20 Winning Secrets To Finding The Best Cruise Deals
Forecast for 2010: Smooth Sailing
We predict 2010 is going to be an amazing year for travel. We're so excited
about all we have planned, we can't wait to get going.
But, we're much more curious about how you are feeling about 2010? Do you
agree that the economy is improving? Do you hope it will be a better year
than 2009? Will you take that vacation you postponed last year?
Did you know that Approximately 85% of travel-related businesses reported a
significant decline in visitors, passengers or income in 2009. Airlines,
hotels, cruise lines, and others all were affected. However, while the media
was reporting stories of doom, and gloom 15% of them reported an increase in
business despite some having to lower prices to maintain occupancy levels
and cash flow.
We are proud to say that we were one of those who ended the year on top. In
fact, 2009 was our best year yet. We did more business with more people
than ever before. And, we recorded more revenue per guest than ever before.
How come?
We decided early on, that we were not going to just sit on the sidelines and
watch the downturn on the economy effect our business. We knew we had to do
something to stem the tide. So we spent a lot of quality time with our
guests, found out what it would take to get them to travel now, rather than
postpone their vacation. Among other things, they told us they wanted more
value for their money, but were not willing to cut corners on the quality or
value of their vacation experience. If they were going to travel in this
economy they wanted more than just a cheap vacation, they wanted a great
vacation - cheap. So, on their behalf, we burned the midnight oil,
researched and found some of the highest valued, best cruise deals around.
Not for an ordinary 3 or 4 day cruise to the Bahamas, but some great deals
full of enlightenment, enrichment and fun to Alaska, Europe, South America,
Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, the Baltic's and elsewhere.
Now, we're not bragging. We just want to tell you, that when you have a
plan, you can find that great vacation to take your family on, despite
what's going on in the economy.
To make it work, we employed a simple but effective formula we call the 20
Winning Strategies to Finding The Best Cruise Deals. If you took a
resort-style vacation, sailed on a cruise, went on a safari, or just drove
across America, you know 2009 was a great year for travel deals. But finding
them did not come by accident, or by just shopping around on the Internet.
They came about simply, because you started 2009 with a plan and followed
it.
And we know that the travel deals for 2010 have to be better than good. So
in addition to our all ready established offerings, we joined with the
Travelocity Partner Network to bring our guests even better bargains, more
selection and greater value.
Cruise Direct Online guests can now select
from over 12,000 sailings for 2010-2011. Guests may choose from more than 80
ports of embarkation, including 24 close-to-home within driving distance of
most residents of the US and Canada. Popular destinations include Alaska,
Mexico, Europe, Bermuda, the Caribbean, The Far East, Africa, the
Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canada and South America.
By the way, there's nothing special about us - anybody can do it...it just
takes the ability to understand the marketplace and then implement a plan
that results in a great vacation value for you and a decent income for us.
If you decide to take a trip ( hopefully a cruise ), you will be
contributing to our nation's speedy recovery and return to prosperity. For
when you travel, jobs are created, income is derived and wealth is acquired.
All without government help or intervention.
All with great fun and fond memories.
So what are you waiting for...
20 Winning Secrets
To Finding The Best Cruise Deals
A bad economy
makes for some very good deals: Super cruise deals, lowest prices in years.
But don't book them directly with the cruise line. You can get "bonus"
savings from many travel agents. Not only a better price, but some agents
throw in shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities and other incentives to get
you to book. Shipboard credits, where available from the cruise line, are
house credits that are placed on your stateroom's account for you to use
during your cruise vacation. You can use the credit towards merchandise,
lounges and in some, but not all cases, for Spa Treatments or Shore
Excursions.
Contact
your credit card company. They may offer additional savings, shipboard
credits or frequent flyer miles when you pay for your cruise in full with
that credit card.
Sign up for e-mail
deal alerts that let you know where the great deals are. Some services will
e-mail you when cruise fares drop for the cruise you want.
Tip: After
you've booked your cruise keep checking the prices. If the price drop,
contact your travel agent, changes are they can you can save you more money.
Cruise lines are
offering deeper discounts earlier, with great deals rates for spring and
some offer kids to sail for free.
You can find deals
priced at less than $45 per person per day including all your meals and most
activities -- but watch out.. you will pay an "up charge" for specialty
restaurants, bar drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions.
Plan Ahead and Save Big. Get The Best Value for your Money.
Raye & Marty
Trencher's Savvy Cruise Tips
1.
Reserve Your Cruise Now
At least 3 - 6 months
prior to sailing. You get the best choice of locations and stateroom
availability and the sooner you book, the better the discount.
2. If You Can, Pay For It In
Advance
Save as much as 15%. Some cruise lines
give an extra discount if you pay in full at least six months in advance of
your sailing date.
3. Reserve Your Cruise At The
Last Minute
Depending upon when you want to
go, last minute bookings can save you money! Especially if you are not
particular about what cabin and where on the ship you are staying.
4. Cruise In The Off Season
Cruises are more expensive in
high season, so if you can go some other time you will save even more.
Alaska cruises are cheaper in May and September. Europe and Mediterranean
cruises in September and October. Caribbean cruises in September, October
and January.
5. Do A Transatlantic,
Transpacific Or Repositioning Cruise
Want to sail from Europe or the
Mediterranean to the Caribbean, or from Alaska to Hawaii, or Mexico? You
will cruise for about half the cost of the same number of days of a single
destination cruise. You'll get more lazy days at sea and fewer port stops.
6. Cruise On The Ship's Very
First Journey
If you take an inaugural cruise on a new
ship, you may save money, but don't expect everything to be ship shape.
7. Go With A Group
Groups that travel together save more.
Go with or put together your own group from your church, club, work, school
or plan a once in a lifetime a family reunion. And if you can get 15 or more
people to go, you could go for free!
8. Don't Care About The View...
Why Not An Inside Stateroom?
If you think of a stateroom as
only a place for sleeping and dressing, and a view isn't necessary, you can
save money with an inside stateroom.
9. If Four's Not A Crowd, Put
The Family In One Stateroom
Third or fourth guests go at a
substantial discount, and kids sometimes go free. If you take 4 adults,
everyone shares in the savings. However, it can be very crowded. And just
one bathroom!
10. Reserve Without A Stateroom
Assignment
Even if the stateroom category that you
want is sold out, you can reserve your place on the ship. The cruise line
guarantees to provide you a stateroom in the category you want or one higher
at the time they assign you a stateroom. However, you don't have a choice
where it will be. You may save money and get a free upgrade if at the time
they assign you a stateroom there are no more, in the category you reserved.
11. Join The Club
Cruise lines give a special discounts or
free upgrades to past passengers. Carnival give you a break even you have
sailed on Holland America, Windstar, Princess, Costa, or Cunard, as they own
them all.
12. Ask And You Shall Receive
Keep a close eye on weekly newspaper ads
and newsletters for promotional specials. You may qualify for a two-for-one
offer, kids free, or 50 percent off promotion. And, if you already have put
a deposit down or paid for your cruise, do hesitate to ask for the lower
fare if it applies to the stateroom type and category you reserved.
13. On A Honeymoon? Or Celebrating A Special Occasion?
Celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or
a family reunion on the cruise. On some ships you may qualify for an extra
discount.
14. Look For Added Value
Some sailings offer free hotel nights
before or after your cruise, sightseeing tours, or the cruise line will
offer shipboard credits you can use in the shops.
15. Free Upgrades
Some lines offer an upgrade in cabin
category if you are a repeat passenger, on a honeymoon, celebrating an
anniversary, or your friends or family reserved more staterooms.
16. If You Like It So Much, Stay
Onboard Another Week.
If you arrange to stay on the ship for a
second cruise, you could sail the second week at a discounted rate.
17. Age Has It's Advantages
Over 55? Some cruise lines have
discounts for you. And, if a senior is traveling with other people in the
stateroom that are under 55, the discount may apply to both fares.
18. Airfare Prices Vary
Sometimes the airfare offered by the
cruise line is cheaper; sometimes not. Plan as far ahead as possible to get
the lowest priced airline tickets. Comparison shop the ship's offer and what
the airlines are offering.
19. Consider A Pre Or Post Cruise Hotel Package
Hotel stays can be arranged at the same
time you book your cruise. As with airfares, compare the ship's price with
what the hotel would charge you direct.
20. Every Cruise Line And Cruise Ship Is Different
The most important thing you can do is
research all the ships and cruises that go to your chosen destination.
Compare itineraries, accommodations, shipboard activities, shore tours and
fares. By comparing, you will find a cruise that offers what you want at a
price that fits your budget.. Be sure when you compare fares that you know
whether taxes and port charges are included or not.
More Things To Consider...
A. Become Cyber Savvy
Check online for the latest discounts
and special offerings on ships and sailings. Visit the cruise line's own web
sites and several travel agents online to get the best service and price.
But remember, don't reserve a cruise just because of price.
B. Choose The Cruise That Best
Fits Your Needs And Desires
So many people have bought the
cheapest thing around, only to be disappointed once onboard. As you know by
then it's too late to change your mind.
|
Discounted
savings off cruise fare only. Port charges (NCF), taxes,
airfare, air taxes, transfers and any other costs associated
with your cruise are not discounted. Discount limited to select
cruises including holiday sailings. Not every ship, not every
sailing is discounted. Call us to find out about your cruise
selection. Travel Direct Corporation is not responsible
for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or
any errors or omissions in the content of this web site. Some
restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply. * shipboard
credit and or cabin upgrades as offered by the cruise line for
select sailings or departures only. Call us for details.
Canadian Prices Available