How do you define a cheap cruise? For some, it means spending less than a week's salary for a week at sea. Others define it as less than $100 USD per day, per person. Many are more concerned about the value they receive for each dollar, pound or peso. Definitions vary, but most ask one key question: where do I find cheap cruises? Here are five techniques for finding a good cruise deal. Not every suggestion will work for every traveler or situation. They're presented in no particular order of importance. Choose a few and get busy! Cruising is still one of the best ways to travel, and bargains abound.
Consult a Specialist
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
You might think the suggestion a bit obvious, but we're saying more here than just "consult a travel agent." The help you need comes from a travel agent who specializes in cruising. Not all of them do so.
Find Empty Cabins
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
Travel businesses cannot afford empties. They'll do whatever they can to fill them, even if it means deep discounts. Cruises are no different. Each cruise line has its own Web site, and many of those actually allow you to view a floor plan of the ship and its cabins for a given itinerary.
Search "Last Minute Cruise Deals"
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
This is a quick way to get to every cruise line's deal page. Look for wording along the lines of "last minute" or "hot deals," because more than likely they're trying to fill empty cabins on a deadline.
Find a Repositioning Cruise
Photo Courtesy Rolands Rizenbergs
Have you ever heard of a "repositioning cruise?" It's more than travel trivia. Find out why these so-called "repos" could be a very good travel value.
Find a Freighter Cruise
Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com
Can you do without glitzy entertainment and a midnight buffet? Are you going on a cruise to enjoy the sea air and some exotic ports-of-call? If so, find out more about freighter cruising.
