The Real Deal - Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Cruise
Despite the sluggish economy, all indications point to a record cruise year in 2009, with the number of passengers expected to surpass 12.5 million. If you're planning your first cruise vacation this year, here are some key strategies that can save you big bucks.
Book Early or Late
You generally get the best rates by booking well in advance or at the last minute. Reserving space three to six months prior to departure provides "early bird" savings of 15% to 50% (and occasionally more) and also gives you access to the widest selection of available cabin categories (inside, outside, outside with veranda, suite, etc.). Those who would rather not commit until the last minute may find substantial discounts available within a week or two of the sailing date. However, there are risks with last-minute bookings: If you need to fly to the port, it may be difficult to get an inexpensive flight, because many cheap airfares require a 21-day advance purchase; also, you probably won't get the cabin category of your choice and will have to settle for whatever is available.
Seek Out a Cruise Specialist
Whenever you reserve space, it's a good idea to consult a travel agent who specializes in cruises. True, many Web sites provide information on individual cruise lines and also offer bargain rates, but booking a cruise online is not a simple process. There are many factors that require expert advice, such as distinguishing between cabin categories, determining which cabins are adjacent to noisy areas of the ship, reserving dining-room seating, requesting a special diet, etc. With thousands of cabins to fill week after week, each cruise line has deals and discounts throughout the year, and a savvy agent is the best source of information on the hottest ones available. An experienced agent who sells a large volume of cruises often will be rewarded by the lines with access to special discounts on ships of major companies such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess.
Drive Rather Than Fly
The trend toward "homeland cruising" has markedly increased in recent years, as many travelers want to avoid the hassle of airports. Driving is also a real money-saver as it eliminates the cost of airfare. Major cruise lines have repositioned many ships within driving distance of most regions of the U.S. Thus more cruises than ever are departing from "close to home" ports. Departure points include Boston, New York, Bayonne (New Jersey), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.
Try a Quickie Cruise First
It's a good idea for first-time cruisers to book a three-, four- or five-day itinerary to "test the waters" and get the feel of the cruise experience. While many love to cruise, others find it a bit too confining and rather dull. So take a weekend quickie to see whether this is the type of vacation for you. A number of ships sail on short cruises to the Caribbean, as well as along the Mexican Riviera and to New England/Canada.
Cruise Together and Save
Contrary to popular belief, the typical cruiser is no longer "newlywed or almost dead," as baby boomers now make up the heart of the market; 34% of cruisers are in the 35 to 54 age bracket. Family cruising is also on the rise. Last year, 16% of cruisers brought along children under 18, and more than a 1.2 million children are expected to cruise this year.
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