Saturday, September 11, 2010

How to save money on cruise rates while traveling

By Diana Perkins

While going for your dream vacation, when it comes to booking a cruise, your expenditures seem to be endless. There are lots of expenses related to booking a cruise that can totally wear out your wallet. Nowadays cruising has become an increasingly popular way of getting away from the humdrum life and seeing something new. Most cruises provide you with food, lodging facilities as well as entertainment. Traveling by a cruise would have been the ideal match for a perfect vacation if it weren’t for the price. Fortunately, as a part of your travel guide, there are some ways in which you can cut the costs on cruise rates while traveling and make your vacation worthwhile. Read on to know about them.

1.Book your cruise early: There is a particular season for booking a cruise while traveling. During this peak season, the costs usually remain sky-high. If you book your cruise before this season actually begins, you will tend to get better rates. The cruise dealers want to ensure that their cruises are partially filled, if not entirely. Thus they offer discounts to those who book their tickets earlier.

2.Don’t get the air inclusive cruise: The air cruise is perhaps the worst deal that you can make. You are subject to higher prices, more than one connection and poor tour schedules. The times of such air fare cruises are seldom convenient. Your cruise will not wait for you if you’re late. Hence it’s best that you choose your own flight, arrive before time and save those extra dollars on premiums.

3.Find a travel agent: There are many travel agents available but you need to find one who specializes in booking your desired cruise line. Usually skilful travel agents can provide you with a better choice in which you can perhaps save more money than you could have thought. These agents will provide you with better discounts and facilities and make that the cruise costs at least lesser than the cruises that are bought from other agents.

4.Book your tickets during the shoulder season: This season refers to the weeks soon before or after the high season in the cruise market. By booking your tickets during this season, you will still enjoy wonderful weather as well as sights and you can also reap the benefits of qualifying for some great discounts.

Cruising can be a fun experience but a little caution and carefulness will prevent you from falling into months of debt. It is better to stay alert so that you don’t spend a lot due to ignorance.

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