Travel Cruise Review

Sarah W asked:


Cruising is a wonderful and relaxed way to see several countries while enjoying the sun. Today, cruise trips are extremely popular due to their low cost and luxury travel experience.

However, like all travelling, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you start to plan your cruise ship vacation.

Here are some cruise tips to help guide you on your journey.



All inclusive cruises are not available

Most all cruise lines do not offer an all inclusive cruise package. Alcohols, soft drinks and even water all needs to be paid for when on cruise ships. The only things included are the cruise itself, your cabin and generally at least 1-2 meals a day.



Shop around and consult different cruise travel agents

Cruise travel agents are like travel agents, but are experts in cruising. Be prepared to tell the cruise agent exactly what you are looking for. You could visit 5 different agencies and receive 5 different quotes for the same cruise. In addition, look for deals in off weeks. A fare may be $2000 one week and $800 the following week.



Be aware of added charges

If you are planning to cruise alone and don’t want to share your cabin, you can anticipate a single’s supplement charge of 10% to 100% of a per person’s rate (depending on cruise line). In addition, a lot of cruises require you to pay extra for any cruise shore excursions, or any special activities that are offered on board. Be prepared to spend an additional 30% of the cost to take part in any of these activities.



Knowing when the best time to cruise is

Cruising is usually a little cheaper during the spring or fall. Weather can be uncertain, especially in the fall given many Caribbean destinations could have hurricane seasons during this time. This is something to watch out for. The dry season for Caribbean cruises is during the summer where as the rainy season is during the winter. Other cruise lines have short cruising seasons, such as Alaska cruises which normally run from May to September.



Have fun!

One of the most important tips that I can give to you on your cruise ship vacation is to have a great time. Relax! After all it’s your vacation and you deserve to make the most out of it. There are many things for you to do, fancy dinners and dressing up, meeting new friends, visiting exotic locations, being on deck in the sun, doing cruise shore excursions, and much more! It’s important to have fun, so when you come back you feel better about yourself and that you got the most out of your time and money.



Remember, cruising is an absolutely exceptional way to spend your vacation. They are very relaxing and a very enjoyable way to spend some time away. However, like all vacations, you need to know what is required before purchasing your dream cruise ship vacation. Keep this in mind and I have no doubt your cruise trip will be a complete success!

Mary Hanna asked:


A family cruise vacation is a great way to get away and spend time with your children. Almost of the cruise lines offer packages that cater to families. Surf the web for the right family cruise vacation that will cater to all of your needs. Better yet, talk to a cruise travel agent. Make sure they are a member of CLIA (the industries organization) and have taken many cruise vacations on several cruise lines. The cruise travel agent will be able to steer you to the cruise lines that have children’s programs that are age specific, have trained youth counselors and will fulfill your desires on your family cruise vacation.

The great thing about these programs on the cruise lines is that your children will be with qualified people all day, doing all kinds of activities and you are free to do your own thing with no worries.

A family cruise vacation takes you to many destinations without the rigors of packing and unpacking. A cruise vacation will also alleviate the stress of airport security. You might have to fly to your port of embarkation but after that there will be no more checking in and long security lines.

The cruise ship will take you to many ports where you get off the ship and enjoy your day on shore. Before you leave on your family cruise vacation research the ports you will be visiting. Plan what you want to do in each port ahead of time. Since it is a family cruise vacation, discuss this with all your family members. You can find out what the cruise lines offer in the way of tours on their website. In many cases the cruise lines let you book tours online or by fax.

Here are some guidelines to help you choose the perfect family cruise vacation.

First find out if they allow kids in your children’s age group. Cruise lines may limit the amount of children in certain age groups. This applies especially at times like Easter or spring break

Do some digging to find out what kind of children’s facility the cruise line has. You will want to check what the activities will be, are there play areas, and baby sitting available. Find out the rules for placing your children in the child care center. Most times you must sign your child into the play areas and the kids will not be allowed to leave until you sign them out.

It is important to know the ratio of counselors to children. You want to know that there are adequate supervisors for your kids. Know the qualifications of the care giver. For instance, on the Queen Mary II they have licensed nannies.

If you will need a cot or crib find out if they are available and if there is a fee. Sometimes these need to be reserved in advance of the family cruise vacation. The size of the cabin should be noted. If the cabin is too small, you will be cramped. If you are not taking toddlers it is best to book cabins across from each other. You and your spouse take the outside cabin and give the one across the hall from it to your children. This not only affords you privacy but the kids will feel “grown up” with their own cabin.

Check to see if they have a kids menu. A lot of kids don’t eat a variety of foods. If they are particularly picky it is nice to know that the cruise lines offer food for kids, like hamburgers and hot dogs. Almost all cruise lines offer hamburgers and hot dogs at lunch around the pool but what about dinner? Find out in advance of your family cruise vacation so you know everyone will be happy.

If anyone in your family has special needs make sure your cruise travel agent asks the ship if they will provide for them. There may be two or three formal nights. If you do not feel comfortable participating in them with little children, find out what kind of alternative dining the cruise line offers. Many ships have alterative dining rooms for just this purpose. Some of the cruise lines have kid’s dinners where only the children and the caregivers can attend. If this coincides with a formal night it would be nice to know.

Some of the children’s activity that are offered on cruise lines are scavenger hunts, pizza parties, disco parties for teens, arts and crafts and pool parties. The cruise line will bend over backwards to keep your children entertained. They want you to come back.

So call your cruise travel agent and start planning the perfect family cruise vacation. It will be one vacation that you and your kids won’t forget.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Joseph Ewart asked:


There are more than 200 cruise ships that you can choose from today. But the one thing that they all have in common is that a little advance planning and “insider” knowledge can help you save time and money on your next cruise. Here are the “top ten tips”:

1. Maximum flexibility = Maximum savings. Most travelers have some flexibility in their travel dates, especially if planning ahead of time. Let your cruise specialist know that you can consider alternate departure dates that may have lower rates available. Keep in mind cruise lines will offer better prices and perks on sailings that are not nearing capacity.

Tip: Shoulder or off peak sailings offer the deepest price cuts. For example, the departure right after the New Year cruise might be substantially lower.

2. Ask if guarantees are available. This requires that you have a little gambling spirit. Many cruise lines will offer a rate on a particular cabin category instead of an actual stateroom number and in effect guarantee that rate to you. Then the cruise line has the option of assigning you a stateroom in either that category or better.

Sometimes you win and end up in a cabin several grades higher and sometimes you end up in exactly the category you were guaranteed. Remember, there is both an upside and downside to this program.

Tip: Completely understand the process before booking a guarantee.

3.Upgrade programs. Often, your cruise specialist may offer a cruise line upgrade program. This means that you book and pay for category ‘B’ and will be moved to a higher category ‘A’. Again, there is an element of risk here. The fact that a stateroom may be in a higher category does not always mean it will be a more desirable cabin. For example, you might be in a nice mid ship balcony stateroom on Deck C and get an upgrade to a balcony stateroom on Deck A.

While your new assignment may be the same size and have identical amenities you might end up in a less desirable location such as near an elevator or at the extreme end of the ship. And there are outside cabins that have views partially blocked by lifeboats or other equipment. On the other hand there are many instances of guests being upgraded several categories to wonderful staterooms.

Tip: Advise your cruise specialist that you will consider upgrades offered but you want to have final say on any changes before they happen.

4.Special Fare Eligibility - One of the reasons that savvy cruisers find a knowledgeable cruise specialist and stick with them is the fact that there are many special fare programs that may or not be visible to cruisers doing casual research on the web. These include things like regional fares that are made available to residents of selected states.

Caution: If you are offered a regional fare and you don’t live in that area and can not prove residency, don’t do it. Cruise lines have the right to check your eligibility on sailing day and charge for the difference before you board. It does happen. Some of the other special fares being promoted today include active duty and retired military fares, union member fares, police and public safety discounts, airline or hospitality rates and more.

Tip: If your cruise partner is a member of any of the these groups, the discounts usually apply to everyone traveling in the same stateroom.

5. Past Passenger Specials - Virtually every major cruise line has a loyalty club for its members with different levels and benefits. Joining is free and entitles you to special perks and discounts when you book on that line. For many commonly owned cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation, the offers extend across all the brands such as Carnival, Princess, Holland America etc. Ditto for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Tip: Many cruise lines started operation before computers become common and can not easily retrieve date for cruises you may have taken several years ago. However, if you send a letter to the cruise line listing the ships and cruises you have been on, most will take your word and credit you with those unrecorded sailings. This might have the effect of moving you from Gold to Platinum level and significantly improve the benefits.

6. Check for Group Rates: Many cruise agencies hold what is known as block space on ships. That means that they have reserved space at group rates, which can be up to 20% lower than individual rates. Many agencies that reserve space for groups hold aside several cabins for individual clients who might be able to depart on this date.

While you may be traveling as a group, your cruise experience will be as an individual traveler. The downside might be that your dining time or section is affected by the group program. The upside is that you might benefit from some group amenties such as an onboard credit, free shore excursion etc.

Tip: If your cruise specialist offers group rates, understand the features, benefits and limitations completely before you book. From the cruise line perspective you are a member of the group and fall under the policies and procedures for groups.

7. On board re-booking. Most cruise lines now allow you to book your next cruise with that line while on board. They may have what is known as an on board sales consultant or even a desk. This is usually a great opportunity to save. Generally, the cruise line will throw in some strong perks to retain your loyalty to their brand. Onboard credits on the future cruise can be quite substantial. Upgrades and other benefits are usually significant.

Tip: Many cruise lines realize that you may not be sure when and where you want to cruise while on your current voyage. Not to worry, because most have a program where you can book on board with the flexibility to change to other sailings and ships via your cruise specialist when you get home and keep all the benefits. This is a truly a win win for you!

8.Seek out Value Adds. Over the past few years, cruise lines have instituted something known in the trade as The Level Playing Field. This was instituted to attempt to control the rampant rebating and discounting that occurred in the post September 11 travel slump. Basically, now the cruise lines have been partially successful in putting the genie back in the bottle by requiring cruise agents to all use the same pricing feeds.

Because cruise agents do not purchase and re-sell the cruises but are paid a commission, the cruise lines themselves totally control published rates. One of the unintended side effects of Level Playing Field pricing is that the cruise lines had to find a way to promote challenged sailing dates. And they did this by creating Value Added features. They can include benefits ranging from dollars off certificates, on-board credits, pre-paid gratuities, free spa treatments, specialty dining experiences, casino credits to a free bathrobe or camera.

Tip: Ask your cruise specialist to seek out sailings that offer value adds. They can significantly impact your bottom line.

9.Arrange your own airline tickets. If you need to fly in to your embarkation port most cruise lines have flight programs known as Air/Sea arrangements. The good news is that includes the flights and often meet and greet and transfers. The bad news is that in order to publish these add-ons the cruise lines have negotiated the fares far in advance and try to set the rates on a cost average basis.

To you, it generally means that these add-ons may be up to 50% higher than the fares you can get by arranging the flights yourself. The one exception to this in many cases are Europe cruises where many lines maintain bulk contract fares. So it is always a good idea to comparison shop. Most lines allow you to purchase just the transfer package so you are able to create your own air/sea package at significant savings. And of course if you have several thousand airline miles collecting dust, this might be a good time to try to use them.

Tip: If you are arranging your own flights, make sure to allow plenty of time for flight delays etc. Savvy cruisers will often invest in a pre-cruise hotel the night before the cruise so that they can avoid the stress caused by late arriving flights. Remember, if the airline leaves you on the tarmac for 7 hours and you miss the ship, that voucher for a free flight will not seem very appealing. And unfortunately, the airline will not compensate you nor will the cruise line refund your money as you are counted as a no show.

10. Travel Insurance: What is the one thing you must bring on your cruise that you hope never to use? Trip Insurance! As you can see in #9 above things can and do go wrong. An affordable comprehensive trip insurance policy can cover many of these contingencies including, lost baggage, trip interruption, medical evacuation and more.

Your cruise specialist can explain the various programs available as there are several. Mark sure you understand fully the coverage and limitation before accepting coverage and keep in mind that you can not get coverage retroactively. It is a small, but absolutely vital part of your vacation expenditures. Keep in mind very few medical insurance polices cover you while out of the country and basic homeowner policies often do not compensate for lost luggage or other events. Just as in land based trips, the carriers responsibility to you is extremely limited by their contract and should a medical emergency arise on board or ashore you are responsible for all expenses incurred.

Tip: Cancellation coverage is very specific. Understand what is covered and not covered. You can not decide not to go at the last minute without incurring substantial cancellation charges. And if you have any pre-existing health issues, this may or may not be a covered event. That is why it is important to actually read the coverage.

Derek Smiley asked:


Cruise vacations can offer vacationers an experience they cannot get anywhere else. However, it is important that you make a few right choices when selecting your cruise.

Otherwise, your fun vacation can quickly turn and become a less than desirable vacation. Answering a few simple questions can make all of the difference in your overall cruise experience.

First off, ask yourself where exactly you want to travel to. Picking the right destination can make all of the difference in the world.

If you are not a fan of extremely hot weather, chances are you would not want to travel to the Caribbean, especially during the summer months. Like wise, if you are not a fan of cold weather, an Alaskan cruise might not be the best fit for your vacation.

European Cruises are become more and more popular. The best time to take a European cruise is between the months of April and October, with August being the most popular month.

The Greek Islands and the British Isles are among the most popular destinations of a European cruise.

An Alaskan cruise offers travelers a breathtaking experience.

The scenery is like none other. However, it is important that you realize that the weather can be very unpredictable. It is important that if you choose to go on an Alaskan cruise you pack for various weather possibilities.

It is also important to choose the right cruise lines. If you are traveling with kids, then a Disney Cruise Lines would be ideal. They cater to the needs and wants of families.

Disney Cruise Lines offers vacationers the opportunity to do things as a family or separately. They have programs for kids of all ages. Adults will not feel out of place on the cruise, as there are programs tailored to their needs as well.

Cruise durations vary from cruise lines to cruise lines and are a personal preference amongst travelers.

It is important that you consider how long the cruise is, when picking your destination. You do not want to try and cram too many ports of call into a short period of time.

As important as the destinations, durations and cruise ships are in deciding your cruise vacation, so is choosing the right travel agent.

Often times, people consider travel agents to be a waste of time and money. However, experienced travel agents who can give you intimate details of the various destinations can make all of the difference in your overall vacation experience. An experienced travel agent can put together an itinerary that is just right for you.

Cruises can be a great way to spend a vacation. Whether you are going alone, with a spouse or friend or taking the entire family, there is a cruise for you.

With some simple advanced planning, your cruise will be an experience that you will never forget.

Derek Smiley asked:


Choosing your cruise is one of the most important steps of your cruise experience. Finding the best cruise agent is essential. Knowing which liner will best suit your needs, style, which destination ports will be of interest to you and when you should travel, are some of the many aspects which should be considered.

This is why a cruise agent is such an important part of your cruise vacation decision.

Below are just a few of the aspects that a good cruise agent will discuss with you during your cruise consultation. Be sure to make notes of any special questions you may have before you speak with them.

The Five W’s

1. Who: Knowing who is travelling is one of the more obvious questions but one which must be carefully considered. Are you a single traveler, a couple, a family, or a group? Are there small children traveling or would you prefer an adult only ship?

Would you prefer a younger or more mature onboard age group? These are some of the important factors which must be considered when selecting the right cruise ship, and some of the many things that your cruise agentwill discuss with you.

2. What Ship to Choose: Each luxury cruise line has many benefits and aspects that make it unique in the industry. Some ships are intimate vessels carrying approximately a hundred passengers, whereas others set sail with several hundred to over a thousand passengers.

The onboard atmosphere of some ships is more formal, with traditional dining venues, whereas others offer a more casual setting with an open dining experience.

Matching you with the ship that will best suit your needs and style should be your first priority. Let the cruise agent help you to choose the ship that is right for you.

3. Where: With over 65% of the world being covered by water, it seems as though the “Where” possibilities are truly endless. Where does one start? How do you choose? Well, one way is by knowing when you can travel to each location and what time of year the itineraries are offered.

Also, what do the destinations offer and are the ports of interest to you? Some of the more common destination choices are: the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and Africa & Asia. And for the brave what about the titanic route, you may see some nice icebergs.

Your cruise agent should be happy to discuss the many options being offered. In addition, once you have decided on your cruise destination, a good cruise agent will provide you with in-depth information on pre-cruise and post-cruise stays, as well as private shore excursion options.

4. When: When to cruise usually depends on one of two things: when you are able to go or when the itinerary you are interested in taking is being offered. The first consideration, when you are able to go, is easily determined.

Once you establish your time frame, your cruise specialist is able to provide you with a selection of cruises being offered at that time. If you personal availability is flexible, often times, the second consideration, when the itinerary you are interested in taking is being offered, is another way of choosing when to go, as certain itineraries are only offered at certain times of the year.

Your cruise agent can help you to select the best time to travel to your destination and which itineraries are being offered.

5. Why are you traveling: The question is, far too often, overlooked by travelers, and is one of the more important questions to consider. Are you traveling for rest and relaxation?

Are you traveling to learn about a specific destination or culture? Are you interested in a learning or life enrichment experience? Or is it a special occasion (i.e. a honeymoon, an anniversary, a family reunion, etc.)?

These scenarios are just a few of the many reasons that you may be considering a cruise and knowing “Why” you are traveling, will help your cruise specialist match you with the cruse line, ship and itinerary that will best suit your needs.

As you can see, there are many factors that go into the planning of your cruise vacation. Researching, defining, and refining all of these variables is why your cruise agent is such an important part of your decision and selection process.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise. By the way,do you get seasick? The chances on a cruise are very slim. However it is always advisable to take some sea sick pills with you; just in case.

Rakesh Gaikwad asked:


Many cruise companies offer cheap cruises and reduce the prices for late bookings, cabin only deals and cruises with a short duration.

Cheap cruises on offer include ‘week-end get aways’ which hop across the English Channel departing from Dover and arriving in Antwerp overnight. The vessel has all the basic necessities, such as restaurants and bars, a gym, library and shops to browse, making these cruise deals a great mini break, with time to unwind and relax without breaking the bank.

Cruises across the North Sea departing from Leith, sailing through the night and arriving in Lerwick in time for morning coffee, the rest of the day can be spent discovering this beautiful area of Scotland before re-boarding the ship to sail during the night arriving in the breathtaking Western Fjords and the delightful city of Bergen. The itinerary includes plenty of personal time throughout the day and evening to explore the city and the surrounding scenic Fjord area. The ship leaves the port of Bergen in the late evening to begin the return sailing. The last day is spent at sea enjoying the amenities of the vessel and relaxing. Meals are offered in two different restaurants, the evening can be spent enjoying drinks with new found friends or in the casino.

This type of cheap cruise makes the cruising experience very affordable and are an excellent way to see whether ‘life at sea’ is agreeable before embarking on a future longer duration cruise, although it should be noted that with some cheap deals not all of the usual cruise facilities are available. The vessels are up to date and modern, with spacious relaxation areas. As the sailing is predominately through the night, evening entertainment is not always available, which is ideal for those who prefer a more sedate, personal cruise experience. Cabin only cruises are ideal those who prefer to make their own arrangements for dining and making their own entertainment.

Royal Caribbean cruises offer a great deal on 4 night short break cruises. Boarding the vessel in the port of Stockholm the itinerary begins with a day cruising the Fjords and taking in the breath taking scenery while becoming accustomed to the layout of the ship. The ship arrives at Visby, Sweden and remains in the port for a day, giving plenty of personal time to discover the local and surrounding area, before departing and sailing to Norway. Passengers find their own way to and from the departure and arrival ports, usually cheap flights are available from UK airports. Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship ‘The Vision of the Sea’ is ideal for this mini cruise and boasts numerous windows which allow the spectacular Fjords to be seen throughout the sailing. This cruise ship has many luxury facilities including six whirlpools, eight bars and lounges, a health spa and different sports options. Different deck and cabin choices, including staterooms and suites which include separate living areas, balconies and mini bar, the Royal Family suite also includes two bathrooms, are all available within the special deal price making this luxury cruise excellent value for money.

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.

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.