The ABC's of Cruising (Part
Two)
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In the first article, I discussed
some initial concerns, primarily where and when to go, and the merits of an
inside or outside cabin as well as its location on the ship you've decided to
book.
Next up is where to buy the cruise.
First,
I suggest that you subscribe to discount cruise
outlets. They will send you "specials" as they come along, and sooner or
later, the cruise you are most interested in, will have some kind of
promotion.
And...if the price seems
right...book it...but make sure the cruise
agency offers a "lowest price
guarantee".
"A lowest price guarantee" makes
sure that IF you find a lower price anywhere prior to your making final
payment, they guarantee to REDUCE your price to that amount.
Many outlets will tell you about
this, but in reality, YOU must bring it to their attention in order to obtain
the reduction in fare. As a result, if this option is applicable, KEEP A SHARP
EYE ON THE PRICE every few days.
This "best price
guarantee" is usually good for up to 90 days prior to
the sailing...as mentioned earlier...the date of
final payment.
As a result, DON'T PAY THE BALANCE UNTIL THE FINAL DAY IT IS
DUE.
If you do, the "best price
guarantee" normally will NOT
apply.
...and if you see a better price
elsewhere, you can always cancel the original reservation (normally without
penalty, and rebook it with the less expensive outlet. Make sure you cover that
fully before you book the cruise.
90 days is
critical...and that will be covered a bit later in this
article.
Here are some of the best internet
outlets I've experienced over the years.
For a starting point, I suggest you
subscribe to "Vacations To
Go".
Though I have never purchased
anything from this site, it's always been a useful barometer as to the true cost
of a cruise. They have a "90 day ticker" that offers
terrific bargains on cruises sailing within 90 days of the present date. It's a
benchmark to use when searching out other avenues, and checking it OFTEN, will reap its rewards.
Why is 90 days
prior to a cruise a critical day in getting a bargain
?
...for a couple
of reasons.
First, it
is normally the "last date" for full payment of the balance, and many who
originally booked and must cancel, do so on that day, or lose their entire
deposit; and
Second,
because cruise outlets usually have to return any unsold cabins remaining in
their inventory to the cruise company ...rather than do that, you will see last
minute bargains.
...and "bargains" can come in different
ways; either a fare reduction, or in the case of those cruise
companies who do not permit discounting, will give you a little something extra
to make up for the inability to discount.
Some might offer you "prepaid gratuities", others will give you a "shipboard credit" on any purchases made on the ship; and
still others, might discount shore excursions or
provide you "specialty dinners" in an exclusive
restaurant on board.
So...the best
bargains are within 90-100 days of the actual sailing. You may not get
the cabin of your choice, but the cost will more than make up for it
!
...and if none of the cabins "fit
your bill", remember...you're retired and there will always be other bargains in
the future.
These are just a few of the discount
cruise outlets I have used over the years...
Best Price
Cruises
CruCon Cruise
Outlet
Cruises-
N-More
Cruises
Only
Then...after you have your best
price, use this site "to keep them
honest".
Cruise
Compete
Cruise Compete allows you to state
your preferences, and send it back to them. Within a short time, you will
receive offers from various discount cruise outlets "giving it their best shot"
to earn your business.
In addition to these, if you are a former airline employee or retired military, there are discount agencies offering even
greater discounts, often for specific cruises.
Here's yet another
benefit....
No matter where you purchase your
cruise...
... if you
choose to cruise on any Carnival Corporation owned cruise line (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa), and you
own just 100 shares of Carnival Corporation common
stock, you will also receive a special
"shipboard credit" for being a stockholder.
That special
ADDITIONAL shipboard credit will be between $50 and $250
depending on the length of the cruise purchased.
So...this Part
Two will hopefully give you an idea or two as to who to buy from and
when.
If you can suggest any other
discount sites, send us an email at:
We'll be glad to pass those on to
our readers as well
In our Part
Three, we'll cover transportation and shore excursions...and how to get the best "bang for your
buck" in those areas.
Dick
Arendt
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