Where can I find a really good deal on cruises and air fare?

Question

Should I look online, or go with a travel agent? I want to find an all-inclusive deal, because drinks tend to be expensive otherwise.

Answer 1

I try and tell anyone who will listen, NOT to book on-line, for several reasons. 1) You don't really want to put your credit card number out there in cyberspace; 2) There's nothing on-line that a good travel agent can't book for you - sometimes with better perks, upgrades or better priced; 3) There's no additional charge by using a travel agent; and, 4) If you have some questions, need additional information or something goes wrong, who are you going to talk to? Your computer screen?

Only very high-end or specialty cruises are "all-inclusive" - and even to what extent of exclusivity varies from line to line.

We were on the Celebrity Xpedition in March, doing a Galapagos cruise and everything was included! All drinks, all tips, all shore excursions, (two a day!), even a complimentary 30 minute massage!

However, back to the "real world" of cruising. My wife and I were on the Radiance of the Sea in November, attending Royal Caribbean's "Seminar at Sea" - so I can give you drink prices from only 2-months ago. Most beers were $4.00 to $6.00 depending on the brand. Mixed and speciality drinks ran $6.00 to $10.00. Martinis were $9.00 and up. Wine by the glass was in the $4.50 to $9.00 range. and by the bottle - well, cruise ships are no different than restaurants. A bottle of Berringer White Zinfandel that sells for $4.50 in my local liquor store, was listed at $26.00 on board! Remember, that an automatic 15% tip is added to all these prices.

The first question you need to ask yourself is where and when do you want to cruise?

The choices are constantly growing: the Caribbean has three options:
- Eastern, (generally; San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Nassau - this is my wife's favorite for shopping)
- Western ports (generally; Jamiaca, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel - usually more adventurious shore excursions).
- Southern (generally some combination of: St. Thomas, St. Martin, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, and Curacao - this is my favorite), you'll need to fly to San Juan; then there's Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riveria, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific, Hawaii, South Pacific, the Orient, Europe (too many options to list here), and a growing popularity for European River Cruising and Barging.

The next question is how structured you want your cruise to be. Most ocean cruise lines have "assigned" dining times and various dress codes for dinner (formal nights, casual nights, etc.). Others have "Freestyle" or "Personal Choice" Dining. In other words, they have 6-10 restrauants for you to choose from, and you eat when, where, and with whom you want - and dress as casual as you please.

Your budget does come in to play in both departure city and cabin selection. A quick scale, from least expenseive to most expensive cabin types is: Inside; Oceanview; Balcony; Suite. The best location for least motion is as close to mid-ship as possible - another factor that not too many people realize is that the higher decks have more motion than the lower decks.

As far as what's included and what's not included in your cruise price, here's a little guide:

- Included - Ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals, coffee/tea/juices, most entertainment, and port taxes.

- Not Included - Any item of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, sodas, spa and salon treatments, speciality coffees, shore excursions, gratuties, air transportation, transfers, photographs, medical services, etc.

Some final thoughts; 1) make sure you use a good travel agent; 2) ask your travel agent to price out "Celebrity Cruise Line" for you - absolutely the best (our personal favorite!); and 3) remember that August - October is hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Have fun - planning is a big part of the enjoyment!

.

Answer 2

Find a good travel agent working with a big agency. They have a lot of groups going that they can give you the discount rate plus amenities if they have one going when you want to.
Make sure they aren't impersonal and wont do anything for you; some of them go by the rules. The online websites dont do anything for the people that book thru them., a lot of them wont even give you a phone # to call and you dont know the price until after you give them your credit card.

Ask if they can fit you into a group, which they usually can do. I always give my groups a couple of cocktail parties, drink tickets, etc. You don't have to associate with them or even see them.

There are only 2 cruise lines that are all inclusive but they are very expensive. You couldn't drink enough in a week to make up the difference. Depending on what cruise line you want to go on but the most popular ones like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess & Norweigian, their drinks are expensive. They are more than you will pay in a local beer joint or neighborhood bar, but not as expensive as in hotel bars. Small towns are less but in a big city, good clubs are expensive. Being in the bar business, most people tip $1 a drink. or at least 50-75 cents for a beer. On a cruise its only 15% they add on.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

If you belong to AAA they can save you alot. If not call check cruise lines as they also offer deals. Travel agents can help.

Answer 5

I use vacationstogo.com. Find the cruise you want and tell them you want an all inclusive trip

Answer 6

try this site.

they book everything snd they're cheaper than most of those big name places anyway.

good luck!