It’s a global
recession right? Correct, therefore it’s a buyers’ market out there. There are
thousands of cruise deals
to be had, and believe me; you can pick up an absolute bargain if you plan ahead.
Traveling and holiday making is a luxury at the moment, and luxuries are one of
the first expenditures to go during a recession. Here are 8 tips to help your
travel budget:
Top Tip #1
Book during “wave
season”, wave season is the term used to describe the big sale within the
cruise industry. January through to March is the best time to book a cruise. During
wave season, you are sure to benefit from considerable discounts, coupons,
on-board credits, cabin-upgrades all manner of discounts and add-ons! Cruise
liners are all about capacity, they need to fill the decks and get backsides on
seats to make the sailing worth their while.
Top Tip #2
Patience is the key, but don’t expect to
be embarking on your dream holiday, if you do manage it – bonus. Cruises are
popular, and there is certainly higher demand for the more prevalent
destinations, especially during peak seasons.
Top Tip #3
Where there is demand, herein lays the
competition, which leads to competitive pricing strategies. If you are thinking
about heading out to somewhere, say the Caribbean for example, then the ideal
situation would be to book early - at least 6 months prior to the cruise is
usually a good time to start. Just a side note, Caribbean cruises are subject
to some of the best deals around – a tip for a hint. You will of course need to
consider any additional air or travel costs which might burden the equation.
Top Tip #4
When thinking
about a cruise excursion, the chances are that you will be required to travel
to a particular port. Cruises leave from various destinations all across the
world; therefore cruise liners often offer “all-inclusive packages”. The
all-inclusive packages offer cruisers flights and accommodation all within the
one package, but this is not always the best option.
I would highly
recommend seeking out your own flights and accommodation, often you will be
able to find cheaper deals on flights and negotiate costs in other areas. There
are added benefits of booking your own flights too, why not stop off in a city
that you have always wanted to visit. Tailor your holiday to your heart’s
content.
Top Tip #5
This point is
more to do with on-board savings; often it is far cheaper to pre-purchase spa
days, massages, dinner and other on-board activities. If you have done your
research you will have a fair idea of the on-board goings-on and amenities.
With a little planning you may be able to save up to 25% on costs.
Top Tip #6
Specialist cruise agents, such as
cheapcruise.com are a great way to find that bargain cruise. Agents tend to
benefit from preferential treatment, and they are always on the lookout for
better deals for the customer. Better prices lead to higher volume, and
remember that’s the main priority of the cruise liners – to create a captive
audience. Booking through a specialist agency often leads to 10 – 20% discounts
on original fairs, well worth a look. Especially if you require a little more
planning with your holidays.
Top Tip 7
Booking whilst at
sea is another option for you - as ever it’s all about repeat business and
capacity. Therefore, often you will have the option of booking your next cruise
before you even step off of the one you are on! Why not take advantage of
on-board early booking credits. To be honest, some of the best deals available
are the ones when you are on-board.
Top Tip #8
If you are a
seasoned professional cruiser, like me, you are probably aware of the cost
saving measures that I have pointed out. In that case, sorry for the
regurgitation, but here is something that, hopefully, will be new to you. No
doubt you will have a preferred cruise line; therefore it would be a good idea
to think about purchasing shares within the company! Oh yes, why not benefit
from the shareholders discount! The discounts vary from cruise line to cruise line;
so you would really need to contact them directly to find out what options are
available. There are great bargains to be had, and they tend not to be
seasonal, which is an added benefit.
I can’t foresee
the cruise industry falling apart within the near future, so your shares should
be safe. I am a beneficiary of shares myself, and I am also a beneficiary of
the discounts that are on offer.
The author of
this article, James King, is a cruise enthusiast and cruise critic click here
for cheap cruises.
Nice Blog..Thanks for sharing the such a useful tips.
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