Cruise vacations are typically booked in the first three months of the year. They call this time “wave season.” Though the term is somewhat antiquated, the general idea remains the same. It’s cold outside, so people book cruises or get excited for their summer vacation. This is when the cruise lines give great deals to entice potential customers to buy in.
Are there any secrets to getting the lowest price possible? Not really. But you can save a few dollars with some of the tips below:
1. Book your Cruise Vacation Early
It sounds cliché, but the early bird does get the worm. You’ll want to book early if you want the perfect stateroom on the lido deck or prime midship location.
2. Use a Travel Agent
Many people think travel agents are a thing of the past, but they are here to stay. A travel agent is a knowledgeable resource that walks you through your trip. Travel agents also have the ability to book group space, which translates to a lower per-person cost if you get on the right sailing. Always check with a travel agent before you book your cruise directly with the cruise line to get special pricing and extra perks.
3. Maximize your Dollar
Check out various cruise websites before you make a decision, and if your dates are flexible, they will typically tell you the cheapest sailings.
As I am typing this Carnival Cruise Lines is offering sailings with the single supplement fee waived (cruise line cabins are booked for double occupancy), $100 on-board credit per stateroom, and up to 40% off select sailings. While you’re at it, create an email address just to sign up for travel deals; there are a lot out there!
4. Research Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can add up when you’re planning a vacation. For instance, I just returned from Grand Cayman, where I did Sting Ray City; the cruise line cost was $70 per person. For a family of four, that adds up. Consider looking at third-party shore excursion companies, they are typically priced lower and offer the same guarantees, if not better, than the cruise line.
5. Arrive Early
If you’re flying to your cruise port, always arrive a day early. This winter is a testament to that. Even if you’re driving a few hours to port the safest bet is to arrive the day before your cruise. There are great hotels out there that offer pre-cruise packages.
I recently stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Cruise Port in Fort Lauderdale, and they provide a cruise package to the pier and even a parking package if you don’t want to spend the $15-$20 per car per day at the cruise pier. Just Google “Cruise Packages” and the city you’re flying into.
6. Buy Trip Insurance
This should be a must. Travel insurance typically costs about 3% of your trip and can save you a lot of money.
One time I had to use my travel insurance policy when I got stuck in Europe; it saved me over $100 in hotel costs and taxi fares. Don’t just go with the cruise line travel insurance policy; while they do cover you, they are blanket policies.
Look for third-party travel insurance companies like TripInsurance.com to provide tailor-made, affordable coverage around your budget.
Tangibles like clothing and electronics are temporary, but the memories from cruise vacations last a lifetime.
Personally, I wouldn’t look for the cheapest cruise vacation out there. I would look for the cruise vacation with the most value. How cheap does a vacation have to get until it becomes a deal?
