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Confessions of a Cruise Travel Agent

An insider's look at the cruise vacation buying process, and tips on how to get the best deal no matter what your lifestyle or budget is.

Welcome to the ultimate source of information about your cruise. From planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know before you go. Such as our Ultimate Packing List. The definitive guide to what to pack on your next cruise....read about exciting locales in Destinations Uncovered...or read about readers favorite cruise lines for taking the kids and teens. All the Tips and tricks to have a successful cruise vacation. Click here to find out more.

by Raye & Marty Trencher

Cruise Traveler Magazine

Read great travel advice-related articles

If you're seeking a little insider knowledge to give you the upper hand in negotiating the best deal for your next cruise vacation purchase, who better to break it all down than the people who review, rate and rank today's cruise lines , cruise ships and the popular destinations they visit.

Raye & Marty Trencher

Cruise Traveler Magazine Publisher and Editors

Raye & Marty Trencher, Cruise Travel Experts, Break Down The 20 Winning Strategies To Finding The Best Cruise Deals.

Cruise ships visits nearly 300 ports of call, in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. From the rugged beauty of Alaska and Canada/New England to the charm of Europe. There's the lush landscapes of Mexico, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Also, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and South America give you even more amazing exotic spots to choose from. Just pick your dream destination, find the cruise ship that goes there and get ready to set sail!

Not so fast! There's a lot to consider.

What's the cruise ship like. What about the cruise line's reputation? What type of accommodations best fit my needs? What will my stateroom look like? What can I do at the ports? What are Cruisetours? What's it like? What do I need to bring? Cruising: Who's It for? ( find the answers below )

And one of the most frequently asked questions: How do I know I am getting a good deal?

In order to properly answer these and other questions about cruising, we spent a lot of quality time with our guests, found out what it would take to get them to cruise now, even in this economy, rather than postpone their vacation. We wanted to understood their Cruise Lifestyle Interests ( see survey )

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, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Bermuda, South America, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Tahiti, Africa, Middle East, Transatlantic, World Cruise, Grand Voyages

and elsewhere.

Now, we're not bragging. We just want to tell you, that when you have a plan, you can find that great cruise vacation to take your family on, despite what's going on in the economy. At a price you can afford.

To make it work, we want you to employ 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 this is 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 out with a plan and followed it.

How do you find those cruises that offer better bargains, more selection and greater value?

If you want to go on a cruise, you can now select from over 12,000 sailings for 2012-2013. 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, Europe, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Bermuda, South America, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Tahiti, Africa, Middle East, Transatlantic, World Cruise, Grand Voyages The process of deciding what to do and where to go can be daunting. But with a plan, it's easier than you think.

By the way, there's nothing special about it - 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.

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!

Let's get started...

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.

Cruise 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 20 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.

Related Content

Cruise Destinations. Vacation Planning Ideas.

Places you might not otherwise have considered...

Do islands with stretches of glistening sand and warm turquoise waters call to you? Or are you wooed by cities with treasure troves of history and culture? Whatever your idea of the perfect cruise destination, the World’s Leading Cruise Lines will make exploring it an unforgettable experience.

Caribbean & Bermuda
Experience an idyllic tropical paradise when you cruise to the Caribbean and Bermuda. Breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters and colorful cities rich in culture. With so many beautiful and diverse islands, there is something for everyone.

Learn More About Bermuda

Learn More About The Caribbean

North America
Glaciers that rise from the sea or volcanoes that tower over shimmering beaches? Dramatic, rugged coastlines or tranquil turquoise waters? Wherever you go, North American cruise destinations never cease to amaze.

Learn More About Alaska
Learn More About Canada & New England

Central & South America
Whether it’s the man-made engineering wonder of the Panama Canal or the natural beauty of South America’s rain forests and coastlines, this part of the world is spectacular at every turn.

Learn More About The Mexican Riviera
Learn More About The Panama Canal
Learn More About South America

Europe
Cities steeped in history and full of architectural wonders. Dramatic coastlines that invite you in. Fjords where Vikings once sailed. Villages so picturesque they’re like something from a fairy tale. This is what you’ll find on at European cruise destinations.

Learn More About The Mediterranean
Learn More About Northern Europe & British Isles

Learn More About Scandinavia & Russia
Lean More About The Canary Islands

Asia Pacific
Sail from Southeast Asia to the Far East and Australia or through the Indian Ocean, where ancient cultures and unparalleled beauty greet you at every port. From Thailand to Tasmania, a cruise through Asia Pacific is filled with the exotic.

Learn More About Asia
Learn More About Australia & New Zealand
Learn More About The South Pacific & Tahiti

Africa & Middle East
Cross a sprawling desert to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Glide through the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean. Experience the glitz of Dubai. On a cruise to Africa and the Middle East, you’ll want to pack your sense of adventure.

Learn More About Africa
Learn More About The Middle East

Transatlantic
Be among the privileged few who can say they have experienced a legendary transatlantic crossing. In style and elegance, of course.

Learn More About Transatlantic Crossings

World Cruises & Grand Voyages
It’s not just a cruise. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the far corners of the world, where extraordinary cruise destinations from Australia and South America to Asia and Europe beg you to explore.

Learn More About World Cruises & Grand Voyages

Africa Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Alaska Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Asia - Asian Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Australia and New Zealand Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Bermuda Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Canada and New England Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Canary Islands Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Caribbean Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Hawaii - Hawaiian Cruises, Destinations and Cruise Reviews

Answers to some of your most intriguing questions.

What can I do at the ports?
Make sure you spend some time off the ship to enhance your vacation even more. Shore excursions will take you on adventures that you've only dreamed of. There are so many different categories of them for you to choose from: go zip lining, hiking, or on a jet-boat thrill ride on an Adventure Tour. Explore authentic flavors from around the world and taste local dishes and locally crafted brews and spirits on a Cuisine Tour. Take in the breathtaking scenery of Paris and visit historical monuments on a Sightseeing & City Tour. Go deep sea fishing or sea trekking in the Caribbean on a Beach & Water Tour. Boy! Can't wait to see your vacation photo album after all that!

What are Cruisetours?
Cruisetours are a combination of an exciting cruise vacation and land tour that allows you to experience all that your vacation destination has to offer. Take in the scenery, local flavor, cultures and historic landmarks all while traveling by deluxe motorcoach or train and staying in some of the finest and best-located hotel properties. Royal Caribbean offers Cruisetours to the destinations of Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Whistler, South America, Asia, Europe and Australia, and in most cases the land portion of your Cruisetour can be taken either before or after your cruise.

What's it like?
Your days at sea can be packed with activities from morning till night or you can just spend time relaxing. Go rock climbing and surf simulating on a Flowrider, go shopping and sunbathing, or just hang out in your stateroom. You can make your vacation whatever you want! Look at the daily onboard schedule and plan the cruise activities you want to do that day and night. And when you arrive in each port, there are dozens of activities and Shore & Land Excursions for you to take advantage of.

What will my stateroom look like?
Staterooms are a comfortable, relaxing place for you to rest after your adventures. Staterooms vary ship by ship, from the most elaborate suites with grand pianos and hot tubs, to balcony staterooms, family staterooms, and interior staterooms. They've got room for every kind of budget and group. Every room offers a television, telephone, private bath, shower, vanity and a hair-dryer.

What do I need to bring?
Days onboard are casual and you'll be most comfortable in sport clothes and resort wear. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits so you'll always have a dry one. You don't have to bring towels, as they are provided. And don't forget your camera and binoculars, so you don't miss a thing. When you're onshore, shorts, polo shirts, light sweaters, khakis and jeans are perfectly acceptable. Of course, you'll want to pack some comfortable walking shoes as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun. A rain slicker and compact umbrella may come in handy for the occasional downpour. You should also bring some formal wear for formal occasions. Cocktail dresses for women, suit and ties or tuxedos for men. You can arrange to rent a tuxedo onboard, if you prefer.

Who's It for?
Simply put, everyone, from families, couples, family reunions, to corporate events. From mild to wild, there are activities for every explorer. Cruise Line youth programs are great for kids and have tons to do for teens as well. There are lots of entertainment options, shopping, and gambling for adults. There are state-of-the-art fitness facilities, with classes like kickboxing and yoga, full-service spas and a huge variety of dining venues to suit every taste. If you want it, we got it! ( activities and services vary by cruise ship )

Editor's Notes

An Insider's View....

So, your thinking about going on a cruise. Good. Now's a great time to go. Looking for a great deal?...who isn't.

Starting to search the Internet, visit some 3rd party sites, read the blogs for advice, do some social networking, or just visiting your neighborhood travel agent?

When it comes to advice, there's a ton of it out there. Some good, Some bad, some, not very accurate. Everyone these days has to put their two-cents of an opinion, out there for view.

What if, you could read detailed and comprehensive cruise reviews from professional travel writers and your fellow cruise travelers. Oh, not the sites that have tens of thousands or more articles or reviews to read.

You'll be there all night. As a matter a fact several nights just to find what you want, then who knows how long to filter out all the information and mis-information.

That's a daunting task you know you don't have time for.

Instead visit Cruise Reviews Online where you can read around 1500 of some of the best cruise line reviews and cruise ship reviews by travelers and cruise experts on today's most popular cruise ships.

You will find the information is unbiased and unedited, the writers sharing their cruise experience, good or bad with you.

Cruise Reviews Online, is one of the most recognized leading resources for fair and objective cruise reviews and a social networking site focused on information about cruise travel. You can read about all the major cruise line, cruise ship and destination port reviews, ratings and rankings. Read the cruise reviews, view deck plans, ship photos, review the ports of call and more. A lot more, than just two-cents worth! More like a ton of penny's.

-The Editors

Cruise Tips

A 3 day cruise to the Bahamas or 10 days cruising Tahiti and French Polynesia?

Let's be honest--if you're looking to book a short weekend getaway, say a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas, you'll do just as well booking it online directly with the cruise line. But if you're going off on an adventure to visit exotic ports-of-call ( Europe, Alaska, South Pacific as examples ), it's smart to use a travel agent. While you usually pay a service fee for booking airline tickets and other services, for a cruise, most travel agents don't charge you a fee.

What's Really In Your Best Interest?

Travel agents get bonus commissions for each booking made with the firm's preferred cruise lines, ones that pay them the biggest commissions. If you're not careful, you can be "steered" toward a cruise ship you should not be on. A ship that's not compatible with your lifestyle, expectations and needs. No one wants to get stuck, only to have a bad experience on a ship, for 7 days or longer. Certainly not, if you wind up booking a more expensive, less convenient, and less enjoyable cruise. So, if a travel agent goes out of their way to "highly" recommend a particular cruise line or cruise ship, ask why the agent thinks it's right for you. If the response fails to consider your particular needs, look further.

Extra Amenities And A Generous Discount Sweeten The Deal!

These days, the prices you see advertised in your Sunday paper and on the Internet are for the most part the same, no matter what Travel Agent you work with.

Many cruise lines have policies that prohibit travel agents from advertising and promoting rebates, claiming that the wide variety of advertised prices for the same cruise and cabin, confuse the general public and create public relations problems for them. However, those policies have not deterred agents from offering price breaks ( in private, over the phone or in person ) as well as as other incentives to reward your business, including onboard spending credits, free airport to ship transfers, free trip insurance, and cabin upgrades.

Been There, Done That!

Ask if your travel agent visited your desired destination, or cruised on the ship he or she recommended, and how recently. As inconceivable as it seems, many agents may have never cruised at all. Go with an agent who's been there, done that. Their first-hand knowledge is an invaluable asset when comes to planning the perfect cruise vacation. After all it's your money. Why not get the best advice you can.

All doctors are not created equal, nor are travel agents.

You wouldn't have your family doctor perform heart surgery on you. So, why go to some fresh out of travel school clerk in a travel agency, or call the cruise line direct for advice on a cruise. You need to visit a cruise specialist.

When you book a cruise, it almost never pays to go to the cruise line, as they have hundred's of telemarketers who's goal is to book you on a cruise ship with their cruise line. They don't have, nor share competitors information with you, nor do they care about what ship is best for you.

Visit a Travel Agent

But not just any agent. Sure, there are lots of talented travel agents, some have specific expertise; Safaris, Golf Resorts, Historical Tours. Family Reunions.

However, if its a cruise you want, you want a cruise specialist.

Why? Because a cruise specialist, knows more about cruises than most people. A cruise specialist has cruised many times. and their hands-on advice will undoubtedly help you choose the best cruise experience – while saving you money. Because of the volume of business they do with cruise lines, they have considerable clout. They often can get group rates that are hundreds of dollars cheaper, and book you into the group, without you having to actually belong to the group. Once onboard, you'll never see your fellow group members.. but you will save a lot of money. Cruise specialists offer you the best cruise to fit your lifestyle, no matter the cruise line, at the best value, plus personal services. A valuable combination no cruise line reservation's clerk can match.

The Deals And Discounts Are Not The Only Reason To Use a Cruise Specialist.

The biggest advantage you have comes from drawing on the experience, knowledge and expertise of a cruise specialist. When it comes to choosing a cruise, it’s all about which ship, which cabin, how you get there, where you go and what you can do when visiting the ports-of-call, during your cruise. For instance, you are ready to choose a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas Say, balcony cabins on decks 9, 10,or 11. A cruise specialist will advise you to book the least expensive one, it’s cheaper but has the same views of the ocean, is the same size and offers the same in-cabin amenities. Take that recommendation, book it and pocket the savings, then spend it on a shore excursion, say in Jamaica; climbing Dunn's River Falls, Horseback riding on the beach, or renting a private cabana on Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island beach stop.