Mouprise.com

Cruise Deals: Little Known Ways to Save Big on Your Vacation

You may not think you could actually save money by sailing on your next vacation, but with careful planning, you can! Special packages can take you on a three-night cruise to some sunny spots for less than $200 per person. (Of course, airfare is separate and prices are based on adult double occupancy.)

Check out some of these specials:

• A three-night cruise from Miami, Fla., with stops in Cococay and Nassau, both in the Bahamas, for just $169 per person.
• A four-night cruise from Miami, stopping first in Key West, Florida, and then Cozumel, Mexico, for $179 per person.
• Go in a different direction with a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise for $675 per person. Departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico, calling at Bridgetown, Castries, St. John’s, Philipsburg, and St. Croix.
• For yet another direction, how about a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera, starting at $499 per person? Departs from San Diego, California, and calls at the Mexican ports of Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

These are just a few of the discount cruise deals that can help you save money on your next vacation. Almost all of the major cruise lines offer some type of discount package. And once you’re on board, kick back and enjoy all the amenities, from kid-friendly activities to world-renowned dining and nightly entertainment. And don’t forget, once you drop anchor, step off the ship and explore the ports of call.

A word of advice: space on these discount trips is often limited. You need to plan ahead and see what is available. And once you’ve booked, try not to change the date, as most cruise lines will charge a change fee.

Special packages aren’t the only way to browse for less. There are other tips for traveling in style and for less.

• Reserve now. If you’re on a cruise and have had a great time, you can make significant savings by booking your next cruise right there, or right there on board. You won’t necessarily have to commit to the location, but the cruise line will look for a deposit to hold your spot on your next cruise. If you’re not sure where to do this business on board, ask if there’s a cruise advisor or reservation agent who can help you plan your next trip.
• Repeat negotiations. Some cruise lines reward their regular customers with incentives or room upgrades. If it’s not those benefits, they may reduce your deposit amount or offer you onboard credits.
• Transfer the reservation. Even after you’ve booked a cruise, don’t think you’re locked into it. Often you can transfer your reservation to a discount agent online. These sites can help you monitor your reservation, make changes, and sometimes even find additional deals or savings. It’s good to have someone on your side.
• Cabin guarantee. When booking a cruise, you can sometimes get a cheaper price or a discount if you go with a cabin guarantee. This means that you are guaranteed to get a cabin in a certain category (interior, exterior, terrace) at a cheaper price. In exchange, the company can select which particular cabin you will get, whether it be midships, lower deck, upper deck, etc. You have the guarantee that you will never be relegated to a lower category and there is even the possibility of being promoted to a better cabin within the same category. (This could happen if the ship books too many people in a particular stateroom category. The cruise line may upgrade those with a guarantee for that particular stateroom.) The only problem is that you may end up in a booth in a place you don’t want. you like. For example, if you want to participate in a lot of activities, you may not want a cabin far from the fun. It’s kind of a gamble that sometimes pays off. And if you really don’t care where your cabin is, it might be a good bet for you.
• Get a consultant. If you’re new to cruising or aren’t sure what type of cruise you want to take, where you want to go, or the best price available, contact a travel consultant. These are seasoned travelers with cruise experience. Let one of them help you organize a floating family reunion, a quiet getaway for you and your spouse, or perhaps a special group trip. Consultants can also help you make plans to fly into the port city and find you a hotel to stay after docking, if that’s what you’d like.

If you haven’t taken a cruise before, be good to yourself and make this the year you go out and come aboard.