How do I save money in buying cruises?

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River Girl

If your travel dates are flexible, last minute cruises can save you a lot of money. The cruise line is trying to sell all of their left over rooms close to departure day.

Book as far ahead as you can for an Early Booking Discount. Inside cabins are going to be the cheapest, but its like staying in a black hole - no windows and no natural light You never know if its day or night when you wake up and you have no idea what the weather is like outside. Usually those that book an inside cabin once will never do it again. Would you buy a house without windows? Go for the lowest priced cabin with a window.

Book your own air and travel insurance. You can get them cheaper than through the cruise line. Try Travelex or TravelGuard insurance and don't travel without travel insurance if you leave the US. Most important to cover you in case you need medical attention..

You won't be able to bring aboard your own alcohol - contrary to what others are saying. The cruise ships have the same security and xray equipment as the airports and you will go through them each time you board the ship in any port. If they detect a bottle, they will store the bottle for you an you'll receive it before you leave the ship on the last day.

I good rule to follow is, whatever you spent on the cruise, you will spend about the same amount for each adult while on the cruise for shore excursions (you own or the ship's), shopping, entrance fees, tips to guides and on board the ship, drinks, and other personal purchases. If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford to double the price of your cruise for each adult, you'll have a difficult time.

Hope some of the suggestions help.

hermosabeachgal

Bring your own booze. It can get very expensive to drink on a cruise ship. If you are a big soda drinker, bring a case of soda.

collegegyrl06

you save money because your getting room food and activities all for one price where if you went some where else you would have to pay for everything seperate

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Book early, look for specials, and/or book while on ship and you will get a discount.

BC Travel Co.

Often you can save money and get the dates you want by booking early. Many cruise lines have dates available well into 2008 and offer early booking discounts.

BC Travel Company

babbles

Take a last minute cruise, or check out iBtraveling.com for their specials. They always have something posted. Also, when booking a cabin...get one that's in the middle of the ship and at the bottom, that'll save you money too. If your cabin is at either end of the ship and they're waves, you'll get rocked, but not if you're in the middle of the ship. Like a pencil flicking back and forth between your fingers. If you book a cabin now for say in April, two weeks before your cruise, call the company up, Carnival or whomever, and ask if there are any free upgrades for you.

Also, you can save money while cruising, by planning your own activities while on an island instead of booking an activity through the ship's concierge. Buy your own snorkel equipment and bring that, then hop into a taxi when you get off the ship and ask them where is the best snorkeling....heck, their islanders and know the best spots. Let them know when you want to be picked up at the beach and they'll be there for you. I've never had a problem. They want your business.

Have fun!

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