Bargain-conscious cruisers can find savings by adhering to a few money-saving tricks of the trade when it comes to booking that next vacation at sea. Flexibility is often key, but so is planning ahead. Finding the best deal depends on what you're looking to get out of your next vacation, which can mean anything from a deep discount in fares to freebies like cabin upgrades.
Booking early is ideal, according to Cruise Critic. Aim for six months to a year prior to when you plan to travel. You may also get a slight edge depending on the time of year you buy your tickets. The early part of the year, January through March, has been traditionally known as "wave season" in the industry. Since this is when the cruise lines typically book a significant chunk of their vacations, many times this is when they trot out their best deals. Simply ask for what discounts are available when you call, including upgrades. If you see a really juicy promotion, you are wise to jump on it immediately rather than assuming it will be available at a later date.
MSNBC reports that if you are more flexible in the dates you travel, you may consider booking travel in the "shoulder seasons." Not only do you avoid bigger crowds of peak season, you can save some money as well. For the Caribbean, these would include off months during hurricane season in the fall, as well non-holiday weekends through the winter months. For Europe, shoot more for early spring -- late March through April -- or fall -- September through November. However, keep in mind if weather plays a role in your cheaper fare, weather may also affect your enjoyment of the trip.
Online travel sites offer comparison shopping at its best, but travel agents may have an extra edge in getting a bargain with cruise packages. According to Frommers, these agents are trained to match the best cruise to fit your needs and can help you should your ship run afoul of cancellations due to bad weather. Find those that offer preferred status and are privy to deals you may not find through Internet research. Through an agent you may also play the VIP card for any available upgrades you can negotiate.
There is more to the price of a cruise than the actual fare. Other hidden fees may apply, depending on the methods you used to find your discount cruise. CNN recommends that you determine the costs of these fees when considering the kind of bargain you are getting. If you used a travel agent, be aware of consulting fees that you may incur if you ultimately decide not to use her services. For online cruise booking sites, there may be a cancellation fee should you be unable to travel. Factor in any hotel and flight costs you may incur if you need to travel to departure cities, which may or may not hold extra savings if booked in conjunction with the cruise.
