Common Sense Can Save you Bucks

Using Common Sense

Getting the Best Deal on a Cruise

Thinking about going on a cruise? 

I know many people who have enjoyed this type of vacation, but I'm amazed how so many people I've spoken to have said, "I got a great deal", when in fact....they didn't get one at all.

Just how do you get the "best deal"?

Simple...use some common sense AND do a little homework before you book one.

Right off the bat...you SHOP AROUND and become familiar with the market. 

A cruise is a cruise, no matter where you buy it.  

Here are some common beliefs.....

"Booking directly through the cruise line is best". 

Definitely....BUNK.

"My travel agent gets me the best deal". 

Often....BUNK.

"Booking early gets you the best price". 

Really...BUNK.

Let's clarify those statements.

I started cruising about 30 years ago and at last count, I've been on over 50 cruises.  Only two of them...the first two, did I book through a travel agent.

Then I became familiar with the internet...and got the shock of my "cruising" life....

...and since that time, I've used the internet ever since...and have never regretted that choice.

The moral of that story....don't be afraid of the internet.

Booking directly through the cruise line "early" normally gets you a "brochure rate" that is well above what you may be paying at a later date. 

The only advantage in booking early is choice of cabin location and a specific dining time.

Many cruise lines will offer "past passenger specials"...they'll show you the "brochure" price, but "because you're such a valued customer"...and of course, if "you act NOW", they'll give you the deal of a lifetime".

BUNK.

So...my first suggestion is determining where you want to go...and when.

Are you looking for that "once in a lifetime" cruise...

....or...

....are you just looking to "get away" for a while?

Many seniors fall into the second category.  They no longer work, and are available to go whenever the right time and PRICE appears.

...and if you're in that "I just want to get away " category, I'm going to explain just how to get that "best deal."

So....considering where you live, it's not that far to Los Angeles or San Diego, nor is it all that far to San Francisco either...

And...if it's a "get away" trip, check out a cruise that departs from one of these ports and...

..don't fly...drive to the port.

Think about this for a moment.  From Las Vegas to any of the above cities, the round trip airfare is at best...once you add on all the extras, a minimum of $250 p/person. 

So..before you even get to the port, if there are two of you, you've "kissed off"  $500.

If you MUST fly...
.

DON'T BUY THE AIRFARE from the travel agent or cruise line.

The only advantage if you do, is that they guarantee the ship won't leave without you.

...and we haven't even discussed the "fun" of flying !

...weight restrictions on luggage and having to place the "explosive" toothpaste and mouthwash in plastic baggies...

...getting there 2 hours early, waiting in line, being frisked, and waiting and waiting and waiting...to take off ....

...only to get there and wait again for the luggage...

...and pay for a cab or shuttle to the port.

That "quickie" flight, when all is considered, will take about 5-6 hours.

Here's an alternative. 

DRIVE...but don't drive your own car.

Rent a one-way drop.  

Pick up the car at about 3:30pm in the afternoon the day before you leave, go home, get a good night's sleep, and then instead of going to the airport for that "early" flight...leave home about 6:00am-7:00am getting to San Diego or Los Angeles in about 4-5 hours...

...about the same time as the plane would have taken to arrive.

Cost of a one way "drop" is about $50-$75 each way (if you start to search early, as prices change daily on car rentals) plus about $50 in gas for a total of about $125.  Round trip is about $200-$250...for both of you.

You drop the car near the pier and the car rental agency either shuttles you to the port---FREE of charge...or you cab it for a few bucks.

Other than saving you about 50%....

.... you pack whatever you wish....

... put it in the trunk...

...and casually see the sights on the way, stopping...when you have to stop...and eating what you want to eat and where you want to eat.

Same (or probably less) amount of time than flying...but with FREEDOM !

When is the best time to get the best deal?  

Usually about 90 days prior to the sailing.  

Why?  Most travel agencies have to turn in their unsold inventories about that time, and it's the last date for payment to avoid a cancellation fee.

Again...common sense...

...the cruise companies no longer have to honor any "lowest price guarantee" because the final date of payment has passed, and the travel agencies will have to return their unsold inventories back to the cruise company.

So what happens ?  

The real deals begin !   

Price reductions, on board ship credits, prepaid gratuities, specialty dinners on the ship often come in bunches....to fill up the ship before departure !

So...there you have it....little common sense thoughts travel agents will never mention that can save you big bucks...and...avoid some of the more common hassles in your cruising experience.

Dick Arendt