Are cruises still a bargain?
Researching online for a cruise deal helps.

by Raye & Marty Trencher

Cruise Traveler Magazine

Cruises were once considered a real bargain, as they were touted as being "all Inclusive". You get your meals, transportation, entertainment all at one low price. At prices far below what you would spend at say, a luxury report hotel for a 7 day vacation.

Today, cruise travelers looking for good deal on a cruise would be wise to be familiar with not only cruise prices, but all the hidden extra costs.

"The cheapest advertised price for a cruise is almost never a good deal for the cruise shopper out to find a bargain," says Raye & Marty Trencher, editors and publishers of Cruise Traveler Magazine, an online cruise travel guide. "The low price is likely to be one of a few, less than a handful, of inside cabins. Cabins only large enough to accommodate two people and found on the lowest passenger decks."

While inside cabins are great for cruise travelers who don't mind not having a window or port hole to look out or to get natural light in the cabin, most of us prefer a view of the ocean. After all isn't that why we take a cruise? The every changing scenery of the sea.

Upgrading to an outside or "oceanview" cabin can add $150-$200.00 per person.  Want to upgrade to a stateroom with a balcony or verandah? This will cost you about $500.00 or more more for the week.

If you see the advertised price of a cruise, be sure to notice the asterisk* or flag next to the price. Go to the bottom of the ad and read the fine print. See if the price includes port charges and government taxes. Cruise line ads are required by law to include these, but not travel agents. Port charges and taxes can add up to over $100.00 per person to the "low "cost of the cruise fare if they are not included. In most cases, the price does not include airfare but will be "cruise only".

There are other costs to consider when shopping for a cruise.

Cruise ships are no longer all-inclusive. You will pay extra once your onboard the ship. There are the charges for beverages (soft drinks, as well as wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks). There are gratuities to the cabin steward, and wait staff in the dining room (about $84.00 per person for a 7 day cruise), onboard shopping, casino gambling, shore excursions (sightseeing in ports-of-call), photography, even hamburgers ( Johnny Rockets )  and fancy cupcakes! Want an ice cream treat or cup of gourmet coffee? That's extra! And then there are other extra services, all designed to get you to spend more money with the cruise line.

Today's cruise ships offer a number of dining options. If you don't want to follow tradition and dine with strangers at a fixed time each night, you can choose to eat when you want, and where you want in any one of a number of alternative restaurants. You can find Italian, Steakhouse, French, Mexican, or Asian themed dining venues. Sometimes as many as 10 or more restuarants on just one ship. But, dine at these establishments and you will pay extra. ($8-75.00 per person).

Need to stay connected? Use of the internet/e-mail/business services are extra, the golf simulator and spa treatments, also extra. The cruise lines even charge for water sport activities ( renting a float, paddle boat or jet ski ) when you visit their "private island"

You should consider a minimum of $200-500 per person more than the base cruise fare for a one week cruise, even more if you like to sightsee, indulge in spa treatments and take to gambling.

However, There are  a number of ways to save money and still have a great time.

You can save significant amounts if you know where to look.

The internet is a great place to start. Google the words "cruise deal" and you'll find dozens of travel providers, including the cruise lines with discounted cruise fares. Check out the official cruise line web site first. Jot down the details of the cruise you want. Note the prices. Sometimes you have to go through most of the online booking process to get the "total cost".  Just exit the online booking process prior to making a payment.

Now,  go back and do that Google search for "cruise deals, discount cruises, or cruise bargains". This time focus on the travel providers. Like Travelocity, Priceline or Expedia. Pick out a couple of travel agents as well.

Compare prices. Make sure you look at the exact same cruise line, ship, departure date, category and cabin as you did when you browsed the cruise line's web site.

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Cruise Tip: When you see an ad, online or in your Sunday paper that touts "up to 75% off cruise prices". What does it mean?

The amount of savings offered is more often than not, based on irrelevant full brochure prices. Most people never pay brochure prices. Just like most people never pay "sticker" price for a new car. You may find these so called discount off promotions on the Internet are highly exaggerated, as the savings cruise travelers are likely to get by booking with a travel provider instead of booking directly with cruise line are just the same.

Cruise fares go up or down according to demand, sometimes daily. So comparing prices to the brochure makes no sense at all. You need to compare the total cost of your cruise based on the day you plan to book it. Many advertised prices do not include fuel supplements, port fees, taxes or prepaid gratuities. Be sure to include those costs in your planning.

Even some discounts are "Hidden"

No matter if you are talking to the cruise line, your travel agent or travel providers like Travelocity, ask about discounts. The ads you see rarely mention them. There are Senior discounts for travelers over 55. Even FREE or reduced rates for kids. Ask about reduced rates for the Military, Firefighters, EMT's and other community service workers. You can even get a discount depending in which state you reside ( called resident rates ) These discounts can amount to $100-400 savings over the lowest priced cruise offered to the general public.

"We've routinely check pricing online with cruise line pricing, and I can't believe the disparity in prices," Trencher says. "If you qualify for a reduced rate, ask about combining the senior rate or resident rate with a group discount, that might be the cheapest way to go."
 

When a group is not and the savings are.

Travel providers and travel agents reserve group allotments months ahead of time. These group rates offer savings of as little as $50 to as much as $3-400 off retail prices. But the sweet part of the deal. You don't have to belong to any group at all. You book the cruise at the group rate, but almost never see or visit with fellow "group" members while onboard. Group rates for individuals who call the cruise line direct are not offered. Thus, giving the travel provider and you an advantage over booking direct with the cruise line.

Visit your Travel Agent last

We advise cruise travelers to research cruises and prices extensively before they visit their local travel agent. That way, with detailed information in hand, they can discuss all the options and choose the cruise that best suits their lifestyle and budget.

Cruise Shopping Tips

Here are 5 cruise shopping tips from Raye & Marty Trencher, for various types of cruises available by booking on the internet or directly from the cruise line:

•Research, Research, Research. Check out what's on offer and if the price you find seems too good to be true, it probable is. Find what all the hidden extra's cost and add it all up.

•Reputation. Check out the reputation of the company you are buying from. Know you're getting the real deal. Watch for bait and switch tactics. If you choose to use a travel agent or internet travel provider, ask the cruise line about them. Are they cruise specialists or just an average travel agent. Do they have the expertise and the "been there, done that" experience to guide you through the selection and booking process.

•Take Advantage Of All Possible Discounts. Book only if you are satisfied that you have received all the possible discounts that yield the biggest savings.

•Budget. Don't be caught surprised by your bill at the end of the cruise. Make a budget and highlight what you are willing or not willing to spend onboard or ashore. And stick to it. Going overboard, pardon the pun, could cost you dearly.

•Check Prices Often. Check back often, online at the cruise line's web site for periodic price changes. If the cost of your cruise goes down, contact the line or your travel agent immediately and ask for a price reduction. The lower price may not be available for long, so you have to act quickly to get it.
 

When it comes to the cruise lines offering family discounts, there's no such thing as too many deals.

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