Travel Cruise Review

Dean Caporella asked:


Taking a cruise is still a dream for many people who cite varying reasons for holding off on sailing the “high seas.” The most common excuse is the affordability factor with many people on tight budgets simply resigned to the fact that cheaper holidays are available elsewhere and by other means.

Well, I’m here to tell you that cruising holidays are not just reserved for the “rich and famous” but in the main, are designed for those who in fact are working on staying within their allotted budgets. A cheap cruise doesn’t mean travelling on a “ship without a rudder!”

Let’s Find A Cheap Cruise

Finding a cheap deal is a lot easier than you think. Travel agents are there to help you locate the most suitable holiday for your travel plans. Companies will go “the extra mile” to get you on one of their ships and in most cases, you’ll find them extremely accomodating. Here are some simple tips to finding a cheap cruise.

1. Go online and do a search. Many travel and cruise companies will offer request forms on their sites and you simply fill in the information; where you want to go, how much you want to spend and how many people you want to book for.

2. Pricing varies from destination to destination but the beauty of these type of holidays is the value factor. Over delivering is common so don’t be afraid to state your preferences no matter how lavish they may seem. In the final analysis, common ground is reached and you’ll be surprised how much vacation experience your tight budget dollars will get you.

3. Avoid peak travelling seasons. Often, prices will normally be inflated which is common during any popular vacation time such as normal holiday periods. The bargains will normally be found during off-peak times and you’ll need to clarify these with your travel agent.

4. Don’t leave booking your cheap cruise until the last minute. Similar to airlines, holidays or trips will cost you more generally, the closer it is to the departure date. Booking a long way ahead means that there are better deals available as companies “scramble” to fill their available spots.

5. Make it clear to your booking agent exactly how much you want to spend. Be careful not to book a holiday just because you can afford it and then realise it’s not what you wanted. Finding a bargain is one thing but finding that will suit your needs and desires is another. Be very clear up front.

Cheap Family Packages

Obviously the larger the family the more cost is involved. Again, cruise lines are very accomodating and the above principles also apply in the area of family holidays. For example, Disney have on-going cheap cruise deals to such exotic destinations as the Bahamas with some tremendous savings to be had. You just need to be aware of them which means a little homework on your part.

You’ll be surprised how affordable holidays can be. The best part is, a cheap cruise will usually offer a lot more than the term implies.

Karl Guevara asked:


First of all, let us take a look of what we mean by a credit crunch. In financial terms, a credit crunch directly implies the tightening of liquidity. That is, ideally everyone runs out of cash, irrespective of whether the entity is a banker, a businessman, a corporate or anyone (or anything) else. These days, a major part of the world is passing through one of the nastiest credit crunches ever experienced.

In such times of financial crisis, everyone has started spending less and less. People have started cutting their expenditure wherever possible.

Because of this recession, cheap cruises have gained popularity. People fond of taking cruises have started searching for cruises that can give them real value for their money. In other words, they want to spend less than before without compromising their amusement and pleasure. Consequently, cheap cruises have experienced a massive rise in the number of bookings.

Tourism agencies are focusing more on cheap cruises than on expensive ones. They are advertising more for them, both online as well as offline. Subsequently, some of the expensive cruises have drastically reduced their rates to compete directly with the cheap ones.

As a result, going for a vacation on a cruise is not as costly as it was before. Even for Christmas and New Year, cheap cruises have many more bookings than the expensive ones. A cheap cruise doesn’t imply that the quality is cheap; it only means less rates with the same standards and quality of service. With the enhanced popularity of cheap cruises, some people who have never on a cruise have also started opting for a cruise vacation.

In financial terms, cheap cruise liners just reduce their profit margin without going into loss. They believe in cost cutting. Some of the cheap cruises also offer customisation of a trip. That is, you can further reduce the cost of your trip by choosing only those services that you necessarily require on the trip, and eliminating those that you know you do not require at all. For example, some people are not fond of spending time in the casino. So they have the option of eliminating a visit to the casino. There are some others who want to get to the cruise boat on their own. They can eliminate the option of travelling by air and can get the charges of airfare reduced from the total cost of the trip, thus reducing their total expenditure.

Before customising your trip, make sure that you do not cut some expensive but adventurous events such as sightseeing, and different air and sea programs that can really make your trip memorable.

The credit crunch has tightened the purse strings of almost everyone. The tourism industry is among the most battered. At such times, cheap cruises have courageously faced the crisis. Some of them have even seen a profound rise in their profits. This is enough to prove that cheap cruises have become much more popular than ever, and they are strong enough to stand independently while facing any situation.

Bill Urell asked:


One of the best choices when it comes to vacations is to take a cruise. There are many reasons that a cruise is so appealing, but the main one still remains that they are so much fun. A cruise combines an exotic locale with the convenience of an all-inclusive price. Choosing a cheap cruise makes it even better.

The first thing you need to do when you decide that it is time to take a cruise is decide on a destination. There are cruises that will take you along the chilly Alaskan coastline or cruises that are designed for people who love the charm of the Caribbean. If you have never been on a cruise deciding where to go can be the most difficult part. If you have small children consider taking a cheap cruise around Florida. This is a great choice because not only will you get to enjoy all the amenities that the cruise ship affords you but you will be stopping to visit some of the most popular theme parks in the world.

Vacations are generally fairly expensive and many families budget all year for that special two week getaway. Finding a cheap cruise can save a substantial amount of money. There is a bit of legwork that is required for finding any type of discount travel deal including cheap cruise packages.

There are several online sites that offer customers the chance to purchase travel deals. This includes airfare, hotel accommodations and cheap cruise packages as well. You can usually find several different cheap cruise offers on these sites. Although it is not a steadfast rule you will find that purchasing a cruise from a travel broker site will cost you considerably less than if you were to go to the cruise lines website.

The time of year that you want to travel will also have an impact on the price. Many people wait until their children are out of school before taking a vacation. Although this certainly helps with studies it can raise the price quite a bit. If you plan on going sometime during the school year you are much more likely to find a cheap cruise deal.

The winter holidays and spring breaks are also times when many people plan on getting away. The problem with this is that many others are also planning on doing exactly the same thing. It is great to plan an escape from the snow and sleet but why not consider taking the cruise in January or February? You are sure to find cheap cruise packages during these times.

Planning any vacation takes some time. A good rule of thumb is to start looking for cheap cruise deals months before your planned departure. You will be able to keep track of when the least expensive times to travel are and you will save yourself a good deal of money that you can save for some fun and memorable souvenirs.

Dean Caporella asked:


Finding cheap cruises has almost become a past time for many regular travelers who recognize the value in taking a holiday on a cruise ship.

When you compare the price of a cruise to many other vacations you simply cannot compare the value you get on a ship. It’s all inclusive and there is also the added attraction of being able to set foot on land when docking at the various stops along the way.

Shopping For Cheap Cruises

It will be difficult to find cheap deals during the high season. This includes the summer holiday months and the various school breaks. However, concentrating your efforts from fall through to spring means getting on a ship for a bargain price.

Booking ahead for these times of the year is a sensible approach. Companies offer attractive deals considering many people prefer to stick around at home during the festive season.

Online vs. Travel Agent For Cheap Cruises

There is a lot of conjecture as to which is the best approach. Online booking is now part and parcel of taking cheap cruises however, there are times when it’s definitely more beneficial to speak with a travel agent.

When shopping online the price advertised is the price you get. With a booking agent, there are deals available which will not be advertised online and without checking, then you could be missing out on some great savings.

When looking at niche cruise lines or vacations with land embarkations then you’ll need to speak with a representative. These are a little more complicated than the average straight forward cruise.

Other times requiring contact with a specialist is if you are a returning customer. Some cruise lines offer returning customers upgrades to a more expensive level as a way of rewarding them for their patronage.

Discounts can also apply to senior citizens while discounts could also apply to you if you are part of a special organization such as the armed forces.

How To Shop And Compare

Our advice is to shop online and get a guide of the prices available for advertised cheap cruises. When you have a list of possible options contact your travel agent. Better still, have a list of travel agents and spend a little time on the phone.

Your aim is to try and get down to the lowest price possible and may mean you’ll need to speak with several agents. Start with the initial price listed and simply ask if that price can be bettered. On many occasions it won’t but the chances are also extremely good that you’ll get a discount.

Dean Caporella asked:


The fall period offers some excellent opportunities to score excellent cheap cruise deals with the colder months approaching. Cruise lines will ramp up their marketing efforts during this time and offer great opportunities for people to get on a cruise ship cheap.

However, this article is not about where you can go to get a great deal, it’s about letting you know that your cheap cruise may not be the great bargain you thought it was if you are sailing for the first time and unaware of on ship costs.

For example, the marketing to get people on ships is very attractive; 7 day cruises through the Eastern Caribbean for less than $500 is hard to resist however, there’s an old saying which goes something like…”if they don’t get you on the roundabouts they’ll get you on the swings.”

The On Board Cost Factor

In other words, while your initial cost will include some onboard privileges, the cost of staying on a ship for any length of time can be expensive. That’s not detracting at all from the experience because there is little to compare with a cruise but many holidaymakers will have suffered temporary high blood pressure levels when it comes time to square up at the end of the trip.

Let’s take a look at some of the expenses you could be faced with which can blow your cheap cruise experience into an expensive one:

1. Drinking is one of the biggest expenses on a cruise ship. Just be aware, if you like a drink then be prepared to pay for it. Souvenir drinks are attractive; that is, drinks which come in specially designed glasses which you get to keep afterwards but how many souvenir glasses do you want to end up with?

2. Photos can be a brutal expense. Photographs are a great way to savor wonderful memories and there will be on board photographic services which will be happy to snap your picture everyday. But be warned they are not cheap. If you have your own camera then make sure you pack it.

3. Many inexperienced travelers will often think on shore excursions which are organized are part of the cruise experience but this is not usually the case. This is something you need to check with your travel professional before making your booking.

4. Entertainment is great on board a ship and most of it is free however, if you like to indulge in a little gambling and have a “soft spot” for slot machines be prepared to play the larger denomination machines because the smaller 1 and 2 cent machines can be hard to find.

5. On board staff and generally fantastic and it’s hard to beat the service you get on a ship. Again, it can come at a cost via gratuities and this is fair enough however, if you are from a place where tipping is foreign, just be prepared.

6. Some on board services are not included as part of the initial cheap cruise price. These include grooming and beauty services.

7. Likewise, medical services will cost you extra should you need attention on your trip.

Bryan Burbank asked:


The best thing about taking a cruise is that you can find one that fits your every needs and finding a cheap cruise can be easier than ever. With the internet now being our main way of looking for information it has become easier than ever to find deals on any vacation that we would want to take and cruises are no exception. The first thing that you want to do is to make a list of several destinations that you would like to travel to so that when you are searching for a cruise you do not get overwhelmed with so many choices.

Learn how to find a: Discount Cruise

Next you want to set your budget so that when you are looking online you know what you limit is to spend. When selecting a budget this can also limit you to the amount of days that you can spend on a cruise.

Get some Advice about: Cheap Cruises

It is also a good idea to look at the time of year you want to travel because there are times that are much cheaper than others. During the summer and holidays are usually more expensive so you may want to stay with the off season because this can be a big savings for you and your family.

There are also last minute deals were they are trying to fill a ship and you may be able to save a lot of money there as well. Cruising can be find and exciting and finding a great cruise at a reasonable price is not hard if you take your time and check with many different sources you can be successful on your next vacation destination.

Chonticha Marijne asked:


Most of us think that cruise lines are way out of our price range. We envision formal dining and entertainment, rich couples drinking expensive champagne and handsomely appointed staterooms that cost thousands of dollars a night. And while there are expensive luxuries offered on cruise voyages, finding a cheap cruise adventure is well within reach of most people. To find a cheap cruise adventure, the first thing that you need to do is shop around. Important considerations such as departure and destination points need to be considered as well.

The best places to start gathering research for a cheap cruise adventure are on the Internet. Check out traveling websites such as Travelocity and Orbitz and the like and start printing out information. Where do you want to go? Alaska or Hawaii? Somewhere more exotic, like South America, or Australia or the Far East? First decide where you want to go and then start pricing different cruise lines. Cruise lines are in the business of taking passengers to wonderful locations, and if they weren’t affordable, they’d soon go out of business. Passengers can find luxurious shipboard appointments if they have a bottomless wallet, but so can the average tourist on a budget.

Take, for example a cruise line in the United States. Carnival and Pacific cruise lines offer passenger accommodations at around $200 a night for three to four day journeys to the Bahamas, Baja California and the Caribbean. This ‘cheap cruise’ fare is not cheap in the sense that you won’t be able to access the perks that other passengers are receiving. Far from it. This price includes just as many amenities and perks as any other passenger enjoys. Of course, the longer the journey, the more expensive it can get, but also keep in mind that most passenger voyage tickets include everything from room and board, dining, onboard entertainment, use of fitness rooms, swimming pools and any other activities provided while on board, and even may include tickets to any sightseeing venues off the ship while in certain ports of call. When looking for a cheap cruise ticket, make sure that you know what is included and what isn’t in the price of a per person ticket.

No matter which kind of a cheap cruise line ticket you’re looking for, remember to read the fine print. Many cruise lines require double occupancy for the prices quoted. Some also require that anyone under the age of 21 must share a room with someone who is at least 21 years of age. Comparison shopping for a cheap cruise line ticket won’t take very long, and you’ll more than likely be surprised at the number of good deals you can find. Just remember that a cheap cruise doesn’t mean that you’ll be bunking down in the boiler room. Do be advised however, that the cheaper your ticket, the lower in the ship your room will be located, so keep that in mind when booking rooms. A cheap cruise find is a rewarding payoff to a little homework.

Dean Caporella asked:


The race to build the biggest and best cruise ship continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Cruise holidays are one of the most popular holiday alternatives for people and what once was considered as an out of reach vacation for many low to middle income earners, sailing the high seas on board a luxury liner anywhere in the world is now a reality for most.

Cheap Cruise Due Diligence

Conducting a cheap cruise review before booking a holiday is an art form that many now perform quite expertly. Seeking out the best deals is not as difficult as it once was. Why? Because there is so much available in the area of sea travel that major companies will often provide outstanding incentives and opportunities to consumers that it’s hard for many to ignore some of the deals being offered.

Once, taking a cruise would have been the holiday of a lifetime. Now, enjoying the amenities and luxuries on board ships is not just a once a year excursion for many: because of the discount deals available, people can now consider sailing on board a ship a yearly event. If you aren’t quite sure on how to find those cheap cruise deals, here are some tips on how to locate them.

The Cheap Cruise Rush

Be aware that the term last minute cruise doesn’t mean booking only days before a ship is due to depart. The term generally means booking up to 90 days in advance. Is this a good thing? Well, it’s generally the procedure to follow. If you have your heart set on a particular holiday and have bugeted for it then yes, go ahead and book it. It means you’ll have plenty of time to prepare.

Savvy last minute cheap cruise hunters will generally wait until, well, the last minute. They’re experienced enough to know that the best deals are always available close to departure time. Cruise lines realise that it’s much more beneficial for them to fill a room at a discount price rather than let it sit empty. Getting people on board is their main priority because “what they miss on the round-a-bout, they’ll pick up on the swings!”

You Need To Get Online

So how can you find these cheap cruise deals? Well, one of the best ways is to go online and check out a companies website. You won’t generally see these late minute deals plastered all over the written or electronic press. In some cases, you could even pick up a great deal on some of the better state or balcony rooms particularly if they are still empty and leaving them vacant is not an option.

Don’t be afraid to sign up for a company’s newsletter if they have one. Even better, getting on a mailing list will keep you up-to-date with all the latest offerings. A phone call on a regular basis will also enable you to keep abreast of any last minute cheap cruise deals. I’ve always considered these type of deals similar in some respects to flight upgrades.

Karl Guevara asked:


If you are considering spending a holiday on a cruise again - or you are a first timer looking for a good cruise - then you will certainly have many things going on in your mind. With a plethora of cruise liners ready to take you through varied destinations, it is almost confusing. For someone who has been on a cruise holiday before, it is somewhat easier to decide; but for someone new to the cruise holiday concept it is very daunting. Most people have a doubt about what makes the best cheap cruise holidays. As widely known fact is that cruise holidays are not economical enough on your pockets.

When you are looking for the best cheap cruise holiday, you need to be ready with your wish list, as it will help you find that best cheap cruise holiday for you and your family. The wish list means that you need to have decided the kind or style of cruise holiday you want to take. Whether you want a rocking and adventurous trip, or a more relaxed and calm holiday, or a cultural vacation needs to be decided beforehand.

The most important thing is your budget. Decide well, it as it will also underpin the services you get on board. Next, finalise the number of days you have to spend on a cruise holiday. Ideally, most people go for a week or ten day cruise holiday as it makes for a cheap cruise holiday. However, the cruise lines also offer vacations to the length of a fortnight or even a month and longer.

After having decided the days, now it is time to mark the cities you would like to see on your cruise holiday. Keep your itinerary such that you have enough time to see each place as well as enjoy the activities offered on the cruise. Advice can be taken from an agent when looking for the best cheap cruise holiday for you. Keep in mind the activities you want to enjoy on the cruise.

The normal cruise holiday package includes the cost of flights and transfers, accommodation, food, entertainment and some even include drinks. However, it is advisable to call the cruise company before booking your holiday to check out the activities covered in the package. They can suggest to you the ship that has the activities of your interest, as well as fitting your budget.

A best cheap cruise holiday should be comprised of the activities that you are interested in, as well as taking you to the places that you want to visit. Buying a ‘cruise only’ package is another option for a cheap cruise holiday, but then you will need to pay for your own flights and transfers. The cruise holiday packages don’t include the on-shore excursions or any personal shopping.

The best cheap cruise holiday should offer enough entertainment with music and standup comedy shows, shopping plazas and relaxation opportunities. You should enjoy your holidays to the fullest, and not be bored for even a second.