Cruising can be the easiest, most inexpensive way to see the world. Included in your fare are room and board, transportation between exotic destinations and your choice of entertainment every evening. There are so many ways to buy cruises that you must do your homework to snag the best price. If you travel with a small group and are willing to share a cabin, you could have a vacation for less than you'd spend anywhere on land for the same amount of time.
If you have a particular ship or cruise line in mind, check that cruise line's website to learn the "brochure rate" for the cruise you want before you start shopping around. This way, you'll recognize a better deal when you find it with any cruise line offering a similar cruise. Pricing among cruise lines varies widely and will leave you confused if you don't have a certain itinerary, length of cruise, type of ship or time of year in mind.
If you're already on a cruise, book your next one on the spot. You typically get a good discount, a cabin category upgrade or onboard credit to use toward shopping, spa treatments and other services just for your willingness to commit. If you're not already on a cruise, booking early yourself or through a travel agent offers the greatest selection of cabins. Paying in full three to six months before sailing can reap discounts with some lines.
Wait until the last minute. Cruise lines slash prices to fill cabins, even though some claim they don't as an enticement to make you book early. For even greater savings, find a ship that sails from a nearby port to avoid paying for airfare.
Don't just go by cruise-only pricing, which is rock-bottom to lure you in. Before booking, ask about hidden costs such as fuel surcharges, port taxes and mandatory gratuities. They can add hundreds of dollars per person, but they are industry standards. The only way to avoid getting a nasty surprise from extra fees when final payment is due is not to book with any cruise line that will not spell out upfront how much fees will add to your bottom line.
Don't ignore sales from the premium cruise lines. A cheap cruise on a mass market line may not be the best deal when an upscale line includes all the extras like alcohol, spa treatments, shore excursions and gratuities in the package.
