10 secrets how to save during a cruise
Cruise can be an excellent holiday option for those who want to save and relax. Food, accommodation and entertainment are included in the tour price. This is a great opportunity to see a lot of port cities without spending money on flights or gasoline.
GOBankingRates.com talked to experts and compiled 15 tips on how to save on the next cruise.
1. Early booking
One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is by booking earlier. It’s usually 18 months before sailing, said Collin McDaniel, managing editor of cruisecritic.com.
“Booking early can allow you to not only get a lower price, but also some significant onboard perks, such as drinks or free treatments that save hundreds of dollars,” he said.
2. Last minute booking
If you like a spontaneous holiday, you can find cheap deals on cruises up to 3 months before departure. “Most companies lower prices at the last minute to fill the boat as much as possible,” said Greg Geronemus, CEO of Smart Tours.
Discounts can reach 50%. However, it is worth remembering that you will have a limited choice of cabins.
3. Date flexibility
If you can still choose a vacation date, choose a vacation when cruise prices are low. The price of the same cruise may vary by hundreds of dollars per week.
4. Use the services of a travel agent
You can search for a tour yourself, spending the whole day on it, and still miss a good bargain. All due to the fact that travel agents are usually aware of exclusive offers and promotions. Using their services, you can save a few hundred dollars.
5. Take advantage of the off season
The period from January to March is considered the off season. This time of year can be compared to Black Friday for cruise lines. You can find not only good deals, but also earn privileges and benefits.
6. Avoid holiday cruises
Cruise fares are usually the highest during the holidays, when crowds of vacationing families want to spend a weekend on the high seas.
7. Cruise between Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas
During this period between the two biggest holidays of the year, you can get a good price. But do not book a cruise too close to Christmas, as the fee will be several times higher.
8. Take a short cruise
Travelers looking to save money should keep in mind that weekend cruises are a great way to relax without spending too much money. You can take a 3 or 4 day cruise to the Bahamas for a couple hundred dollars, which is cheaper than hotel and airfare.
9. Don't assume the cheapest cruise is the best rate.
Many vacationers choose cruises based on cost only. But do not neglect what is included in the fare and what amenities are on the ship. Although meals are usually included in the basic rate, alcohol, Wi-Fi and shore excursions may be charged additionally.
If you need to pay most of the amenities on the ship, it is worth taking a more expensive cruise, but with more amenities.
10. Minimize waste on board
Once you are on board, be careful with the waste. The cost of additional expenses will be written off from the card that you provided at the beginning of the trip. It happens that people on the ship spent more than they paid for the cruise itself.
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