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Budget Cruise Tips

Cruising is growing around the world and the current economic climate provides one of the best opportunities ever to find a budget cruise. Cruise lines are identifying gaps in the market and making changes to attract more people to the cruise holiday experience. Cruise ships are being designed to provide more inclusive entertainment and activities that are on par if not better than some major holiday destinations. The larger mega-ships are taking resort style holidays onto the seas. The growing number of cruise ships means more competition and fortunately for us lower prices. Even some of the more luxurious cruise lines are feeling the pinch of the economy, so you can even find a budget cruise on board some of the world’s luxurious liners.

There are heaps of deals around you just have to look and ask for them. If you are after a budget cruise deal you really need to do your homework. Once you know the sort of experience you are looking for and the amount you are willing to spend, it’s time to shop around for deals. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a good price, cruise operators need to fill cabins so there is a bargain to be found.

When looking for a travel agent to deal with, definitely find one that specializes in cruises. Cruise specialist companies are popping up everywhere and they know the cruise market well. Some of the larger companies definitely have more buying power. I highly recommend joining their mailing lists so you can receive up to date cruise deals and special offers. Set up a free email account that solely deals with cruise information and check it regularly. There’s nothing worse than realizing you missed an email with a great cruise bargain because it was lost in all your other incoming mail.

One of the key things to finding a budget cruise is to either book early or book late. Some of the perks when you book early include: early bird discounts, free cabin upgrades, onboard ship credit and a better selection of cabins. If you are wanting to travel in peak season, have your heart set on a particular itinerary or are wanting a cabin with a balcony, then it pays to book at least 6 months ahead. If you know ahead of time when you want to travel, take advantage of early bird cruises.

Booking late also has its advantages. If you have flexibility in travel dates you can often pick up a bargain cruise two to three weeks prior to sailing. Often travel brokers pre-book cabins and stand to lose money if they don’t sell, so they have to sell them at ridiculous prices to get their money back. There are also last minute cancellations which provide cabin openings closer to sailing date which is the perfect opportunity to find a great cruise price.

If you are after a budget cruise the best time to sail is during off-peak and shoulder seasons. Ships are not filled to capacity, so prices are reduced to entice more customers. If you don’t mind the weather uncertainty during these seasons then this will be a sensational cruise deal. Be on the lookout for repositioning cruises. During off-peak seasons, cruises relocate to warmer climates. These cruises generally have more sea days than port days and are usually of longer duration. Generally you have to book early but last minute repositioning cruises are possible to find.

So before you go on your first cruise take the time to decide what sort of holiday experience you would like and when you want to travel. There are some amazing budget cruises to be found out there. You just won’t want to miss out on.

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