Staycation makes way
for go vacation!
Summer and Fall cruises on the increase as people no longer want to
stay home.
by Raye & Marty Trencher
Cruise Traveler Magazine
High gas and airfare prices aren't lowering interest in taking that
summer or fall vacation. Instead people are finding that the real
travel bargains can be found at sea.
According to a survey by American Express, almost three in five
people in the United States plan to take a vacation this summer, up
a whopping from 51 percent from last year.
Some will drive to their nearest departure port, while other's will
choose to fly.
With the high cost of gas, flying to a departure port, such as Miami
or Ft. Lauderdale may be cheaper than driving -- depending on where
you're coming from, and how many people are traveling with you.
Not everyone, however, is intent on cruising close to home.
Some
will fly to Europe this summer, despite the high airfares, as the
competition among cruise lines has intensified. With so many cruise
ships positioned in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, prices
have come down. Some cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas, and
Oceania Cruises offer great incentives such as free airfare, up to
50% off brochure fares, onboard spending credits, free shore
excursions and include gratuities.
But, why a cruise?
Let's consider some of the basic costs of travel
on a daily basis; transportation, accommodations, meals,
entertainment, and sightseeing.
When was the last vacation you took when all those costs added up to
less than $95.00 a day? Cruise travelers often vacation for less
than that.
If you do your homework and research online, you can find 3,4, and 5
day Caribbean cruises sailing out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa or
Jacksonville, Florida starting under $279 per person. ( Carnival,
Norwegian Cruise Line ) Princess Cruises is offering 7 day Alaska
Cruises for as low as $599 and Royal Caribbean 10 Day Europe Cruises
for under $1200!
Once you figure out which cruise you want, call the cruise line and
get their price. But don't stop there. Browse online for any travel
agent deals, including those offering lower group rates. These days
you don't have to be part of a "group" to take advantage of group
rates. The agent has simply blocked a minimum number of cabins (
usually 8 to accommodate at least 16 people ) and is attempting to
sell all those cabins, even to people who don't know each other or
have nothing in common. Once onboard the ship you may never run into
your fellow "group" members.
Travel agents have added-value incentives such as onboard spending
credits, free cabin upgrades, free trip insurance or complimentary
shore excursions to offer you as an inducement to do business with
them. So give them a call and ask for a quote.
Note: The price you
see online may not be that agent's lowest price, as cruise line
rules do not allow the agent to advertise a rate lower than the rate
you got when you called the cruise line.
Cruise tip: Ask for what's know in the business as a "Courtesy Hold"
The cruise line may hold your reservation for say up to 72 hours,
without a deposit, while you talk it over with your family. Placing
a courtesy hold does not obligate you in anyway, but this way, you
will not have to worry about changes in prices or availability.
Before the courtesy hold option date expires, you will need to place
a deposit or if required, full payment, so you can secure your
cruise vacation at the price you want to pay.
Can you cruise for under $100 a day?
Of course you can, but
depending upon how well a particular cruise is booking up, deals
like these come and go, as prices are known to change, not just
weekly, but sometimes more than once a day. If you like the deal and
you're ready to book it, don't delay. Procrastinate and it will cost
you. If you go back the next day to book it, don't be surprised if
that great deal has disappeared. With a limited number of cabins at
these low prices, they book up quickly.
And finally, according to Cruise Outlet; "Summertime time is a great
time to recharge your batteries, rekindle your romance or plan a
family getaway now that the kids are out of school. At sea, the
possibilities are endless. Slide on your sandals or put on your
dancing shoes. Break a sweat in the fitness center or get a massage
in the spa while your children enjoy the supervised kids' club. Soak
up the sun in the pool, enjoy fine dining, then unwind in a hot tub
under the stars, hit the jackpot in the casino, or see a
Broadway-style show. There's simply something fun for everyone. With
sizzling prices that haven't been this low in ages, it's time to
take advantage of both sun and savings - plan your summer escape
today before it's too late."
We could not agree more.
Thinking about going on a cruise this summer? Check out the cruise
ship reviews, ratings and rankings at
Cruise Reviews Online. This
site has cruise reviews, news and deals. There's a large community
of travelers who have written over 1500 comprehensive reviews as
they share their experiences, tips and advice with you. You're sure
to find the right cruise for you. ... |
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