Where can a get a good deal on a cruise??

Question

Im trying to plan a cruise for september and I don't know much about cruises. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

OK, this will be long but will help answer all of your questions about finding a cruise.

If you have the money to spend for the very top and best cruise lines try Crystal, Radisson, Cunard, Windstar, and Silver Sea. These cruise lines are a cut above the others because they run smaller ships (about 500 to 700 passengers) and have a higher staff to passenger ratio so you get top of the line service. They also have more amenities included in the much higher price, like all veranda/balcony cabins, tubs and shower bathroom, larger cabins, daily wine and/or champaign with meals, etc. These ships generally go to a port or two on a seven day cruise which may be different from the normal. Prices for a 7 day cruise on these top of the line ships may start at $2500 to $3000 (vs about $1200 on the next tier of ships.). These ships tend to have a more sophisticated and older crowd and more formal dining.

Most cruises are done by the next tier of cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney. Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are big but things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days.

The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second rule is go with the same cruise line multiple times because they do offer repeat customer discounts of $50 to $100 per person in a cabin. The third rule is shop around for specials. Some lines will offer specials on a date that does not usually sell out, like Christmas or Thanksgiving week. So don't lock yourself in to one particular week of the year; be flexible. Sometimes cruises vary by hundreds of dollars for different departure dates.


If you have not cruised before and don't know the ropes it may be beneficial for you to use an agent; the agent does not charge a fee but is paid by the cruise line. But, also, do some home work on cruise line, itineraries, and ships. Use the cruise line web sites to look at what's being offered. Try to have in mind some of what you want to do when you talk to an agent. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can do your own booking online, the price is the same and you can do everything you need right on the web sites. The sites usually have cruises listed for this year and next. I booked my last two cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours. The format and service on all of these is about the same.


Carnival is the fun ship, has low priced cruises, but their accommodations are not the best. Carnival is the party cruise line that most young folks and first time cruisers take (ages 20 to 35) who want to party, party, party. If that’s what you are looking for then Carnival is the one for you.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the 40 and over age group; a more reserved crowd. All of these cruise lines may also have some kids but not many. However, on these lines there are activities just for kids of different ages and staff persons assigned to supervise them most of the day.

Sometimes people get confused by the categories on ship that agents or the web sites refer to. Categories are simply a listing of the different types of cabins on the ship by size, location and amenities. Categories are the price structure. What you need to know and understand is that the category designations DO NOT mean the same thing on all cruise lines.

If/when you go to a cruise line web site you will see the various cabins listed by type, i.e., SUITE, VERANDA/BALCONY, OUTSIDE, and INSIDE. the category, and generally the square footage of each cabin type. The cheapest cabins, and the ones that you get if you see an advertised price in a flier, magazine , or newspaper, is the inside cabin. The inside, outside and balcony cabins are generally the same size on each ship, but may vary by ship and cruise line. Inside cabins don't have a window or porthole.

The terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom. The standard cabin that most people get (inside/outside/balcony) are generally between 175 and 200 Square feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom (balconies are about 45 to 55 sq ft). Suites and penthouses can be between 350 and 1300 square feet. Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, and a life jacket for each passenger. Some cabins that are built to accommodate 3 or 4 people will have a pull down bed and/or a sofa bed.

I suggest that you go to the web site for the cruise lines and look at the cabin prices, port stops, the features for the ships and select a cruise that will do what you want to do. Then you may want to talk to an agent and see if they can find what you want. Finally, decide whether you want to book your self or have an agent do it for you.

Answer 2

I live in Florida and cruises are the best family value for a vacation and I prefer Carnival, and I got right through them, even after I book the cruise I have had the price lower and been upgraded to a higher deck free on deals and sales.

and Sept is one of the cheapest times to go too
we have one booked on the Glory in Sept this year and have been on several other cruises between Sept and Dec. they are the best priced and the weather is wonderful

Answer 3

I always deal with a PVP at Carnival. He has always gotten me the lowest prices, and best upgrades. He even guarantees the price until the final payment is due. If it goes down, then my price goes down. If a promotion comes up, he gets me the promo. The price from him is always lower than the discount web sites, and travel agents. I have even checked them online while my wife was on the phone with him getting the quote. His price was always lower.

Anybody who tells you that they can get a better deal by going to a middleman has never dealt with the cruise line direct.

Answer 4

If you have any special needs book early, but if not, wait two weeks to a month the date you like to sail to book . The individual above that gave you a long response sounds like agent, and to be honest I felt was right on target---but if you have no special needs OF ANY KIND just wait and contact a agent, search cruise sites on the internet, and enjoy yourself.

WARJO

Answer 5

look at different cruises and pick the ship and sailing date that you prefer....

then go to www.cruisecompete.com and request a quote

you will get a bunch , but the best is usually from Cruises-N-More

Answer 6

Try http://www.bbcarefreetravel.com and go to book travel. They list all different cruise lines and prices. You should be able to find a good price there. Good luck!

Answer 7

A lot of time the last minute bookings are geat. if you are close to a port without having to arrange airfae I would recommend this. Have Fun!!

Answer 8

orbits.com
bjs.com
royalcariban.com
ncl.com
i have to say that orbits has the best prices for any travel. but bjs has more free gifts like 100 gift card for ther store

Answer 9

go see a travel agent they can answer all your questions and if they don't go to another one. if you find one you like, they can help you plan a trip of a life time...best trips are well planed

Answer 10

The Navy!

Sorry, just to good to pass up.

Try Online and compare different packages,