Updated July 14, 2016 .
Finding a cruise deal is often a combination of timing, planning, and just good luck. What constitutes a deal is often a matter of perception. Sometimes it's just getting a free cabin upgrade to a higher deck on the ship or moving you to an oceanview or balcony cabin because you have booked a cabin category guarantee.
Cruises are much like any other product--you get what you pay for! Much like hotels, cruise ships range from basic accommodations and school lunchroom-style food to ultra-luxury pampering and gourmet cuisine. Cruises can cost from less than $100 per day per person to over $1000 per day per person, depending on the amenities, the size of the ship, and space. So, a cruise deal on an ultra-luxury ship might be $500 per day, a 50 percent discount, but still too steep for many travelers' budgets.
If you have never cruised before, the best thing to do is use a guide for planning your cruise and then find a travel agent who specializes in cruise travel. Once you have selected a destination and a cruise travel budget, many cruise travel agents (either online or in your hometown) can help you find a cruise deal that fits your needs and desires. Using Web sites such as this one can help you become more knowledgeable about the many different cruise lines and ships.
Let's look at some ways to get a cruise deal.
How to Find a Cruise Deal. Photo Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line