To the first time (or even the experienced) cruise shopper, the sales techniques and marketing tactics used by cruise lines and some web sites can be overwhelming. Below is some helpful advice that will help you see beyond the noise and help you save money when buying a cruise.
75% Off Cruise Line Prices ... Not Really
This claim is deceptive and based off 'brochure' prices. No one ever pays these brochure prices and they are actually rarely even published. This would be similar to taking the inflated hotel rates listed on the back off hotel room doors and saying prices are 50% off the 'door' prices. The reality is that most cruise lines do not allow discounting of their rates. Every agent has access to all of the same pricing. In some cases we will have block group space (or pre-reserved cabins) at special pricing. With the size of our Dream Vacations network we have many sailings with these pre-reserved lower un-published rates.
Lead in Pricing
Most cruise lines advertise prices that start at the lowest category of stateroom which is usually the inside stateroom. Also that lead in pricing is the guaranty rate. This means you will not be able to select your cabin. The cruise line will assign your stateroom from the 'leftover' staterooms closer to your sailing sate. Be sure to compare apples to apples.
Fares for the same cruise can vary dramatically, depending on when you sail. Holidays like Christmas and New Year’s fetch the highest prices by far. These rates can often be double what you would pay in the lower season. The highest rates found around the holidays are closely followed by peak summer rates when families with kids like to cruise and Spring Break.
Cruise Lines Set the Cruise Price
Any agency's pricing will NEVER be higher than booking direct with the cruise line. All the cruise lines rely on travel professionals to be their sales partners to fill thier ships. Often we will have additional offers that are in addition to all the cruise line offers. This could be items such as extra shipboard credit, specialty dining, or pre-paid gratuities.
Book Early
It would make sense that you would find the cheapest fares right before the ship sails. After all, if a room sails empty, the cruise line earns nothing from that cabin. They should want to get you on the ship and at least earn some cruise fare, then hope to earn more on excursions, drinks, and shopping onboard.
If that were how things actually worked, however, the cruise lines would go insane trying to plan. If rates were lowest right before the trip sailed, then every passenger would wait until the last minute. The cruise lines wouldn’t be able to plan their needs for the trip ahead of time or predict revenue, costs, or profits. That’s why Royal Caribbean, for example, mostly eliminated last-minute discounts.
Where you can really get burned by waiting until the last minute is in your room selection.
When you book late, many of the prime rooms have been taken already. So if you had your eye on a certain type of room or location on the ship, it might not be available if booking late.
We recommend always booking early. Booking early locks in the current pricing and for most cruise lines we will monitor for any price reductions and adjust your reservation if the price is lowered.
Two for One Pricing / 70% Off Second Guest
Be aware that the price you see on-line or advertised already has this discount factored in. Often the pricing is still a great value, but it is already factored into any price you see on-line. Many of the luxury lines advertise the two for one pricing. Although the discount might not be as large as anticipated - the luxury lines can be a great value. They have lots of inclusions depending on the line - inclusion examples: gratuities, wine, port transportation, shore excursions, and airfare!!
Sail 'Older' Ships
Over the past decade ships have seemingly transformed from seagoing vessels to floating resorts. From huge waterslides to walking promenades, robot bars, ice rinks, and more, it’s hard to believe what they can put on a new ship these days. If you don’t need these sorts of things on your cruise, then look for an older ship to get a less expensive cruise.
Submitting Your E-Mail Address to See the Cruise Best Price
There are instances in which a web site may claim that they are unable to show you the lowest cruise price unless you give them your e-mail. Generally speaking, there are very, very few cruise fares available that would have this requirement. This tactic aims to get your e-mail address so the web site can start marketing to you. It rarely leads to a great deal that can't be found elsewhere.
So take these all into consideration when shopping around for a good deal. And remember that you want to look a the best value (with an agent that provides outstanding service)... not necessarily the lowest price.
Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime. Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.
We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!
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