to
book a cruise?
Looking for a deal? Check these ways to get a discount.
BOOK EARLY
Booking three to six months
in advance will often save you money, and also give the best choice of
cabins. The earlier you book, the bigger the discount.
PAY EARLY
Several cruise lines give an
extra discount if you pay in full six months in advance of
your cruise date, sometimes as much as 15 percent.
BOOK LATE
Last minute bookings can
also result in savings -- no ship wants to leave with empty cabins. The downside is that cabin choice may be limited, or the ship may have
no cabins left at all.
CONSIDER OFF-SEASON
Cruises are usually most
expensive in high season, so if you go earlier or later you can get a cheaper
fare. Examples: Alaska cruises are cheaper in May and September;
Mediterranean cruises in September and October; Caribbean cruises in early
fall. However, check that the weather is
pleasant and the wildlife
is at the stage you want to see.
CONSIDER A REPOSITIONING
CRUISE
Typical repositioning cruises
go between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, or from Alaska in the fall
to Baja for the winter. Repositioning cruises
are sometimes half the cost of the same number of
days when they get to their
destination, but they have more days at sea and fewer ports of call.
DO A NEW ITINERARY OR
AN INAUGURAL CRUISE
These cruises often have
special introductory rates. However, if you take an inaugural cruise on
a new ship, don't expect everything to be perfect. Some problems are inevitable
as the kinks are worked out.
PUT TOGETHER A GROUP
Groups that travel together
save together. If you put together a group from your church or club or
school or even a family reunion, you can get a group fare or sometimes a free extra ticket.
BE FLEXIBLE – TAKE A
‘GUARANTEE’
If the ship is sold out
of the cabin category that you want, you can reserve your booking and the
cruise line gives you a guarantee to provide a cabin in that category or
one higher, but you don't know where the cabin will be.
Shirley Linde's Cruise Letter
Editor
Shirley Linde writes of cruise news and special offers
of ships all
over the world
HUGE SAVINGS ON MOST CRUISES NOW –
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
Here are just a few of the typical deals:
Greece -- Save
up to $1,500 per cabin and get two free nights at an Athens hotel on Greek cruises on small ship to lesser-known
islands. Windstar --
Savings of up to 50% on select 7-day European cruises
next spring with rates starting at $1,799 per person double occupancy.
Silversea --
Discounts for sailings next year aboard
Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Prince Albert II.
Fantasy Cruises --
Book 6 passengers for Alaska and get 2 free.
International Expeditions -- $1,000 discount on 10-day Amazon trip.
Dive Bahamas & Caribbean --
Book 4 friends, get your berth free. Click to continue cruise news & discounts
. . .
Want to sail in
a gulet?
We work with the
World Gulet Association in
Croatia, Turkey and Greece. You can book as an individual or a
group up to 30.
Medical information
links Medical videos
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