Cruise Essentials - Tips to get the best cruise deal

How long are cruises?The 3-day weekend, 4-day midweek, week long, 10 day are all popular, but you can also find cruises that are several months in length. You can find 2-day cruises and even some lasting only a few hours just to gamble in international waters. In other words, any combination of time from hours to months are offered to attract your vacation dollars. Where do cruises go? Just about anywhere in the world. The Caribbean, Pacific coast of California, Mexico and Alaska are popular among tourists from the United States. But, cruising is basically found where ever you find water. Once you pick a region, aren’t many of the cruises offered within that region the same?Absoulutely not. You can find the entire range from budget cruise to luxury cruise and everything inbetween.Since the cabins are built for two or more people, can I go on a Cruise if I’m by myself?Yes, Cruise Lines usually have a special rate available if you are cruising alone. However, this rate can be as high a 200 of those for a single person in a double occupancy cabin. In other words, you might be paying for two cruises even though you are by yourself. You’ll want to look for a Cruise Line that has a lower single rate. You can also consider a "single share" program that some Cruise Lines offer. The Cruise Line will find a roommate for you, so you can cruise at the lower double occupancy rate. If they can’t find you a partner you usually still get the cabin at the cheaper rate. With partner programs, you might find a lifelong friend. Will the type of cruise I pick really make a difference in my vacation?Yes, the Cruise Ship is your hotel, restaurant and entertainment for your whole vacation. It is a package deal that is different from a traditional vacation. You’ll want to spend some time and do some research to make sure you pick the right cruise for you. The perfect cruise for some might be a miserable one for others. Make sure you find the best match. You’ll want to find the best rate on the right cruise for you, not just the cheapest rate. Cruise Lines cater to certain groups and their whole ship is meant to entertain and please that crowd. Some cater to certain age groups, singles or families. Some are calm, elegant and feature haute cuisine. Some have lots of loud, exciting activities to attract the active crowds. Others have lots of family activities planned, so the ship will be filled with kids. You will find some that have shore excursions just for you, while others look boring. How can I find the best cruise for me?Do some research, it will be worth it. Check out the Cruise Line’s web pages and brochures for information. Look at the pictures and see what types of activities they have planned. Have they planned a cruise to make someone like you happy? Make some decisions early. Are you looking for a quiet relaxed cruise, a romantic getaway or a party atmosphere? Once you have an idea of what you want out of your vacation, you can judge the different cruises on how well they meet your expectations. Ask your friends, but remember that you are looking for the best cruise for you. Make sure you ask them what they were looking to get out of their vacation. Your friends may have loved the cruise because it was exactly what they wanted. Make sure you have similar expectations before you book the same cruise. Ask lots of questions of your booking agent, that's what we are here for! What factors should I consider to help me decide which cruise to pick?The amount you have budgeted and the overall cost of the cruise. Any special price breaks or deals. The Cruise Line’s reputation for the quality of its cuisine and its menu. The Cruise Line’s reputation for customer service. The Cruise Line’s previous ship safety and cleanliness record. The overall atmosphere the cruise conveys. Whether it is family fun, party time, quite elegant sophistication or romantic getaway. The length of the Cruise. The Ship’s own facilities. On ship activities planned. Any theme attached to the cruise. The ports you will be visiting. The shore excursions that the Cruise Line offers. BUDGETING FOR YOUR CRUISE How will I know how much to budget for my entire cruise vacation? This will probably be easier than most of your other vacations as cruises generally offer all inclusive packages. However, there may be some additional charges such as :Taxes, surcharges, and fees. Including airport fees, handling fees, departure taxes and port charges. You should verify which fees and port taxes are included in your cruise rate. Alcoholic beverages, bottled water and occasionally soft drinks are not included. Cost of reaching the ship, airline tickets not booked in package, shuttle service or in port parking fees if not included. The costs of staying at port before or after the cruise, such as hotel, transportation and meals. Expenses while in port such as taxis, entertainment/activities, optional off ship meals. Some shore excursions. Shopping purchases made both on and off the ship. Certain on board extras such as: gambling, spas, massages, photos, ship to shore calls, etc. GETTING THE BEST CRUISE PRICE How can I get a good cruise rate? Paying the brochure rate for a cruise is like paying the full sticker price for a car. We acn find you a good discount off those rates. Book early, the booking rates become more expensive the closer to sailing. Booking early on a Cruise Line generally refers to 120 days prior to sail date. Be flexible about your travel plans. As with every other travel industry, cruising during the off season will also help you save money. Apply any coupons or special discount programs for which you are eligible. What types of special discount programs are available?Discounts may be available for associations, corporations, seniors, children or even large groups or family reunions. Memberships in loyalty clubs often include offers of discounts and upgrades. Some credit cards will have special discounts available to their cardholders. Package deals often include a discounted cruise price along with pre or post-cruise activities. Do I have to book early to get a good deal? Generally, you can get the best deal if you book early. However, if you are willing to take a chance with last minute bookings, you may end up getting a good deal as the cruise line won't mind throwing in additional discounts to sell available capacity. As a note of caution, booking early is still the best policy.Do cruises ever go on sale? Yes, and we will help you get the best deal. We are constantly updating the best deals available from the leading cruise lines.

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