Here's How:
- Know the five ways to track down a bargain cruise
The word "bargain" means different things to each traveler. Some look at per diem costs, while others want a total tab that comes in under a certain figure. Whatever your goal, there are techniques that can be used in combination or individually to guide you to the best cruise fares. Learn them and put them to work for you.
- Find a Frugal Travel Agent
This advice doesn't always thrill budget travelers, but there are times when even the most staunchly independent of them will make that phone call. A cruise vacation, unlike your hiking trip through Greece, is largely predetermined by the ship's itinerary. So it might be best to find a specialist who can get you discounts and give you advice. Remember, cruises are among the most popular "freebies" accorded to travel agents. They tend to have extensive personal experience. Warning: beware of an agent who seems to recommend a particular cruise line to the exclusion of other options.
- Get the best airfare possible to-and-from your departure port
There was a time when cruise lines routinely included airfare in their quotes. There were extensive "add on" tables for people who didn't leave from a major hub. But most quotes you'll find on cruise Web sites do not include airfare. It pays for you to find the lowest fares to your departure point. One of the best ways to do that is to consult airline Web sites for the best deals.
- Search out a bargain hotel room near the departure port
Before or after your trip, you might want to explore the port city from which you will depart. Many times, it is just as interesting as the ports you'll visit on the cruise itself. Another thing to consider is that some travelers need time to readjust to solid ground, especially after a trip over turbulent seas. In such cases, scheduling an extra day and finding a bargain hotel room can do wonders for your disposition.
- Carefully consider travel insurance that is not sold by the cruise line
Shop for a policy that covers trip interruption or cancellation from a broker who has no particular interest in your cruise company of choice. Then compare your findings with what the cruise line offers. Many times, the terms and prices are better from an independent source.
- Look into repositioning cruises
Is this a new term in your travel glossary? If so, consider that these so-called repo cruises can be very economical. Twice a year, many lines reposition ships that are in places such as Alaska or Scandinavia during the summer. These ships sail for warmer winter climates, often crossing great distances. Cruise lines like paying customers to help offset the costs of these trips, so they offer excellent per diem rates. Another bonus: ships often stop at ports-of-call rarely seen by tourists.
- Book passage on a freighter
It's not for honeymoons or tight schedules, but some travelers prefer the solitude and itinerary a freighter can provide. It's not as rough as it might sound. Freighters accepting passengers usually have a section of cabins reserved for travelers. But the schedules are designed to meet cargo deliveries, not necessarily vacationers. The result can be long periods at sea and longer layovers in port. The benefits include lower per diem costs and a chance to see some exotic places not found on the luxury itineraries.
