Much of the press that cruise vacations have received lately has been negative, and some vacationers are turned off. But for those who aren’t intimidated by a few isolated events, embarking on a cruise ship now may be more affordable than it has been in decades. Here are five suggestions on how to save even more money if you decide to venture out to sea:
1-Book early and enjoy perks, like free-airfare to the departure port or on-board credits to spend at the spa or a cabin upgrade. Experts recommend booking at least four to six months in advance to get the full benefits.
2-Travel in the off-season. Summer and mid-winter holidays are often in high demand for those with school age children, but if you can travel during the fall or spring, you’ll enjoy deeply discounted rates by cruise lines needing their ships to reach a profitable capacity.
3-Look for repositioning cruises. Cruise lines will rotate their ships from one location to another every few months depending on high-seasons. For example, Alaskan summer cruise ships will move to the Caribbean for the winter or vise versa. These cruises can cost as little as $35 per person per day! Keep in mind that although they are one-way, and stop at fewer ports along the way, they are a great option for passengers wanting some time away in a luxurious environment.
4-Use a travel agent. Agents are experienced in negotiating the minutiae of cruise options, so you can tell them what your preferences are and they can quickly sort through the often confusion options of various lines and itineraries. They also have access to options restricted to the public, so they can get you the best price available.
5-Remember that “all-inclusive” doesn’t quite include…all. If you want to visit the casino, spa, or special restaurants, you’ll pay extra. Some “all-inclusive” cruise prices don’t include beverages other than water! So keep in mind that you may want to have some spending money when you total up the price of your cruise vacation. You can plan ahead with this neat tool available from Independent Traveler.
And for our timeshare owners out there, cruise vacations are often available through timeshare exchange companies like Resort Condominiums International, (RCI) through using your network points you’ve saved. If you don’t have membership with RCI, you can always look online at classified advertisements. Many people are looking to sell or trade their cruise tickets for a resort stay. As always, beware of scams, and deal with internet sales smartly!
If you’re intrigued and think you might want to buy a timeshare resale for future cruising options or to enjoy, get more info here. Or if you’re tired of resorts, you might want to sell your timeshare and take to the seas!
