sponsoring a cruise. If so, consider taking your cruise with them. Group travelers get a discount whether they reserve the entire ship for themselves or pull together a handful of friends to go together.
Avoid Package Deals – It sounds great to book a cruise package especially if you need to fly into another city to meet up with your ship, perhaps also wanting to spend a night at a local hotel the day before you set out to sea. Cruise regulars will tell you that this is a bad idea as you’ll pay more for the flight and hotel stay then had you booked them separately.
Interior Cabins Are Cheaper – Some passengers demand a room with a view, which is fine. But, if you think that all the scenery you need is when you are on deck, then book a windowless interior cabin for a deep discount.
Get A Discount – Some cruise lines will readily give you a discount if you ask. Military personnel, whether active or retired, may be eligible for a price reduction. You will have to show proof of service which may mean sending your separation papers to the cruise line in order to secure their low rate.
Find An Agent – Should you book your cruise yourself? A website such as SayFunTravel.com can help you compare prices, but would you do better searching for rates or should you find an agent that specializes in cruises? Try the “super agent” to see if her rates and deals are as low as what you might find online – you don’t have anything to lose, except some money if you don’t explore your options!
Avoid The Tourist Traps – As your ship pulls up to various ports, you’ll be greeted by all kinds of people who will want to separate you from your money. If the port has a reputation for safety then walk a few blocks away from port to see whichever other retailers are in the area. Shop like a local and you’ll get local prices; shop like a tourist and you’ll pay top dollar.
Ask Around For Advice
Of course, consulting with cruise veterans is perhaps the best way to save money as the pros will tell you which cruise line they prefer, what their favorite itinerary is and offer their own money saving tips. Find a message board community of like-minded travelers and you could come away with ideas for your next trip.
Photo Credit: Emre Nacigil
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