How to Spot a Great Cruise Deal
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Posted On :
Mar-05-2010
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Article Word Count :
894
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Whether you are planning a romantic cruise of the Mediterranean, a family trip through the Caribbean or an adventure vacation to the archipelagos of Alaska, a cruise can be an unforgettable experience for people of all ages and interests.
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Whether you are planning a romantic cruise of the Mediterranean, a family trip through the Caribbean or an adventure vacation to the archipelagos of Alaska, a cruise can be an unforgettable experience for people of all ages and interests. But how do you choose?
With so many packages, destinations, and companies offering cruise vacations, it can be an overwhelming experience just trying to figure out which one is right for you. Even after you have decided with your family, significant other or whoever your travel partner may be, on exactly what kind of cruise you want to take, the planning has just begun.
Now you have to find a vacation that fits your price range. Luckily, there are many tactics out there to help you find a terrific deal on a cruise. Here are a few of them.
Do Your Homework
Let’s say you have decided that you want to explore the wonders of the Adriatic Sea. You want to cruise the coastlines Italy, Croatia and Greece, see incredible ancient ruins along the way, and experience new and exotic foods and cultures.
One pitfall that many travelers succumb to is booking the first trip they find that goes where they want to go. Sure, it is your vacation and you are excited to set a date and start packing, but a little bit of patience will save you a lot of money.
Do some research. There are many travel websites out there that offer deals on trips. Check these out and compare them to the prices on the cruise companies’ website. Do not be afraid to call a cruise company and ask what kind of deals they can offer you. If you saw a better deal somewhere else, tell them about it. They will be more flexible than you think.
You can also try a travel agent. In the age of booking online, many people forget that travel agents often buy vacation packages in bulk and can give you a terrific deal.
Go All-Inclusive
Another way to save money on a cruise is to book an all-inclusive deal. Some cruises may seem like an unbelievable bargain until you get there and find out they are fleecing you on meals and drinks.
Before you book, figure out what your needs are going to be. Are you going to be spending a lot of time drinking pina coladas by the pool or is this your chance to abstain and cleanse your system? Will you be nibbling on salads or gorging on surf and turf? Vacation means something different to everyone. Determining how you plan to spend yours ahead of time can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Repositioning Cruises
Some people go on a cruise to hit as many different port cities as possible. Others simply enjoy being out on the open sea. If you fall into the latter category you may consider taking a repositioning cruise.
When fall comes to Europe, many luxury liners which had spent the summer months out on the Meditteranean Sea will make their way across the Atlantic for winter cruises through the Caribbean. Other ships that spend the winter in the Caribbean will sail north to Alaska in the late spring.
Rather than making this journey with an empty ship, these companies will offer packages at greatly discounted rates. If a cruise to you means long days on the open water, you might want to consider a repositioning cruise.
What’s on Sale?
Maybe your destination is not as important as just getting away. Maybe the only stipulation you have for where you go on vacation is that it is someplace warm. Check travel websites, cruise companies, and travel agents to see what they have on sale.
Oftentimes you can find amazing deals on cruises to fantastic destinations simply because companies are not booking reservations as fast as they expected to, and they are starting to get nervous. Other times cruise lines are expanding to include new destinations and are offering lower prices at first to get people interested.
Look around. Keep an open mind. Just because you never thought about going somewhere does not mean you would not enjoy it. Remember that the late author Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, “Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.”
Book the Cheapest Room
Countless passengers on cruise lines say the same thing again and again when they return, “There was so much to do I was hardly ever in the room.” If you think you might be one of these people, why pay more for a luxury suite? Many times a room will be hundreds of dollars more expensive just for a small porthole window. However, if you plan on spending most of your time out and about on the ship, why waste the money?
Cruises can truly be a vacation you will remember for the rest of your life. That does not mean you have to save for a lifetime just to afford going on one. Remember, weighing your options, taking your time looking around, and deciding what your needs are going to be ahead of time can make cruises affordable for almost anyone.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Spot a Great Cruise Deal_12498.aspx
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Author Resource :
Rob Reed is a freelance writer who writes about several topics including vacations and cruise deals.
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Keywords :
Cruise Deals, Cruise Vacations, Cruises,
Category :
Travel and Leisure
:
Cruises
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