Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deals

Finding the best cruise deals, whether it is a Carnival Cruise, Disney Cruise, Alaska Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line, or any other type of cruise line, it often takes a lot of planning, good timing, and of course good luck. Like hotels, cruises range from basic accommodations with regular meals to ultra luxurious and decadent rooms that provide guests with gourmet fare. While there is no secret to getting the best cruise deals, a mix of luck and careful planning can greatly increase ones chances of getting the exact type of cruise wanted.

Cruise Cabins

This price of the cruise ship cabin depends on the type of cabin a person wants. The standard cruise line cabins are inside cabins that do not offer portholes or windows. They are between 120 and 180 square feet, carpeting, air conditioner, closet, television, and storage space, including a dresser. They are like standards hotel rooms. There are also standard cruise ships that do offer outside ocean views. They are identical in layout and size but have the addition of a porthole or a window.

Balcony Cabins

The next type of cabin is one with a balcony. They have either French or sliding glass doors. These cabins tend to be larger than the standard cabin and some are even comparable to mini-suites as they have a small sitting area. The balconies are often quite narrow and allow for a small table and two chairs. Keep in mind there is not much privacy with the balconies as they tend to be connected to the balconies on either side.

Suites

Suites are the last type of cabin. This means there is a separate bedroom and sitting area. All suites tend to have balconies and larger bathrooms that can accommodate a bathtub (the rest only have a standing shower). The same amenities in standard rooms will be in suites.

Book a Cruise Early

Cruise lines like to get the ball rolling on booking cabins extremely far in advance, at least several months. If someone is looking to book a cruise in over six months in advance, there is a really chance to receive a good deal on a cheap cruise. Do not worry if the price drops after booking as many cruise lines offer the “low price guarantee” deal, where if the price drops after booking, individuals will receive the lesser of the two prices.

On the Flip Side, Book a Cruise Late

While they say that waiting until the last minute does not work, sometimes with cruise ships it actually does work. Cruise lines do not like to have any empty cabins when they set sail as they lose the revenue from it. As well, many of the top cruise lines, like the Carnival Cruise line and the Disney Cruise line, which bring in more money from all onboard expenditures (I.E.: shopping, drinks, casinos, and entertainment), will lose that revenue as well. If individuals are patient enough and wait a few weeks, even a few days before the cruise ship is set to take sail, the cruise lines will often provide really good last minute cruise deals. This works best for individuals able to take time off from their job, if they are retired, or live close to the embarkation of the cruise line as last minute flights can be costly.

Look into Repositioning Cruise Deals

Those who have been on a number of cruises in the past tend to look at repositioning cruises to save money. Cruise lines need to reposition their cruise ships every so often. Cruise ships that set sail for destinations such as northern Europe or Alaska need to move, or reposition, the cruise ship to a much warmer climate during the winter months. Cruise lines do not want to move ships without making money. Rather than sail a passenger-less cruise ship, the cruise line will offer large discounts for a repositioning cruise.

The one thing to keep in mind about repositioning cruises is that the cruise is much longer and spends more days at sea. Because of this, cruise lines realize individuals will be spending more time (and more money) at the shops and casinos, which is why they tend to charge less in fare. However, if individuals are unable to spend many days at sea without embarking at some point and cannot take off a few weeks for a cruise, repositioning cruises are not the optimal choice.

When looking for a repositioning cruise, check out cruises to Alaska. Most cruise ships that spend the summer months in Alaska will more than likely be looking to reposition the cruise ship that will include some time in either the west coast of North or South America or even Hawaii. Cruise lines coming in from Europe tend to reposition themselves to the Caribbean.

Take a Cruise during the Off Season

If an individual is able to travel during the off-season for cruises, the price will be much lower. This is because there will be fewer travelers that are competing for a cabin on the cruise ship. The most expensive time to take a cruise is during the summer, spring break holiday and during the November to December holiday season.

While many travelers, for example, may not be so keen on the idea of taking a cruise to the Caribbean during September and October because of possible hurricanes (as it is hurricane season), most warnings for hurricanes are provided numerous days in advance. If there is a warning, cruise ships have “plan B” itineraries to bypass any storm. A cruise to Alaska is often the cheapest during the months of May and September and tends to offer really great deals.

Take a Cruise when there is a High Supply of Ships

Possibly one of the most popular destinations for many cruise lines is the Caribbean. Because of this, usually there are numerous cruise ships that leave for the Caribbean every week. This means that competition among all the cruise lines is usually high and every cruise line is trying to offer much better cruise deals to entice possible cruise enthusiasts.

How to Get Upgrades for Free

Selecting the right cabin on any cruise line is a daunting talk because usually there are a number of room types to choose from, each with their own price and their own location onboard the cruise ship. When planning for the best cruise, sometimes looking into free upgrades is the way to go to make the cruise experience much more pleasurable.

Men and women who frequently cruise are entitled to join programs much like frequent flier miles. If someone is a frequent cruiser, there are many upgrades they can get. While the upgrade may not be a room, it can include a number of amenities, including free laundry, free internet access, and a number of other perks depending on how long the cruise is.

Aside from frequent cruise enthusiasts, sometimes first-time cruisers are able to get free upgrades. This is to get these individuals hooked on a specific cruise line. They may upgrade someone who has never been on a cruise to increase their experience. On the other hand, someone who has taken a cruise to Alaska on cruise line X may try cruise line Z. If the person states that they are trying the new cruise line, the cruise may provide free upgrades as a way to reel in a new customer.

Try booking a guarantee cabin. Many cruise lines offer an option where individuals can reserve a specific category but not a particular cabin. The guarantee comes from the cruise line itself which says that the individual will get at least the category they reserved, if not a higher category. The only disadvantage is that the individual may not get a cabin on the part of the ship they prefer. However, the advantage is that in most situations an upgrade is much more likely that those who book a specific cabin.

One last way to get upgrades in the cabin is to go on a cruise during the off-season or to a destination that is not quite as popular. If the ship is not that full, there is a higher percentage of chance that an individual can receive an upgrade.

When it comes to getting the best deal on a cruise, research is everything. Armed with this important information on how to get the best cruise deals, individuals can be sure that they find the best cruise possible at a cheap price. Take some time to do research. Go online and check out the different cruise lines, what they offer, and at what price things are at. If individuals invest a lot of time and effort into researching, they can ensure that they have the best cruise experience possible.

Once an individual takes the time to book their cruise deal, then they should do further research on general tips associated with cruise. This can include everything from how to successfully pack for a cruise, what to do at the destination(s) where the cruise ship is docking, and how to create an effective budget that will last throughout the whole cruise.