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Cruise Tips: Ways to Save
These days, there are more options than ever for purchasing your next discount cruise. If you Google “discount cruise” on the internet, you get a huge array of cruise options. And it seems like everyone is offering the “best cruise rates” or the “biggest cruise discounts” on the internet. The fact is, most cruise lines offer the same flat rate to everyone – regardless of the agency. However, there are still ways to save – and we are sharing some inside cruise tips that can help you save money regardless of where you’re planning your next cruise.
1. Get lower rates when you book your cruise as a group
Family cruises are becoming a larger and larger trend, and cruise lines such as Disney have special packages just for this occasion. Grandparents, parents and kids all have cruise activities and amenities to fit every age group. Looking for a place for your next family vacation? Booking multiple cabins at the same time can result in huge savings. In addition, with prices under $50 per night for food and lodging on some Carnival cruises, this alternative can actually be less expensive than a cheap motel – much less everyone in the family flying to one city then having to pay for food, lodging and transportation costs. On an all-inclusive cruise, everything is provided for you. Including, even on many discount cruises, 24-hour room service!
So there are clear advantages to booking cruises as a family or group. Want to speak or chat with a live agent? CruiseMagic agents are about the most non-pushy people you can imagine. They have one desire only: to find you the BEST deal on your next cruise.
2. Ask about perks such as free air fare or onboard credit
The cruise industry works like many others. Whether Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line or Holland America – they all have different kinds of inventory and different offerings. Think of it like buying a car. You have a choice between premium, mid-size and economy. There are lower-priced cruises that generally cruise from 2 to 5 or even 7 days and center around areas like the Pacific and Mexico, or the Caribbean. Then there are longer cruises (generally Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean) and lastly boutique-type cruises that can be Transatlantic, Transpacific, or even 112 days and cover the entire world. Or, you can in many cases find a lower rate on a more expensive ship if you din’t mind giving up a window for an inside cabin. Conversely, you can pay more for a super-deluxe cabin but have that cost offset by choosing a shorter cruise. It’s all up to you!
For European and other select cruises, companies like Oceania are offering 2-for-1 rates and free air fare. Those cruises tend to be more expensive, but the costs can be offset in part by the cruise line covering your air fare. Looking for a shorter, more economy-type cruise? Not to worry. Even in those cases, cruise agents (such as the friendly folks here at CruiseMagic) may be able to offer you free onboard credits for your cruise. These can be used for deluxe dining, gaming, alcohol, spa treatments and more in the event that those “extras” aren’t covered. Be sure to ask your agent what is covered on your cruise – every cruise line is different and “all-inclusive” will mean different things on different cruises.
3. Book online for instant cruise discounts
Our cruise agents love talking with customers. By using an agent (yes, we still employ real, live people based here in the good ‘ole USA) you can compare rates, or give them a date range and/or budget and let them do the looking for you! You can even do a live chat and they will look up the best price for you. However, let’s say you know exactly what you want. In that case, companies like CruiseMagic offer expedited cruise booking through our secure booking engine. There may be even lower rates than can be publicly posted there – because by not having a live agent help you, we save money. And we can pass those savings on to our customers!
Prices
from:
Caribbean Int.-Grandeur of the Seas
Miami
15 2012
OFF Brochure
rate
Prices
from:
Cruise Line-Norwegian Sky
Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Miami
6, 13, 20, 27 2012
OFF Brochure
rate
Prices
from:
Cruise Lines-Carnival Imagination
Key West, Cozumel, Miami
9, 16, 23, 30 2012
OFF Brochure
rate
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from:
Cruises-Caribbean Princess
Juan/Puerto Rico, New York City
29 2012
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from:
Cruises-Celebrity Millennium
Roatan, Cozumel, Miami
16 2012
OFF Brochure
rate
Prices
from:
Cruise Line-Disney Magic
Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral
30 2012
Prices
from:
America Line-ms Eurodam
Lauderdale, Grand Turk, San Juan/Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/Charlotte
Amalie, Half Moon Cay, Fort Lauderdale
7 2012
