Cheap cruise vacations can be some of the most satisfying vacation experiences, and they’re a great value as well. In addition to the thrilling experience of sailing through the world’s waters and visiting a host of fascinating destinations, passengers can save a lot of money on this type of trip, and it’s a good feeling to be able to take a great vacation even when you’re on a tight budget. Two of the most popular choices for cruise travelers, especially those in the mood for saving a bit of cash, are a cheap Caribbean cruise destination and the best cheap Alaskan cruises. Choosing the least expensive destination is one way to save money, but it’s also possible to get great deals on cheap cruises by traveling in the shoulder season or booking a last minute cruise and having some flexibility on where you go during your cruise vacation.
While many of the luxury cruise liners are known best for having the very latest in desirable features, such as spa suites and large staterooms, on-board golf courses, several swimming pools, and access to private islands, these expensive itineraries aren’t the only way to go. They suit some travelers, but they often take a back seat to the cheap cruise vacations for which many travelers search. The majority of the long-standing cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, offer cheaper packages on their older ships, which still maintain a modicum of luxury and are of course in excellent condition, making these lines ideal for anyone vacationing on a budget.
Depending on your individual vacation time, each vacationer will choose a different itinerary, and every itinerary presents a variety of inexpensive options. Generally, shorter vacation periods equal a smaller price tag, and this is often the case with cheap cruise vacations, with weekend and three - to four-day cruises being the most inexpensive choices. These particular itineraries are advantageous to those planning to travel to the Caribbean, as it is quite near the US mainland, and many Caribbean cruises leave from major ports in Florida.
When searching for a cheap Caribbean cruise destination, visitors can look to the northwestern and eastern portions of the sea for the typical shorter cruises, which are the most popular as well as the least expensive, and it’s also possible to find trips to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Those vacationers already in the Pacific Northwest can look forward to some of the best cheap Alaskan cruises that offer sights of glaciers, fjords, mountains, and wildlife. Additionally, one-way cruises offer an inexpensive option for passengers; these include such itineraries as from the eastern United States to Europe, from Southern California to Alaska or vice versa, and passage through the Panama Canal from Florida to California and going in the opposite direction as well.
One of the most common factors for inexpensive travel deals is the off-peak travel season. Picking up a cheap Caribbean cruise destination or sailing to the Mediterranean or Alaska is much more economical during the shoulder seasons than during the peak tourist season. For instance, some of the best cheap Alaskan cruises are available in the months of May and September at about half the price as during the popular vacation months of June, July, and August. It’s also possible to book a last minute cruise as the ships try to fill up all their available cabins, meaning if you’re not picky about where you go, you can get a great deal on a cruise. As the chillier months arrive, many lines trolling the waters of the Mediterranean Sea also offer much lower prices, encouraging visitors to enjoy the same sights at a highly reduced rate; just be sure to pack a few sweaters for the trip.