Sailing across the big blue sea is a dream that many people have, but too few actually do. Why? Because they mistakenly think a cruise is a very costly vacation. The truth is, if you take the time to research, look for deals, and plan things out thoroughly, you can take a cruise even on a limited budget.
Filling those big cruise ships is first and foremost on a cruiseline’s to-do list. Without a full manifest, the cruiseline’s bottom line suffers. That’s why you can find such incredible deals on cruises, if you know where and how to look for them.
Watch the Deals Roll In
Start your search for cruise deals online on sites like TravelZoo.com, VacationsToGo.com, Icruise.com, and CruisesOnly.com. These websites are actively pursuing people to buy the bargains they find. Besides last minute specials, you can also find cabin upgrades, on-board credit to spend on board, along with other deals.
Rather than sit and search, why not let the websites do the work? Sign up for newsletters and email alerts and you don’t have to think about how and when to search deals, the deals pop up in your email whenever the next one is available. For the very best deals possible, be ready to to go on short notice and be sure to have your passport handy. But, if your travel plans aren’t that flexible, you can still find wonderful trips at great savings if you watch the websites.
Gamble on a Good Time
If you like to have fun and gamble, you can also bid on cruises at online auction sites. You will need to make sure that your travelling time is flexible and your money and passport is ready to go. You will be bidding on open trips, and you will not know when the travel dates are until you win the bid.
Do your research on the price of the trip beforehand, so you will know the maximum amount you will want to bid. The idea is to get the trip for the lowest fare possible, not to pay the same price you would if you were booking normally. Visit sites like Expedia.com and Travelocity.com to get a general idea of what a cruise you would be bidding on is selling for. Then when the right cruise comes up for bid, make your bid and take your chances. If your travel times are flexible and you’re a bit of a gambler, this should be fun for you, and save you lots of money.
Surprising Savings With a Few Travel Tweaks
Along with taking advantage of special deals offered through travel websites, there are other ways to save money by booking your cruise wisely. For instance, cruises during the off-season are much less expensive. Check your destination to see what the off-season is and plan accordingly to take advantage of these deep discounts.
Finding a cruise that sails out of a port closer to your own home will save money on airfare, hotels, and even parking fees. Sailing from a port a bit further from home may work out if you can leave your car at a friend or family’s house in the area and get a lift to the port.
The right cabin can save you a lot of money. If you choose an inside cabin, or a cabin on a lower deck, your cost will be less expensive. However, be aware there is no window in an inside cabin. Give careful consideration to the deck’s floorplan when you make your decision about where you want to spend your cruise vacation.
Travelling with a group could save you a lot of money. For instance, if you book ten cabins, most cruiselines will pay for one cabin. You can then split the cost of the nine cabins between ten people, so everyone saves. Or give the bonus cabin as a gift to one of the travellers. Whatever you do, the idea is you have ten rooms for the price of nine.
Other tips that will save you money include:
1. Keep track of your spending on a little notebook. Most ships use a cashless system, and it’s real easy to lose track and overspend.
2. Alcohol is extra on board most ships so choose to go with the drink of the day for a cheaper price and budget for your spirits so you aren’t surprised.
3. The good news is the food is wonderful and the cost is included in the price of the cruise. If you choose to eat in the dining room rather than the buffets, keep in mind you’ll need to tip your server. The truth is, the exact same food is prepared for the buffet and the dining room.
4. If you’re going to gamble, budget a set amount to spend at the casino rather than using a credit card or ship account.
5. Avoid shopping sprees in port. There are so many wonderful deals, we tend to forget what is allowed on board, and what is not. The ship’s customs area is piled high with shopping spree mistakes.
6. If you must use the internet on board ñ purchase a package.
7. Cell phone connections are outrageously expensive, so avoid making any calls.
If you always thought of a cruise as a ìmillionaires onlyî vacation, think again. Today’s cruiselines offer great deals for the average family, group, or couple. The prices may be cheap, but the cabins and amenities are often quite luxurious. A cruise may be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a five-star vacation on a three-star budget.
