Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles
Federal Way, WA May 17, 2004--Sometimes cruise and travel agencies will promote a specific cruise line because they make greater commissions; therefore, for the consumer, it does help to know what cruise line one wants to sail on before purchasing the ticket. Each cruise line offers a little different variety; however, if one is looking for the best cruise deal, follow the suggestions outlined and the consumer can save some big dollars.
Cruise fares vary from agency to agency. The fares also vary depending when one plans on cruising. For example, the peak season fares, summers, are much higher than off-season, spring and fall. The cruise lines differ in fares too. And of course, the planned route, accommodations aboard ship, all have an impact on the cruise fare.
Type of Cruise...It's become very popular to include a land tour with a cruise. For example, departing out of Seattle on an Alaskan Cruise, the ship will cruise up the Inside Passage following the Gold Rush Voyage. Passengers depart the vessel for a land tour to Anchorage and Denali National Park. This type of cruise is more expensive than the traditional cruises and the ports of call will vary on the Alaska coast. Check out www.cruisewest.com to get some great insights into this type of cruising.
If one prefers the more traditional route of cruising there's the choice of: Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Celebrity Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Lines, for the most part, will yield a better savings for the best cruise deal. However, it's still important to check the other cruise lines too, they sometimes offer specials.
Places to Shop For The Best Cruise Deal... To begin the search, one may want to first visit www.VacationsToGo.com. This is a good place to start and get an overview of what's available; cruising dates, departure ports, ports of call, types of ships and costs. It's a great site to use as a tool for price comparisons. Another reference to check out is www.itakeatrip.com.
Pay a quick visit to one of the big Internet sites, www.Orbitz.com. Orbitz gets their cruises from the largest provider of cruises in North America, National Leisure Group.
We've found wwwBestfares.com a good source too, sometimes offering the best value. It's a membership-based agency; however, one can call the cruise agency that Bestfares uses directly at 1-800-777-0707. Speak with anyone there, or ask for Edwin at extension 82285. He'll provide everything needed, costs, etc., and at NO Pressure.
Check the local Sunday Newspaper too, the Travel Section. Often there are hidden bargains offered by local agencies. If one resides in a small town, get the nearest major city Sunday Newspaper.
Uncover The Hidden Costs...Don't be mis-lead with advertised specials such as โ€œCheap Alaska Cruises, $599!โ€ Often these advertisements are for off-season cruising, spring and fall. And they probably do not include the Port Fees and Taxes. Port Fees and Taxes can run into a couple hundred dollars for each passenger. Just be aware.
The costs of cabins vary too. An inside cabin, without a window is by far the cheapest. When we cruise, we only use the cabin to change and sleep; therefore, it doesn't make sense for us to pay more money for a window if we aren't going to use it. If we want to see a view, we go to the upper deck; however, if one plans on staying in the cabin, then consider getting a window.
Cabin rates are typically based on a 2-person occupancy. In other words, the first 2-people in a cabin will pay the full-fare, additional people will pay 1/2 the fare. If the Cruise Deal is $750 then 2-people will pay that fare or $1500. If there's 2-additional-people to the cabin, they will pay $375 each or $750 for the both. The total fare equals $2250 for 4-people in one cabin. Now, don't forget to add the Port Fees and Taxes per person. If the Port Fee is $200 per person and Taxes are $50 per person then the total Cruise Deal for 4-people equals $3250. Make sure quotes include port fees and taxes.
Typically, the first 2-people in a cabin will pay the same rate. (In our example above each person pays $750 or $1500 for both). Beware, agencies or even group tours will charge the 3rd and 4th-person the same $750 fare. Be sure to ask about this.
The 3rd and 4th-persons usually receive a great discount just like our above example. Be sure to ask and don't be afraid to ask for a discount for the 2nd-person in the cabin too. It pays to ask.
Cruise Insurance...When the cruise is booked one is asked if they want cruise insurance. The insurance policy will typically insure incase one defaults on the cruise. In other words, if for some reason one cannot go on the cruise, the money is refunded. How much does it cost and how much money is refunded? That depends on the policy. We suggest that you DO NOT take a policy from the cruise agency. Get the policy from an Insurance Agency, not a Cruise Agency. Check out www.tripinsurancestore.com, one can get a comparative quote.
We recommend that everyone take a look at some travel insurance, especially for a cruise. Get a policy that covers all aspects of your trip, including medical. Check them out; it's worth the time. In fact, check out cruise insurance before the cruise is booked.
Last Minute Cruise Dealsโ€ฆWe've found agencies that specialize in last minute cruises have nothing more to add than the other cruise agencies. Cruises are based on supply and demand. If a ship has many vacant cabins the rates go down, sometimes one can find advertised deals, โ€œPurchase One Ticket and get the 2nd for Halfโ€ or sometimes even for FREE. This advertisement can run up to departure time.
On the other hand, sometimes ships get booked well in advance. If it's a popular cruise it's best to book ahead to get the best cruise deal. If one books at the last minute, and there's still room, one will pay the market rate.
Group Travel...Traveling as a group may yield some good bargains, especially for the group leader, therefore, if one likes group travel consider becoming a group leader. Check with some of the local travel agencies and see if they know of any available cruise groups. Check out the Group Tour Specialist, Alan Schiller. 425-775-1595, 1-800-622-3342. He's put together some fabulous group specials to Alaska and beyond. Get on their mailing list and get the continual updates.
If one wants to really expand on getting the best cruise deal, start a group cruise. All one needs is to get some friends together for a cruise, become the designated group leader, and Cruise for FREE. The group leader will typically have to fill 8-cabins or 16-people before the cruise is for free.
Where can one get a group? This is where creativity comes in. Check out the local Senior Center and find out the level of interest. They may even have a group tour already that one can join. Check out the on-line travel forums too. All of this does require a little effort; after-all, getting a FREE Cruise does require some effort.
In Summary...It pays to shop around to get the Best Cruise Deal. Unfortunately there's no one single source that offers the absolute Best Deal. If one checks out the agencies we listed above, money and time can be saved. Also note, several agencies use the same source. For example, Sterling, cheapest last minute airfares, Cruises, Cruise Rewards, Ideas 4 Travel are all the same company, National Leisure Group. And they market through a host of other agencies, like Orbitz. Therefore, as one shops they'll find the same website format with a different name.
For further information and How to Find Cheap Airfares and Hotels visit www.Travel-to-Oregon-Tips.com
Craig Dahl - Editor
www.Travel-to-Oregon-Tips.com
206-271-3213
