There is nothing like a cruise vacation for a quick escape, especially when the sun is shining and the wanderlust mood is in full swing.
Moreover, you get to visit multiple far-flung locales, ancient ruins and dreamy beach destinations in one trip and without blowing your budget.
Although there are a plethora of cruise lines sailing to similar ports of call around the world, the cruise experience can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.
Before booking, you may have to consider the trip duration, the onboard amenities you prefer, your ideal shore excursion and above all the overall value you will receive for the price you pay. Read on to see the top tips for finding the best deals for your next dream getaway.
Keep updated on the latest cruise trends
At the onset, it is a good idea to have a general knowledge about the current state of the cruise industry and what to expect.
Prices can be a bit fluid for mass-market destinations like Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, indicating the desire to travel in style and get a good price or at least the best price available.
Book with a reputed travel advisor
One way to save money, especially if you are new to cruising, is to enlist the services of a knowledgeable travel advisor who is a cruise specialist, in order to simplify the cruise booking experience and learn ways on how to save money as well.
If you are a first-time cruiser, a travel advisor will answer your questions and guide you through booking the right cruise line, assist with shore excursions and make reservations to ensure your vacation is as seamless as possible.
But that is not all, a travel expert can alert you to special offers and sales and any bonus through their preferred supplier arrangements. They also have exclusive access to special onboard amenities through various relationships.
Search online for price alerts and flash sales
Before dipping into your wallet for your credit card, check cruise line websites and other travel booking sites for last minute deals or flash sales for current prices.
Flash sales are usually available closer to the departure date when cruise lines offer no-frills pricing to fill up the available room space at low rates but without the in-built amenities. These deals vary with supply and demand.
However, flash sales are available on limited sailings, so one has to act fast once they go live and the dates may soon become unavailable.
Sign up for newsletters
One of the best way to stay in touch with price drops and sales is to sign up for cruise line newsletters and notifications.
Travelers can access these either directly from the concerned cruise lines or by signing up from online sites such as Cruisedirect or Cruisewatch.
You can also ask your travel advisor to notify you about any specific cruise deal to avoid surfing through irrelevant emails in your inbox.
Book during the wave season
For some of the hottest deals, consider making a booking at the beginning of the year as travelers can get fantastic value for money on cruises at this time.
The wave period begins typically right after the holidays and extends through mid-March. This is also the busiest cruise booking period of the year when cruise lines have the best inventory available.
Pay for what you use
If you plan to spend most of the time off the ship or outside the cabin, book a room at the entry-level category and save money, instead of an upgraded space with a balcony which you may rarely use.
