How to get a good deal on a cruise
When it comes to going on a cruise, a lot of the pleasure is derived from knowing you got a good deal. Moneywise TV shows you how to hit the high seas on a budget.
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There is a competitive culture among cruise passengers of comparing deals. And there's nothing worse than hearing somebody else got the same cruise as you for less.
Follow these tips to make sure you don't pay over the odds for your experience.
Firstly, it's crucial to know exactly what you're looking for. If you're a cruise novice talk to friends who have been before and ask for advice.
Think about where you want to go, the kind of atmosphere you'll prefer – are you happy sharing a ship with families for example – and the type of cabin you will feel comfortable in.
Cabins range from inside cabins, which have no windows, to a suite. The level and location of your cabin make a difference too.
It's essential to do as much research as you can in advance, the internet is great for information, but the best deals are negotiated over the phone.
Once you've worked out dates, places and the cabin type you want, ring around a number of cruise companies and ask them for their best price.
Don't always go for the lowest price. Often cruise companies will offer you added extras or onboard credit to make their package more attractive.
Onboard credit is usually given in dollars and can be used in the bars or restaurants on the ship, or to buy anything else not included in the cover price.
Cruise schedules are released well over a year in advance. So if you're particular about what you want it's best to book early.
If you're more flexible, amazing deals can be found at the last minute, but you might be disappointed by what's on offer.
Don't accept the cost of a package at face value. If you're looking for a cruise and flight combined, ask for the price of the cruise alone then see if you can find a flight yourself for less.
Once you've been on one cruise, chances are you'll want to go again. Be sure to sign up to as many cruise company alerts as you can so you're first to hear about any offers.
A cruise is like going to a holiday camp, except one is at sea. I prefer holiday camps, as there is nobody trying to be something they are not! A .lot of posers seem to go cruising.
Matthew
Agree with most things he said,but having worked on ships for 43years,things have changed.Once only the idole rich could afford to cruise,but now you can pick up a 14day cruise for less than £1000per person.The best value for money cruise is a repositioning cruise i.e.at the end of Mediteranean season,the ships go back for USA/Caribean season and these are cheap.
Cruises for UK market are generally more expensive than USA market,but you get what you pay for i.e.USA ships pay too much for drinks and extras,whereas uk ships get duty free drinks etc.
If you are planning to be ashore or gadding about,who needs a suite 'cos you will only sleep and get dressed in it!Everything else you get is exactly the same.
To keep your on board expensives down,get wine deals,soda cards for soft drinks and do your own thing when in port.DO NOT pay for ships trips,these are ripoffs!Just go ashore and walk away from the quay and you can get the bus to the same place as the cruise coaches are going,only difference is you paid a couple of dollars whereas the cruise px paid $100!!.
Use bucket shops for best deals.I use Cumbria Cruise club in Barrow-in-furness,always had good deals with them.
Happy cruising!
Hello I have tried all these ideas but nobody caters for the lone traveller.years ago I travelled to eygpt but paid large
single supplement.I have tried sharing on a land holiday not very good.patricia carr
How does one get 'wine deals' and 'soda cards' on board? I have never heard of these.
Wine deals and soda deals are always offered on embarkation day only. Most of the larger lines off them (Princess, Celebrity,RCI etc)You pay a set amount at the beginning of the cruise say $10 a day and you can have as many sodas as you like - they put a sticker on your card and you usually get a "cup" - but you don't have too use it!
Wine deals are for people who will take the regular sitting at dinner, say you buy 2 bottles you may get the second at half price - as long as they are ordered and paid for at the same time.
MSC also did a coffee card - they used to charge for coffee after dinner, as this is an Italian based cruise line they drink more coffee than alcohol.
They also had a drinks deal - beer or spirits. So most cruise consultants should be able to tell you about this - if not a good web site iswww.cruisecritic.co.uk
HTH
I agree with Patricia Carr, as a lone traveller I get hit with the dreaded single supplement on almost every holiday. And don't think that the "single holiday specialists" will help you out because for their "services" you end up paying more than the supplements!
I think the biggest rip-off is the tipping that is expected on cruise ships. This can hit your pocket hard at the end of the cruise, and you have no way of knowing that the tips are shared out amongst the staff either!
I agree Matthew. Butlins on sea it is., but I like the fact that your hotel room travels with you and a different place to visit each time in port. Also the cruise trips are a rip off.
your right, i spoke to a steward on my last trip and he said the only tips he receives
are the ones given by grateful cabin occupiers for good service. the tips deducted by the lines go to supplement their wages.therfore always opt out at the pursers office on the first day on board just tell them your not prepared to pay you will tip yourself.
I only go on Thompson ships. Tips all included, very good prices on drinks and cruise. only rip off is the price of trips.
I quite agree regarding the tipping deductions .Always inform the purser that you will make your own arrangements rather than have the automatic deduction .Then you do know that the money goes to the people who have been of help to you .
yes tips are bad but the crew get such poor wages, they need the extras we give
i cruised on the arcadia and i can assure anyone and everyone that it was nothing like butlins.
those of you who prefer Butlins ...... are welcome to it ! ... and have probably never cruised !
I've experienced both, and I know which one I prefer !!