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Cruises
represent one of the best vacation values. Where else can
you unpack bags once and travel to different destinations
with lodging, gourmet dining and entertainment for one set
price, often for less than $100 per day per person? |
| 1 |
Most
seasoned cruisers swear the best cruise rates are found online
six months or more in advance. While last minute deals are
tempting, if you can't drive to the port, airfare may cost
much more than your cruise. Also, cruise off-season or during
the shoulder season to find even lower rates.. |
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| 2
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Typically,
cruise lines offer better values on longer cruises. For example,
you might get a better rate (average per day) on a 7-day itinerary
as opposed to a 4-day. Compare cruise rates at multiple sources. |
| 3 |
Visit
web sites for cruise lines, online travel agencies and cruise
specialists. Search for value-added deals with free airfare
and shipboard credits. Factor in extra costs not included
in the basic fare such as: airline and port parking, on-board
gratuities, shore excursions, cocktails and port taxes. |
| 4 |
Seasonal
repositioning cruises (when ships are relocated to a different
market) are cruise industry bargains. A typical repositioning
cruise spends 5-8 days crossing the Atlantic or sails from
Alaska
to the Caribbean
via the Panama
Canal with very few ports-of-call. These cruise fares regularly
include free/discounted airfare and days at sea are sheer
luxury. |
| 5 |
Save
more when you organize a cruise for a large family reunion,
destination wedding or travel with friends. The organizer
of a group cruise (whether booked through a travel agent or
directly with the cruise line) typically gets a free cabin
for every ten cabins filled by their group. |
| 6 |
When
sightseeing and shopping are nearby, exploring ports on your
own offers significant savings over cruise-operated excursions.
Research reliable private guides and tours online. Never pay
for private tours up front. And, watch your time in port.
If you are delayed, the ship will sail without you. |
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Shop
around. Use our proprietary, travel comparison tool which
displays results from the most relevant cruise travel sites
based on your itinerary and location. Search
Now! |
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