10 Easy Ways to Save Money When You Book a Cruise Vacation
By Alara Shannon, Marketing | January 01, 2013 ( Comments)
Booking a cruise can seem like a whirlwind - navigating your way to a great cruise deal can become overwhelming with the amount of information available to you.
We hope to guide you through the process with our 10 easy tips to save you money, and time, when you book your next cruise vacation.
1. Book Early. The biggest rule of thumb on how to save money on a cruise vacation is to book early. Not only do you get a much better selection of staterooms, but many cruise lines offer early booking discounts to its passengers. Carnival, for example, rewards early birds with their ‘Early Saver Rate’ that is 25% off of their lowest fares and features a price protection guarantee (one caveat: your deposit is non-refundable). If the price of the cruise goes down after deposit, just reference # 7 below. If you deposit early and the price goes up – well, alright! You locked in the low cruise price and got the cabin you really wanted.
2. Book during Wave Season. ‘Wave Season’ brings some of the year’s finest sales, values and amenities from each cruise line. Find these low pricing and incentives from January through March.
3. Book a Guaranteed Stateroom. Guaranteed staterooms are a great way to save on your next cruise. You are guaranteed your desired stateroom type (inside, oceanview, balcony) but the cruise line will assign your cabin number. If you do not have a preference or need to be mid-ship, near an elevator or any other exact location on the ship this is the way to go. You have the opportunity to save hundreds and the possibility of an upgrade to a higher category, win-win!
4. Booking Family Staterooms. There are a limited number of staterooms onboard that will accommodate 3 or more passengers. Cabins that are adjoining and connected with a door are even rarer. Booking early is your best bet if you need connecting cabins or one that will hold 3-5 guests. Some ships offer family staterooms and suites that will accommodate families of 6 or more – that can really save on the overall costs. Many times, booking a higher category that will hold more guests such as a Family Junior Suite can actually be more affordable than purchasing two or three separate cabins – and you are all in one stateroom.
5. Sail from a Popular Departure Port. In a competitive market, supply and demand rule. More cruise ships and cruise lines sail from ports such as Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, meaning more berths, meaning more cabins to fill. Aggressive pricing can be found in popular departure ports versus small cruise terminals that maybe more convenient, closer to home, but cater to just one or two cruise ships, like Charleston, SC.
6. Avoid School Breaks. Supply and demand also factors in during breaks from school and popular vacation times. Families can only travel during certain times of the year, so spring breaks and summer cruise vacations will typically be at a higher price point. Caribbean cruises in the winter months of November-March, Alaska cruises in May or September and Mediterranean cruises in April feature low cruise pricing and fewer crowds.
7. Keep an Eye on the Price. Unless you have booked a restricted rate (i.e. ‘Flash Sale’ or ‘Non-Refundable Deposit’), keep an eye on your sailing and if the cruise fare for your ship and sail date has fallen, most cruise lines will honor qualifying lower-advertised rates up until your final payment date. Restrictions may apply, but it never hurts to ask your cruise specialist!
8. Cruise Tracker. iCruise.com has an innovative price tracker technology. Find a cruise you are interested in but not quite ready to secure it with a deposit? No problem. Simply provide your email address and iCruise.com will notify you anytime the price changes on your desired itinerary, whether it goes up or down. This way you can keep track and make an informed decision.
9. Booking Onboard. If you book a future cruise while still onboard the ship you will have access to future booking benefits such as lower deposit amounts, lower cruise fares, onboard credits and more.
10. Use a Travel Agent. Travel agents are your friends. Their help and insight is a free service to you, saving you valuable time and money. Travel agencies, like iCruise.com, have strong relationships with all major cruise lines so we are able to negotiate exclusive promotions and receive updates on all of the latest cruise news and current sales. Cruise specialists are able to suggest the best time to travel to your desired location, the best ship for your individual needs and cabin that will fit into your budget. This is their career, their passion and they rock; let them guide you through a seamless cruise experience from Bon Voyage to Welcome Home!
