A cruise is indeed considered a luxury, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Today, the cost of going on a cruise depends on many factors, such as travel time, cruise line, as well as the choice of passengers. Despite the increasing demand, there are many options to enjoy a cruise on a budget.
How to plan for a cruise on a budget?
Keeping flexibility is key, said Mike Harris, director of sales at The Cruise Web, an online travel agency. “If you want to save money, be flexible and plan.”
Advantage of advance booking:
According to Harris, the best option is to book as early as possible to get the cheapest cruise ticket. “If you book tickets 1-2 years in advance, you are likely to get cheaper fares, special facilities, and discounts,” he said. In the past, even cheaper offers were available closer to the cruise date, but now many cruise lines do not offer such discounts. Late bookings reduce savings, as do remaining cabins, which often have limited amenities.
Perfect season for travel:
Season of travel is a major factor affecting costs. For example, May or September is the best shoulder season for Alaska. The school season months tend to be cheaper for the Caribbean.
Cheaper offers are available between September and November (such as during the hurricane season), but the weather is unpredictable. Similarly, many destinations offer cheap cruise trips from January to March and early December.
Affordable cruise lines:
For those looking to travel on a budget, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line are some of the cheaper options. These include short (3-5 days) and trips to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Luxury cruise lines are more expensive because they include many amenities in the ticket price. So, mainstream cruise lines charge extra for many things.
Important tips for saving:
- Be flexible: Be flexible with travel dates and cabin selection.
- Booking a ‘Guarantee’ Room: In this, your minimum cabin of choice is available, but its location is not fixed.
- Non-refundable ticket: Available at low cost, but may incur penalty for cancellation or change.
- Repositioning Cruises: Discounts are available for one-way cruises on one side.
- Travel Advisor: Booking through a travel agent can provide discounts on ticket prices and additional benefits.
Planning, flexibility, and choosing the right cruise line must be coordinated to minimize cruise costs. With proper planning, you can enjoy a beautiful cruise on a budget.