Determine your budget and when you want to cruise. All you need today to book a cruise is Internet access. There are plenty of discount travel agencies that have powerful search engines that you can use to determine when and where you want to cruise and what cruise line to use. As you research, you'll notice that cruises leaving out of Florida ports with Caribbean itineraries or cruises leaving out of California ports headed to Mexico tend to be the most plentiful and affordable options. Once you've determined where you want to go and how much you have to spend you're ready to contact a travel agent or book the cruise yourself through an online discount travel agency.
Select a travel agent or cruise company that you trust. There are many online travel agents and cruise companies advertising special deals and discounted cruises on the Internet. Travel agents, online or otherwise, are often given access to discounted rates that the general public is not. Research these sites thoroughly and select one that you trust. Look for a contact number and search the Internet to make sure the company is legitimate.
Check if you're eligible for a discount. If you have cruised before, contact the cruise line you sailed with to find out if you are eligible for a discounted rate. Many cruise lines offer discounts or special perks to repeat cruisers. The more trips you take with a particular cruise line, the deeper the discounts and better perks you may receive. If you have cruised before, get your past passenger number ready when you call to see if you are eligible for a discount. Also, if you are an AARP member older than 55 you may be eligible for a discounted rate. If a discounted rate based on age isn't shown on your online travel agent's or cruise line's site, call the agent or cruise line directly and inquire about it because it may be available and just not posted. Active or retired military personnel are often extended discount rates by cruise ships as are residents of major port cities. Often, when a cruise ship has many open spots on an upcoming cruise, they will offer significantly discounted rates to residents of the city or state that the ship is leaving from in an effort to fill up the ship. So, when you are researching your cruise, ask your travel agent or cruise line if a discount is offered to residents of your state, particularly if you live in California, Texas or Florida.
