Book A Cruise For Less

Saturday, 22 August 2009

So you’ve always wanted to take a dream cruise vacation. Maybe it’s one of those things that wound up on the back burner
but you’ve started to believe that you just won’t be able to save up the money to take yourself and the spouse
or the whole family
on such a trip. Think again.

The cruise industry is growing faster than ever
and with this huge expansion comes more opportunities to save money on special cruise deals. With more vacationers taking to the seas cruise lines are growing larger and can afford to offer special discounts to customers to get more people hooked on this luxury style of vacationing. Those looking for a cruise vacation can make a few smart decisions and save themselves a lot of cash without much sacrifice.

The first step is to look into theme packages. Many cruises offer special discounts for certain lifestyles or age groups. There may be a family discount
a golden years discount
or a honeymoon discount available. Depending on what type of cruise you want and who’s going with you
this can be a huge money-saver if you’re willing to accept what is offered in the packaged deal.

When it comes time to book your cruise
believe it or not
don’t be too hasty. Many cruise lines receive unexpected cancellations at the last minute
and are eager to fill the empty slots. A would-be vacationer can often get extremely good deals if their schedule allows them to wait until the last minute to book. Call a cruise line days before a ship sets sail
and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you hear regarding discount rates for last-minute trips.

If you find a cruise line that you like
consider booking any future cruise vacations with the same line. Many cruise lines give discounts to repeat customers and you will probably receive a good percentage off your rate if you book a cruise at the same time each year with the same company. Talk to a travel agent who specializes in cruises. Often these agents can get you deals as well
especially with cruise lines they book often. By booking through an experienced travel agent you may earn the instant right to be a preferred customer.

Finally
do your research! There are many sites online for discount cruise fares
just as there are for airfares and other types of travel. Some websites specialize in locating cheap cruises for those who wish to vacation on a budget. Make use of a search engine
and don’t get discouraged… your cheap cruise is out there somewhere. The trick is using resources and a little brain work to find it.

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