vacation deals

How to Find a Cruise Deal on a Budget

By Paige Whiteside 10 July, 2023 3 mins read

You can save money by choosing an older ship, cruising on a weekday or traveling during off-peak times. Other ways to get a cheap cruise are to book early, find flexible travel dates and consult with a travel agent. These are some tips to maximize your savings.

Older ships

If you're looking for a cheap cruise, you might be surprised to find some great deals on older ships. These ships are renovated approximately every two to three year and often offer discounts up to 30%. Prices will vary depending on season, ship size and itinerary. New ships command higher prices, so cruise lines have subsidized the prices of their older ships with cheap fares. However, you should be prepared to take a little bit of time to look around.

Another advantage of older ships is that they have more space on deck. The cost of an ocean view cabin can be about $100 cheaper than a balcony cabin on a new ship, and you can get an extra day on board. You can save money by selecting the most popular cabin type. Older ships often have more open decks than modern ships. This means that you can enjoy the same activities but for less money. It is important to investigate all available options and select the best.

Flexible travel dates

Planning a cruise is not difficult if you are flexible with your travel dates. A few weeks or more before or after a holiday can often save you a lot of money. But, it is important to consider the fees you'll have to pay for traveling beyond the cruise line recommended dates. Repositioning cruises may be less expensive than scheduled ones, as the ship must travel some distance after the season ends.

Book early

Book early to secure a low-cost cruise whether you're travelling with your family or on your own. Although cruise deals can vary according to season, early bookings may result in discounted rates. Book early to get the early bird discount, which usually begins one year prior to your sailing date. These rates are only available for a short time so don't miss your chance.

Last-minute deals are also available, in addition to early booking discounts. Cruise lines will often revise cruises to remove unsold cabins. Although there are exceptions, this is the best time to book a cruise. Booking close to sailing day can result in higher-tier staterooms.

Book with a travel agent

A travel agent can offer many benefits when you book a cruise. Not only can you save money, but you will have the benefit of expert guidance. Here are some reasons to book your cruise with a travel agent. Below are some additional benefits of using a Travel Agent. Here are some of them:

You can quickly research cruises. Expedia and TripAdvisor have reviews that can help you find out what people think about certain cruises. There are hundreds of reviews available online for any cruise you are uncertain about. This will allow you to avoid dealing with people who don't understand the cruise line. In addition, you can book your cruise online if you don't want to deal with a travel agent.

FAQ

How much luggage do I need?

The length of your trip determines how much luggage you should take. Hand baggage is usually limited to 20 kg if you travel by plane. If you are traveling by plane, you only need hand baggage, usually less than 20kg.

You will receive a form with all the details about your flight when you arrive at airport. This form will ask for information such as your baggage weight and if you require assistance to check them in.

This must be done before you leave your home. If you don’t check it, you might end up waiting hours for everyone else to do so.

Travel light as you never know what may happen. If your bag is lost or damaged, you will not have any clothes.

What's the first thing you should do when you arrive at your travel destination?

Always have a plan in place for when your arrive at a new location. It lets you know what's expected and where to go.

It is important to plan ahead so you don't forget anything.

For instance, if your trip to a city lasts more than one hour, research which landmarks, museums, and parks you'd like.

A map of the area is a great way to start researching the region's past.

Which are the best places to stay abroad for a bargain?

Cheap accommodation options for travelers include hostels, hotels, guest houses, and bed & breakfasts.

Hostels can be affordable and have dorm-style rooms that guests share with their bathrooms and living areas.

Hotels are typically located in tourist areas.

Guesthouses look and feel similar to hostels except that there are often more people in each room.

Budget-conscious travelers love bed and breakfasts. The guests stay in their own homes and receive a full breakfast as part of the stay.

Statistics

Pack sweaters, jackets, and underwear in reusable compression bags creating up to 75% more space in your luggage. (wikihow.com)
They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. (travelandleisure.com)
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. (tsa.gov)
According to Maori legends, this park holds 14 fjords that were all carved by a giant stonemason with an adze. (busytourist.com)
No Checked Bags: No Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. (tsa.gov)