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Wow! If we really thought that the deals behind those headlines were all that great, we'd all be soaking up the sun on a Caribbean cruise right now. If the deals and the headlines that support them sound too good to be true. Are they too good to be true!

Let's Find Out...

Who could miss hearing one of those loud, obnoxious car dealer ads on television. Special sales and deals only available this week!  But wait every week they have some kind of sale. Tent Sale. End of Model Year Sale. Presidents Day Sale. You name it. Do people really pay attention to that stuff?

Marketers refer to limited time offers as definitive calls to action. You must act now before it's too late or you'll miss out on a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. But, we all know when it comes to selling something, opportunity knocks more than once. More like once a week!

So, what about those so called cruise deals.   3 Day Sales. 24hr Sales. Flash Sales. Early Booking Sales. The list could go on and on.   The price of a cruise, your cruise fare, is determined by supply and demand. The price you read in the cruise line's brochure is almost never the real selling price.   When was the last time you paid "sticker" price for your car?  We'll bet never! Same is true for a cruise.

Once a new sailing schedule is announced and brochure pricing established, the process begins. During the first week that the new schedule is open for sale, prices are really low. This gets the ball rolling and the bookings roll in. If you are lucky enough to get in on the deals early, you'll likely save the most. Just like on the first day of a stock offering on Wall Street, the early birds profit most.

Now, as the days, weeks and months go by, and the sailing date gets closer, prices will vary depending upon how well cabins are selling. If they are booking up as planned, the sailing never makes the 3 day sales list, nor the 24hr. flash promotion. However, if the sailing is not doing as well as expected, then it makes the list.

Unlike many products that you can view on a shelf, or research available inventory, cruise cabin availability is a closely guarded secret. Holding out for the last minute could limited your possibilities of choosing the best cabin, location or category. All of which determine price. So, when you read a cruise lines headline " when they're gone, they're gone"  they really are gone. They cannot add any cabins, unlike the grocer who can order more of what you want, restock his shelves or issue you a rain check.

Is there really a sense of urgency to booking a cruise.

Yes and No.

If you want the best choice of cabins and their location on the ship. The answer is yes. If you plan on taking a cruise during a holiday period like Christmas or New Years. The answer is yes.

If you plan on saving the most money and don't care if you cruise the Caribbean during the Hurricane season. The answer is no.

What's the Catch?

For some consumer goods that go on sale, restrictions apply. No returns, refunds or exchanges. If the product doesn't work when you get it home, you have to send it off to the manufacturer's repair center to be fixed or replaced.

In the cruise business, some of that philosophy also exists.  For many "Flash" sales, cruise bookings require full payment and are non-cancelable, or require non-refundable deposits. For a non-restricted cruise sale, fully refundable deposits up to the time of final payment are the norm.  If you think you may have to change your plans at anytime in the future, "flash" promotions may not be the "cruise deal" for you.

So, how do you get past all the hype and find the best cruise deal. One that fits both your wallet and your lifestyle?

Forget the headlines. Visit a local professional Travel Agent who can cut through all that clutter and find you a great deal.

Choosing a cruise vacation has a lot more to do with your personal lifestyle and what you want to see and do on your vacation, and less about the price. Not that price is unimportant. But, if you choose to cruise solely on price, you could be disappointed. That great bargain could turnout to be a cabin just above or below the disco, next to the Laundromat, or elevator.  One of the ports of call turned out to be a lot less "paradise" than the brochure proclaimed. Or, you got stuck with a big bill the last night of your cruise, because no one told you about all the "extras' you had to pay for once your got onboard.

Travel agents offer clear, objective information to take the guesswork out of selecting a cruise.  Why risk the vacation of a lifetime to save a few bucks?

Travel Agents provide expert advice, not just a flood of information.

To insure your every want and need is met, their staff continually attend seminars at sea, taking classes and learning everything there is to know about the cruise industry.

Their people travel "round the world", visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, go on cruises, sample and critique shore excursions... They are constantly communicating, learning and passing on that knowledge and information to you.

• They understand your needs.
• They give you good solid advice you can count on.
• They are knowledgeable of what's on offer.
• They are able to get you exceptional value for your cruise.

Your Travel Agent once engaged:

• May be able to offer you group rates even lower than so-called "3 day sales" ( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts. They receive daily e-mails ( faxes are old-school )  from the cruise lines offering special promotions so be sure to ask if there are any special offers available.
• Will offer the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc.
• Will review the proper immigration/passport/birth certificate documentation necessary for your cruise.
• Arrange any special needs -- such as a handicap-designed stateroom, or a special diet.
• Inform you of your dining choices and ask if you prefer early or late seating , or "freestyle" dining where you can dine with whom you want, when you want... and arrange for any special occasions you might be celebrating like a birthday or anniversary.
• Explain the importance of travel insurance to cover the unexpected such as trip delays, missed cruise connections and lost or delayed baggage.
• Give you General Information materials that cover over 18 "Things to Know Before You Go".
• Point out your stateroom on the deck plan ( select deck plans available online ).
• Inform you when final payment is due and the deadline to request air deviations and arrange pre-or-post cruise land packages.
• Advise you about tipping; packing; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, etc.

Travel Agents want you to feel confident- and excited- about the choices you have, no matter if this is your first cruise or simply seeking a new adventure. They'll help you choose the cruise that's right for you--whether you're traveling alone, with children, or with a group of relatives or friends.

Regardless of the Hype and Headlines They Know Where To Find The Best Deals!

Each is a cruise vacation professional. They are a valuable resource of first hand knowledge coupled with contagious enthusiasm for their work, available to help you plan the perfect cruise vacation. You'll find they're just like you, sharing one common dream, the dream of cruising and the spirit of the sea. Call a Travel Agent today and let them plan your most memorable vacation experience ever.

So, the next time you see an ad like the ridiculous made-up example below.

You'll know what to do!

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