When you really know what you’re doing, taking a cruise can be one of the most affordable vacations available. Your price usually includes cabin, all meals, entertainment, children’s programs, gym/sauna, jogging track and other amenities. However, there are some very important tips you should follow to prevent your cruise vacation from turning into a huge money pit that you will greatly regret.
1) Do your homework or have your travel agent do their homework when comparing cruise lines and cruise packages. There is a wide variety of them. Make sure the quote includes port fees and taxes. Many travelers have burst their bubble when they realized that the price they were quoted was the basic cost before fees.
2) Don’t forget to calculate the airfare. You’re way ahead of the game if you don’t live too far from the cruise ports. But if not, try to schedule far enough in advance to get the most discounted airfare possible.
3) If you book months in advance, you can sometimes get good discounts on cruises. However, if your schedule is flexible, try to book during the last few weeks before a cruise. They are trying to fill their boat then and you can get great discounts. Also, if you don’t mind a windowless cabin, book an inside cabin for a cheaper price.
4) Look for cruises where kids go free. While writing this article, I noticed several free kids offers. Majestic American, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Costa offered a free cruise for children under 12 years of age and Disney offered a free cruise for children under 17 years of age. There are no offers like this.
5) There are other possible discounts. If you are over 50 years old, you can get a 10% discount. If you book eight cabins with friends or family, you can get your cabin for free. Or you can ask to be included in an unknown group. Of course, on board you won’t have to run around with the group, but the group may have reserved a table for dinner at 9:00 pm and you would be registered at that table. So make sure you know details like this.
6) Some little-known tips: If you’re traveling on an older ship, your cruise may cost less. Plus, if a cruise ship relocates elsewhere, you can get deep discounts on that trip. Ask about this when you book. If you decide to purchase cruise insurance, try to purchase it from an insurance company, not the cruise line. It may be less expensive.
7) You can save money if you agree to explore a port of call without paying for shore excursions. Excursions can put a big dent in your wallet quickly. For better rates on shore excursions, visit www.johnnyjet.com for several official tourist port websites. Set up your shore excursions directly through them. Also google coupon books like Great Alaskan Toursaver. This can save you a lot of dough.
8) To save, you can avoid paid activities on board such as gambling, tastings, art auctions, etc. Bring a decent camera for memorable photos. Professional photos on board cost a good amount. Purchase internet usage at a port if possible; on the boat they charge per minute. If you’re on a budget, don’t get carried away with alcohol. A bar tab can get out of hand very quickly. Even water and soft drinks are expensive, so if you want, bring your own bottled water or cup of coffee and fill up at the self-service buffet.
9) In short, almost everything costs more on the ship. So bring plenty of toiletries, sundries, camera film, etc.
10) What is my last piece of advice? What did you expect? Cruise lines want customers for life, so they generally offer good rewards programs if you book your next cruise with them. So keep track of your past cruises and see what discounts or rewards are on offer.
