Best Way to Get Discounted Cruises

If you’re interested in possibly taking a cruise, but want to get the best cruise for your money, at a discounted price, you could try being a cruise travel professional. This would most likely get you a free cruise, based on your commission, however, that’s probably not how you wanted to get a discounted cruise, so here’s some other suggestions.

I, personally, always check a website called VacationstoGo . This is the best place to find cruises that are priced at a minimum, and it’s easier to view their website, then it is to check each individual cruise line for the savings. Even if you find the lower price there, and prefer to book through the cruise line, you can get an idea of what it would cost.

Choose to go on your cruise during off-season. If you go during peak season, then you’ll pay more. Avoid June or July, no matter where you plan on cruising, because these are the months that have the more expensive rates. For the Caribbean, or departing out of Florida, September – January appear to be the non-peak months.

Be careful when cruise lines advertise that the children sail for free, or at discounted rates, because more than likely, they’ve raised the rate of the adult, to compensate for the difference in price.

Shop for your cruise during wave season. This is usually in the months of September, and January.

If you can leave quickly or with not much notice, you can grab a discounted cruise by booking one about 30 days before the ship departs. You might not get the exact room you want, but it’s much less expensive. This is the time when cruise lines give current passengers upgrades, and then sell their original rooms at a discounted price to fill the ship.

Make sure when you call to book your cruise, that you ask about special discounts, such as 55+, military, job related discount, residence discount, or past guest. These are discounts that most cruise lines offer, and if you don’t ask about them, the travel professional, isn’t just going to offer them to you.

Getting an inside cabin will also save you lots of money, however, I, personally, would not recommend an inside cabin. It’s like walking into a walk-in closet, in the dark.

Oceanview staterooms are much less than a balcony , and are suitable for 3 – 4 day cruises, but for 5+ days, you might want to get a balcony. But if you’re trying to get a discounted cruise, most of those offers are given for the shorter cruises, and for inside or oceanview staterooms.

Whichever you decide is best for you, bon voyage.

Photo Credit: mine (Debbie G. – lovelights)