Cruises On A Budget

By Tracy Cox 

I can remember as a teenager seeing cruise ships on television and thinking I would love to go on a cruise someday. I just knew they were so expensive that it would be a long time, if at all, before I could take a cruise vacation. On a trip to Disney World with our son one year, we went to Cocoa Beach for a few days. It was then I actually saw a cruise ship for the first time. It was amazing to see those big ships coming into port. I knew I had to come home and check to see exactly how much it will cost. I thought if I have to save for years, I must go on a cruise vacation. Much to my surprise, what I had assumed was so unobtainable to me wasn't really as bad as I thought. This was just the beginning of my journey into cruising. Through the years, I have found some very good tips to cut costs and help most anyone cruise on a budget.

Planning and Research:

Planning and research are the most important steps in taking your cruise vacation. There are a considerable amount of ships sailing these days with more being introduced yearly. This competition helps us to secure better rates. It is important to look at all of your options. Once you have your budget in mind, you will be ready to find that cruise that fits your needs. Use the internet to look at all the cruise lines to get base pricing information. The prices can greatly differ depending on which cruise line you choose. Most people think that you get the best deals at the last-minute. If you are flexible you can get deals on ships that have not sold there quotas. In these situations you take what is left and you will not have as much notice on travel dates. If you need specific dates to travel you must book early. Cruise rates are at their cheapest when they first introduce them of the market. Sometimes this is a year or more in advance. The prices will continue to increase the closer to your sail date, with exception of a ship not selling to capacity at which time they may decrease the price to meet their quotas before the cruise date. Even then, most of the time the earliest price is still the best. Some cruise lines have early saver rates that will guarantee the lowest price on that booking. If at any time the price drops they will adjust the price down to match the lower price.

Choosing a Cruise:

Now comes the fun part of looking at all the wonderful port of calls. Once you have chosen your cruise line look to see the closest home port. You can save a lot of money by driving to the home port. Your budget will dictate which ship to explore, and the length of your cruise. Most of the smaller ships will sail the shorter itineraries. These ships will be cheaper. Your larger ships take the longer itineraries and cost a little more. Also, if you are flexiable try to travel during the off-season. Peak season for the cruise industry is January through the end of May. Prices are higher at this time. Look to the internet to get your best prices. There are many direct sites as well as booking sites that can help you get the best rates. Just remember to book your cruise vacation as far in advance as possible.

Transportation to the Port:

If you are lucky enough to live close to a home port of course you will be driving. Keep in mind you will have to pay to park your car at the pier. You can go to the website of the home port to find out the price. Two options to consider if you are not driving are airlines and train service. Airlines are sometimes all over the place with pricing. You will need to do a little extra research to get your best rates. When checking rates try at different hours of the day, even around 1:00. Sometimes you get your best rates at that time. Check with the airline's luggage policy. Many airlines are charging baggage fees that really increase your price. Train travel is sometimes a lot more affordable. The time it takes to travel by train is sometimes a disadvantage. If time is not a problem with your schedule it is a fun way to travel. Many people feel trains are a relaxing way to start your vacation. Train travel is another area you must book early. There prices will also rise the closer to your travel date. If you book a room on the train your meals are also included in the price.

Tips to cut Additional Costs:

Most of the expense of a a cruise are all inclusive. This is a big help to budget your cruise vacation. Tips are extra. They will automatically be billed to your account once on board. The website of your cruise line will have the suggested tipping guidelines. You can adjust these depending on the service you receive during your cruise. Beverages such as tea, lemonade, coffee, juices and milk are included in the price. Soft drinks and bottled water are extra. Most cruise lines let you bring these on board. Each cruise line has a limit so check to see their policy.

Research you port of calls to get information on the area. The cruise lines offer shore excursions, but you can save money if you plan your own activities while on shore. Keep in mind, the cruise lines know the area well and you are on their time. You can easily plan your own itinerary, but you must do your homework first. Just remember to board the ship by the time they specify.

If you are not driving, you may want to research hotels and taxi fees. Look for hotels close to the port with restaurants within walking distance. This will help offset taxi fees. Try to find hotels with shuttle service to pick you up from the airport. Most will also have shuttle service to the port. Book your hotel early. Once again, you will find the best rates early and if the price drops most hotel will adjust the rate lower.

Safety:

With recent occurances, I know people are concerned about the safety of cruise ships. All I can do is speak from my experiences. Every cruise that I have taken has been extremely organized and I felt completely safe. I know that I assume a risk in everything I do in life.

I know that it requires a lot of research and work to findcruises on a budget, but it is so rewarding when you finally set sail. Remember that information holds the key to finding the best deals for your budget cruise vacation.Make your dream of cruising a reality and start your planning today.

Article Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/cruising/cruises-on-a-budget