How to get the best cruise deal
Looking for a cruise holiday and want to get the very best deal? Liz Jarvis, Editor of Cruise International has top tips from the experts to help you do just that.
“There’s no doubt that cruise holidays offer very good value for money,” says Liz. “In price-for-price comparisons, cruise holidays always come out on top: when you consider that you’ll be getting fantastic dining, onboard entertainment and the chance to visit lots of destinations on one trip while only packing and unpacking once, a cruise holiday is quite simply one of the best ways to see the world.
See also:16 top cruises for 2016
These top tips will help you get even more bang for your buck.
Talk to a travel agent
If you’ve never been on a cruise before the myriad of offers, ships and itineraries available can be overwhelming. “I would always recommend booking with a travel agent with cruise experience,” says Andy Harmer, Director of the Cruise Lines International Association. “CLIA member travel agents have access to the best deals. And if you’re not sure which cruise line you’d like to book with, start with where you’d like to visit on your holiday.”
Look out for upgrade offers
If you want a better class of cabin (or stateroom), drinks package or onboard credit then keep an eye out for upgrade offers. “Follow the cruise travel agents online and sign up to their newsletters,” advises Scott Anderson, General Manager of The Luxury Cruise Company. “Often travel agents will get access to exclusive offers, including suite upgrades, onboard spending money, free drinks and more.”
Check what’s included
Value for money is relative, of course, but it’s always worth noting what’s actually included in the price of your cruise holiday, so you don’t get any nasty shocks when you’re on board. Many of the luxury and river cruise lines will include wine with lunch and dinner for example, excursions, Champagne on arrival and other treats to enhance your cruise experience. While all cruise lines include three meals a day and onboard entertainment in the price of your cruise, added extras (including speciality dining, WiFi and so on) can mount up, so do your research.
Make the reservation consultant your New Best Friend
Reservation consultants are experts in their field; they’re familiar with every aspect of cruise holidays. “Give them the details of your ideal experience and let them find the cruise you want at the price you want,” says Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking Cruises. “They can usually help find exactly what you are looking for.”
Consider a no-fly cruise
While the Caribbean or Mekong may be tempting, if flight costs are a consideration – because you’re travelling in school holidays, for example – then it’s worth looking for something from a UK port. PO’s Britannia and Royal Caribbean‘s Anthem of the Seas, for example, both family-friendly ships, sail from Southampton, and Disney Cruise Line has sailings to the Norwegian Fjords and Med from Dover in 2016.
Book when you’re onboard
It may seem strange to book your next holiday before you’ve even finished your first one but you’ll be rewarded if you do. “There are some great deals when you book your next cruise while on board,” says Jo Rzymowska, Managing Director UK Ireland, Celebrity Cruises. “Plus you’ll your next cruise to look forward to so you can beat those post-holiday blues.”
Look out for the wave season
January to March is traditionally ‘wave’ season, and this is often the best time to bag a deal (although it’s worth noting that some wave deals can appear as early as December). “The wave season is when cruise lines and travel agencies showcase their very best offers for the coming year,” explains Giles Hawke, Executive MD of MSC Cruises. “Wave deals often include free perks such as onboard credit to indulge in spa treatments, free drinks packages, discounted shore excursions or cabin upgrades to truly sail in style.”
Join the club
Just like airline loyalty programmes, cruise line loyalty programmes give you access to special booking offers and incentives. “The cruise lines’ own loyalty clubs offer savings, especially if you rebook on board or put a deposit down” says Simone Clark, MD of iglu.com.
Book early
You may be tempted to play the waiting game in the hope that late availability offers will become available – but if you want the best choice of cabin and itinerary then booking early is key. PO Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington says: “Early booking is especially true for families looking to travel during peak holiday times with children or on a cruise that you know is going to be popular, such as one of our Strictly Come Dancing cruises.”
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