Tidbits For First-Time Cruisers

As airline prices go up and cruise prices seem to be becoming more and more reasonable, there is expected to be another increase in the number of first-time cruisers.

When it comes to saving money, the best strategy is to book early or book at the last minute. The best deals happen when you book well in advance, also resulting in the best accommodations aboard ship, but if you really want the ultimate best deal, settle for a smaller cabin and book at the very last minute. Cruise companies cannot stand to leave port with empty berths and the deepest discounts can be had when booking less than a week in advance of the cruise. In conjunction with low cruise fares, last minute airline deals to ports of call can also be extremely cheap.

That said, it is highly recommended that you enlist the help of a cruise specialist. Travel agents do not cost you; they are paid by the cruise company, and when it comes to knowing some of the finer details, like what the different cabin categories are and which cabins are closest to the noisiest parts of the ship and how to request a special diet or how to reserve seating for the dining room, a specialist will know all of these answers and guide you in the right direction. Travel agents will also be the most savvy when it comes to booking your trip from beginning to end. They will know every single deal being offered and can often give you a choice of more than one option. Experienced agents are often even rewarded by the cruise lines with access to special discounts that other, less experienced agents might not have. So, explore your options and if you decide to take this on yourself, at least talk to some people that have been on a cruise before or seek out blogs online for the various cruise lines and cruises that you are considering. Bloggers tend to be very honest and forthright and most would love to help a novice cruiser navigate through their first adventure.

You also might consider driving rather than flying to the port. Being cognizant of the high cost of airfare and the state of the economy, many cruise lines have repositioned ships that are within driving distance of most regions of the U.S. Investigate all the ports that may be available to you and compare the costs of driving as opposed to flying. It might also benefit you to check with rental car agencies. Some of the bigger ones also have package deals with cruise lines and you won’t have to pay for long-term parking or worry about your vehicle while out cruising the seas.

One other cruise strategy that is on the rise is ‘group cruising’. Most cruise lines will offer a volume discount. For some, the discount may occur at ten, while others may happen at 15. Call the various cruise lines to find out what their policies are, and then get together with friends, family or extended family to plan a cruise together. You can plan well in advance, know ahead of time what each person will have to spend and go cruising with a group of people that you are guaranteed to love being shipmates with. Even family groups are on the rise when it comes to taking a cruise and many of the cruise lines will discount the children if staying in the same cabin with their parents. Many cruise lines also offer kid-friendly activities and sitting services so that parents can have some quality ‘me’ or ‘us’ time. Other freebies might also be available, such as a private cocktail party for large groups or other onboard amenities pertinent to the people in your group. Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid to negotiate. You may have to contact the cruise line directly, but the benefits will most assuredly be worth the little bit of extra trouble. In fact, if you have someone who seems to be particularly good at organizing activities, offer to take him or her along for free, in exchange for doing all the phone and foot work prior to departure and continuing to insure smooth sailing during the trip. One point of contact for the group can accomplish wonderful things.

And beware of the additional charges. Don’t be afraid to have this spelled out up front. Most cruise lines will tell you that the price is ‘all-inclusive’ but plan to bring extra cash or have money in your account for extras that will be presented for your cruising enjoyment. For example, most cruise lines will charge additional for alcoholic beverages served at dinner or around the pool. Even specialty restaurants onboard ships can charge a surcharge of $10-$25 per person. Photographers may roam through the ship snapping photos, but there will be a cost associated with obtaining them. Some ships are more like floating malls than cruise ships, so be aware of the shopping opportunities onboard and decide ahead of time if your budget will allow your shopping onboard. Also remember that towards the end of the cruise, most onboard shops will have a sale.

And finally, be aware that one of the largest additional expenses is for shore excursions. Ask ahead of time which of these excursions cost and what that cost is. A bus excursion may cost as little as $25 per person, but a helicopter ride could cost $300 each. Ask if it is possible for your party to explore ports on their own rather than taking an excursion. Some tours are well worth the price while others will be time-consuming and definitely not worth it. Again, you can rely on bloggers here, or a well-versed travel agent. The best agent will share all of these little-known tidbits with you, hoping that you will use his or her services for your next planned vacation. It is not in their best interest to keep things from you. After all, you are most likely going to tell your friends and neighbors if this was a positive or a negative experience and why. The agent certainly doesn’t want to be on the negative side of your comments.

So, you are forewarned and forearmed. Go forth and cruise!

Along with traveling, Joseph enjoys working in his flower and vegetable gardens. Garden Harvest Supply is one of his favorite gardening web sites for buying strawberry plants. They also offer asparagus crowns for sale.

Author: Joseph Stutzman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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