With the price of a cruise you are able to stretch your vacation dollars significantly—if not dramatically.
For the price of a standard cruise you get:
• A clean and attractive (but usually small) room
• 3 tasty meals a day
• Great service by friendly staff
Ex-Cruise Ship Officer Reveals Insider Secrets of the Cruise Industry
Cheap Vacation Ideas when taking a Cruise
• Consider going on the off season “or shoulder season” (between the high and low seasons) to get the cheapest cruise prices and airline fares. The off season depends on where you are traveling to.
• Arrive early to your port of departure. Arriving just before it opens is the best time. Then you will miss the crowds and can have more time getting things set up on ship and relaxing while others are waiting in line!
• Research the best airline rates on line. See: Book Travel Online.
• Purchase a good Guide Book to the locations you are visiting. Look for one with history, things to do, insider tips, great restaurants, shopping, and more.
The few dollars you spend will be returned many times over. Whenever I travel to a new place I make sure and get one or two. Consider Frommer’s guides. There are other good guides as well.
• Book airfare as early as possible to get the best rates.
• Get an insiders guide to cruising. These guides can save you 10-30% on many vacation costs.
Also, there are tips that save time, and improve the quality of your adventure. When you are spending hundreds, if not thousands on a vacation, why not invest a little money to save a lot? The one I like is:
An Ex-cruise ship officer reveals confidential secrets to get huge savings on cruises, land excursions and more.
A Great Way to Relax!
Cruises are a great way to relax for many people because there are many planned events so you just have to show up a and have fun.
If you like being pampered a cruise is worth considering. On the last cruise I was on in the Mediterranean, there was around 1 crew member for every 4 passengers. You are literally being waited on hand and foot!
Beyond this, you are in a cocoon of protection. The places selected to visit by the cruise lines have been carefully selected to keep the safety of you (the traveler) in mind. The cruise lines have a great deal to lose if people are not treated right, or they are put into any danger.
Cheapest Cruise Prices - Hidden Costs
There are some potential down sides and hidden costs to the cheapest cruise prices. Here are the primary ones:
• Most rooms are relatively small.
• Some adventurous types may find all the pre-planning restricting.
• Tips aren’t included (but are fair for the top notch service). This is commonly around $10.00 per day/per person (on many cruises)
• Drinks aren’t included (they can be expensive)
• There may be added on costs (for fuel etc), but are usually reasonable.
• If you want an ocean view, balcony or suite your room price can get expensive.
Cruising 101
Anyone who has cruised knows that it's the perfect combination of pampered relaxation and fun, fun, fun! Looking for a quiet, relaxing day at the beach? Or, maybe your thirst for adventure has you snorkeling in crystal-clean Caribbean waters or soaring through the sky on a parasail. How about biking or horseback riding along a pristine sandy shore? Or, perhaps golfing is your passion. See historic European cities, explore the unspoiled natural wonders of Alaska and Hawaii or "shop till you drop" at any of the duty free ports that you visit. The world is yours! And, no matter how many ports you visit on your cruise, you only have to pack once. It may sound like a dream come true, but that's exactly what cruising is like.
How much does it all cost? You may find it hard to believe, but you can choose from a wide variety of cruises from under $100 per person per night! The price you pay for your cruise includes the following:
- Full size staterooms with complimentary room service (catering to your every need). Fine Dining including breakfast, lunch & dinner plus much more! Fully-supervised children's programs and a special menu for kids at every meal. Exciting on-board entertainment and activities, including lavish stage shows and Broadway productions, night club acts, live bands, dancing, cocktail parties, cultural events, movies, sports, games and more. Free use of on-board facilities, including swimming pools, hot tubs, health club, library, lounges, plus a complete casino, featuring slots, black jack, craps, roulette and much more.
Plus by booking your cruise through Direct Line Cruises, you will benefit from exclusive rates and perks available for a wide selection of sailings. Travel Insurance is INCLUDED with all cruises 5-nights or longer.
For more information and facts on cruising, make sure to visit our Cruise Facts page.