Does It Pay To Plan Ahead Or Should I Wait Until The Last Minute
Its an age-old question does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a wait-and-see approach? If youre booking a cruise vacation, youll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings, as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. Its also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings but only if the itinerary youre interested in hasnt sold out yet.
Ask About Personal Discounts
Cruise lines often have special discounts for veterans or active military members, emergency response personnel, senior citizens, or even residents of particular states. Some lines may also offer student discounts, special rates for teachers, or other discounts.
If you have special circumstances or affiliations, it doesnt hurt to ask about available discounts and you might be able to find a great deal. If you have sailed with the cruise line previously, even if your last cruise was years ago, you may qualify for special past passenger rates as well.
Travel Advisory: On June 4 2019 The Us Government Announced New Travel Restrictions To Cuba Effective Immediately As A Result All Cruise Lines Will No Longer Be Permitted To Sail To The Caribbean Island Of Cuba
Set sail to this picturesque Caribbean island, famed for its striking colonial architecture, magnificent powder-soft beaches, and fascinatingly diverse culture.
With miles upon scenic miles of white sand beaches, beckoning Old World architecture and majestic mountain ranges, Cuba is quickly becoming a popular vacation destination, and one of the best ways to explore this vibrant Caribbean island is with a Cuba cruise.
Very little has changed in Cuba in comparison to neighboring Caribbean islands, due in large part to an economic embargo that has lasted for more than half a century. As a result, passengers disembarking from a Cuba cruise will notice that some of the major cities, such as Havana, appear to be stuck in a time warp: the colonial architecture, though visually stunning, are in need of repair, while antique Fords, Buicks and Pontiacs are easily spotted cruising the streets in clouds of smoke. However, these storied surroundings are what make Cuba such a fascinating place to visit.
The best time to go on a Cuba cruise is from December to March, when the weather is delightful and rain is sparse. From May to October the temperature can reach unbearable levels, but if you can withstand the heat and humidity, try to book your Cuba cruise in July so you can be a part of the effervescent Carnival festival that occurs every year in Santiago de Cuba.
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Choose Your Ship Carefully
Newer, larger ships with fancier features robot bartenders, roller coasters, exclusive restaurants, floating breweries, skydiving simulators, go-karts, snow grottos, escape rooms, etc. often have higher fares because of the popularity of these new and exciting options.
Older or smaller ships with fewer features will typically have cheaper overall fares, but they still offer amazing service, stunning ports of call, and many tried-and-true onboard favorites. Check when ships were most recently renovated and browse through deck plans to see what different ships offer. Comparing ship options with overall prices can help you find the best deal with the features youre most excited about.
Deals On Unsold Cruise Cabins
Unless the situation is dire, you are not going to find crazy promotions such as a weeklong cruise for $70 or a suite listed at inside cabin prices. Cruise lines try to protect their pricing, especially on balcony cabins and suites. They dont want cruisers to expect discounts on the top staterooms or get used to booking last-minute to get the lowest fares.
Therefore, they get a bit sneaky when they want to increase bookings on a ship thats selling slowly. Here are some ways that cruise lines try to fill unsold cruise cabins with deals and discounts:
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Look Closely At Packages
Many cruise lines offer bargain bundles that may include airfare, shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, or other items. These items are often discounted as part of the offer, but if theyre not deals youd be interested in using anyway, then it isnt a good price for you. Do the math carefully to decide if it would be better for you to purchase just what you want or need separately, or if youd rather just skip the deals altogether for even better savings.
Book Early But Not Too Early
Most cruise lines do not offer significant last-minute savings. While there are occasional last-minute deals, especially for weekend cruises, those sailings are often nearly full and there wont be as much choice in cabins. Instead, book your cruise earlier several months in advance for the best pricing as well as the best choice of cabins.
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Similarly, there is no great advantage in booking more than a year in advance, except for very special or limited cruises. Seasonal cruises such as voyages to Alaska or Antarctica, for example, dont operate year-round and they will fill up much more quickly, and maiden voyages of the newest vessels are always sought-after. For the best prices, it is wise to book those cruises a year in advance or even further if possible.
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Cruise Deals For 2021 And Beyond
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The cruise industry was one of travels hardest hit sectors this year, but since the industry first paused operations, it’s been examining new safety and other protocols so it can resume as quickly as possible. Good thing, too: Avid cruisers are so anxious to get back to the high seas, they’ve been booking up 2021 trips. Lately, it seems cruise lines are making even more of an effort to inspire travelers to take future trips, sharing deals and promotions for 2021, 2022, and beyond. Some of these are especially favorable, so if you’re itching to set sail again, or looking for a little travel inspiration, here are some of the best cruise deals currently out there.
American Queen Steamboat Company & Victory Cruise Lines
All-American favorites American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines are offering a Come Home to America promotion, extending guests up to $6,800 in savings on select 2021 sailings booked with the promo code 2021 Come Home, for cruises from the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes and Coastal New England. No passport required.
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Is It Better To Be At The Front Or Back Of The Ship
The highest deck at the front or back of the ship will have more rolling motion than the lower decks mid ship but in normal seas its barely noticeable. For getting around, it doesnt matter youre all over the ship anyway sometimes the front is convenient to your cabin location and sometimes the aft is. And if youre mid ship it might seem more convenient but you will always be walking to the front or aft of the ship at some point and returning. Mid ship feels like youre closer to everything.
Why Cruise To Canada
Rich in maritime history, hockey culture, seafood selections and stunning fall foliage, Canada’s coastal provinces are worth a visit, particularly for travelers who aren’t sure where to begin touring, given the country’s massive size.
The best way to see several Canadian highlights in one trip is on a cruise, where you unpack once, your accommodations travel with you and dinner awaits at the end of a fun day in port.
You’ll typically see a sailing to Canada billed as a Canada/New England cruise, as most voyages include a mix of ports from both regions.
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Im Ready To Start Planning My Cruise How Can I Score The Best Deals
Whether youre looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise lines email list. Once youve signed up, youll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination, kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings dont end when you book your cruise, though. Once youve made a reservation, youll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via Cruise Planner.
Whats The Most Expensive Room Or Cabin On A Ship
Usually what they call the Owners Suite , but its more like an apartment. There are many affordable mini-suites and suites offered, and you need to compare the included amenities. The suites are targetted to people who live in large luxury homes and who expect more space, finer furnishings, and more attentive service. They are limited in number, book very far in advance, and are seldom discounted other than on a no cabin assignment basis.
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Dont Cruise Ships Always Sail Full
To get the deals, you have to understand how cruise lines operate. Cruise lines have incentives to fill as many beds on their cruise ships as their capacity allows. Greater numbers of guests leads to more money spent onboard on drinks and extra-fee dining, spa treatments, the casino, shore excursions, and souvenirs.
Therefore, cruise lines will try as hard they can to fill all possible berths. Many ships sail full or close to it. But some itineraries are harder to fill than others perhaps because its an older ship competing against newer vessel at the same port or a shoulder-season week that isnt popular for travel. These ships wont sail full, unless the cruise line puts in extra effort to attract bookings.
What do cruise lines do with unsold cabins to get them filled? They offer extra-value deals and discounts to select groups of travelers and occasionally the public at large.
A note on what it means to sail full: Cruise ship capacity is usually based on double occupancy, the number of passengers a ship can carry if two people occupy every standard cabin and one person every solo cabin. However, a cruise ships total capacity is greater because of sofa beds, bunk beds, and cribs that can sleep additional guests. The total capacity is limited by ship size and lifeboat capacity.
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What Are Tips To Find Cruise Deals To Canada
Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Canada. If you book a guaranteed cabin , a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Canada. Last minute cruises deals to Canada appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to Canada in the shoulder season can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.
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Know When Cruises Are Cheapest
The same cruise same ship, same destinations can have very different prices at different times of year. In general, cruises tend to be cheapest in fall and late winter . At these times, more people are at work and kids are in school, and there are fewer holidays to take advantage of. Be aware of local and regional holidays, however, which can dramatically impact pricing.
A Caribbean cruise may be cheaper in fall when schools are in session and hurricanes can impact sailings, for example, but a New England and Canada cruise may be most expensive at the same time because fall foliage is peaking. Similarly, cruises in Asia are often more expensive in late January and early February during Chinese New Year when more people are on holiday.
Learn More About Our Cruise Offers
Our cruise offers allow you to experience everything from Michelin-starred dining to Broadway-level performances without having to break the bank. Escape to tropical islands in the Caribbean , explore the rugged wilderness of Alaska, or experience rich culture in Europe and beyond. Sign up for thrilling shore excursions or simply unwind during your time at sea, by relaxing in one of our heavenly spas or taking a dip in the pool while enjoying unbeatable views of the ocean.
Score the cruise deal of a lifetime and book your next vacation on one of our cutting-edge ships, where youll enjoy luxurious accommodations, exotic destinations, and world-class diningall in one trip.
We offer exciting cruise offers and discounts throughout the year, so you can rest easy knowing that youll always find the best cruise rates and specials for your vacation.
Dont forget to explore our year-round cruise offers, including special discounts for suite guests of The Retreat, military members, and more. Learn all about our special offers and perks for members of our cruise rewards program, Captains Club. Plus, sign up for a Celebrity Visa Signature credit card and earn 10,000 MyCruise Reward points, which you can redeem on future vacations or onboard credit.
Stay on top of all of our cruise offers and discounts by signing up for our newsletter, following us on social media, and checking in on our frequently updated cruise offers page.
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Research Your Trip First
What do you want from your cruise vacation, other than the best price? Before you get pulled in by cheap prices, consider what matters most to you for a great getaway. Are you interested in visiting certain ports of call? While there, do you want to spend a full day in port or will just a few hours be enough? Do you want to sail with a specific cruise line? Does your vacation need to be on a special date such as a birthday or anniversary?
The more flexible you can be with your options the better prices you will be able to find, but you dont want to compromise on what matters most for your unforgettable cruise getaway.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol Beer Wine On Board A Cruise Ship
Generally not. Cruise lines prohibit alcohol being brought on board and can confiscate or levy fines. The issue is not only their monopoly on the sale of drinks and duty free bottles but the safety and liability of having excessive alcohol running free on board . Dont try to sneak it or drugs or narcotics on board. The laws are different based on ships registry and port of call its an embarrassing and expensive legal nightmare.
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What Are Popular Ports In Canada
The most popular ports include Halifax, Saint John, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island’s Charlottetown and Sydney. A handful of American ports — such as Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine — are also offered on some Canada itineraries.
Canadian ports along the west coast can also be found on Alaska itineraries, whether it’s Dawson or Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory or Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia. The Canadian Rockies, including Banff National Park, make an excellent pre- or post-Alaska cruise tour on the Rocky Mountaineer train line.
When Do Cruise Lines Discount Unsold Cruise Cabins
You cant predict when an awesome deal will crop up, but you can make a decent guess.
Sales tactics can be implemented at any time before the ship actually sails. We can see them weeks or months prior to the scheduled sailing. It really depends on the cruise line and the occupancy they are trying to achieve, says Mahnken. Of course, the cruise lines tend to avoid discounting until they have to, so we generally see many tactics pop up after the final payment.
Sixty to 90 days out is often the sweet spot, when final payments have come due and cruise lines can see which cabins remain empty. Start your deal hunt three months before departure, knowing it might be weeks before you start to see deals on unsold cabins.
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Book A Cruise Online With The Best Cruise Finder And Cruise Booking Website
CruiseDirect is a leading online cruise travel company dedicated to providing customers with better deals than any other cruise website and access to great deals on cruise vacations. Offering special rates and savings on cruise bookings with some of the most popular cruise lines in the world, we are so confident in our cruise packages that each and every deal is backed by a price guarantee. You won’t find these prices on other cruise booking sites.
Since 2001, we’ve helped our customers find the perfect cruise packages and book dream cruise vacations for less. We are a cruise finder and booking website committed to helping you research all your cruise travel options to find a cruise that fits what you’re looking for. After you find the perfect cruise, make your reservation with our cutting-edge booking engine. We are the best site to book a cruise with because we are driven by our passion for cruise ship travel. Book a cruise today and enjoy the excitement of cruising the world with us!