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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only
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The cruise line web sites always list their specials. The lowest priced cruises will be those that are three or four to five days to the Bahamas and Caribbean. The lowest priced of these will be for inside cabins, i.e., those without a window or porthole.
Most cruises are done by cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney. Consider also Cunard Cruise Line and the Queen Mary II. The ship is fantastic and the prices are comparable with RC, NCL and Princess. Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are big but things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days. When you dock there may be one or two other ships there for the day and some days there may not be any where you go.
The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second rule is go with the same cruise line multiple times because they do offer repeat customer discounts of $50 to $100 per person in a cabin. The third rule is shop around for specials. Some lines will offer specials on a date that does not usually sell out, like Christmas or Thanksgiving week. So don't lock yourself in to one particular week of the year; be flexible.
If you have not cruised before and don't know the ropes it may be beneficial for you to use an agent; the agent does not charge a fee but is paid by the cruise line. But, also, do some home work on cruise line, itineraries, and ships. Use the cruise line web sites to look at what's being offered. Try to have in mind some of what you want to do when you talk to an agent. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can do your own booking online, the price is the same and you can do everything you need right on the web sites. The sites usually have cruises listed for this year and next. I booked my last two cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours.
The format and service on all of these is about the same. I have found that the food on Celebrity, Princess and RC is a cut above what I have been told is served on Disney and Carnival. Disney has good ships but is primarily for kids, and families with kids. It does have adults only areas on ship, but the kids are still there. The will have lots of kids’ activities on the ships, but they will still be all over the hallways, elevators and dining facilities. There will be lots of kids running around and looking for Micky, Donald, Minnie, Goofie, etc all over the ship.
Carnival is the fun ship, but their accommodations are not the best. Carnival is the party cruise line that most young folks and first time cruisers take (ages 20 to 35) who want to party, party, party. If that’s what you are looking for then Carnival is the one for you.
Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the 40 and over age group; a more reserved crowd. All of these cruise lines may have some kids but not many. However, on these lines there are activities just for kids of different ages and staff persons assigned to supervise them most of the day. The last cruise we took on Celebrity had only about 7 or 8 kids all total. Another important factor to consider is, ships going to the Caribbean tend to have more young folks than those going to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or South America. People who go to the Caribbean are looking for fun things like beaches, jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving, parasailing, and a lot of other activities related to water and beaches. On the other hand, people who go to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, etc., are looking for cultural and historic activities. These tend to be the older people (40+). That does not mean these cruises are dull, it just means that the assengers are more mature and reserved. You will find the 40+ crowd in the bars and disco and having as good a time as the youngsters, but you may not hear them across the room or deck.
JUst use the web sites below to shop and also if you sign up with your email address they will email you all of their specials. |
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bite me
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step 1.go to google
step 2.type in inexpensive cruise prices
step 3.it will bring you to 1,790,000 options |
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cherry♥blossoms
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go to cruisesonly.com or AAA |
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momsezno
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Great answer from Tinkertoy. I would add another website: CruiseCritic.com.
Do LOTS of research. This website is a goldmine of info. |
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dukeblueforlife
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I have purchased two cruises from cruisedeals.com. I have researched many "cheap cruise" websites and this is the absolute BEST website. The travel agents are friendly, helpful and not pushy at all. You can book your trip entirely over the computer or call thier headquarters and you will be assigned a travel consulant.
They have the best prices that I can find. Much cheaper than buying from the cruise line directly, and they have a great search on the website so that you can narrow down the cruises to the one that is best for you.
Between me and my family, we have booked four cruises with them and have been nothing but pleased.
http://www.cruisedeals.com
Have fun! |
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onyi
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http://www.rhoda.joystar.com |
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Nightingale
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Travelzoo.com has great weekly offers for different getaways (some are cruises). Another option is Orbitz.com and their sister link hotwire.com. I've used both with great results and huge discounts. |
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Justsyd
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I highly recommend http://www.vacationstogo.com They have specials on every cruise line all over the world. |
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Havahekuvaday
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Sam's Club, they sell cruises also BJ's or any wholesale store. |
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rhonda d
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Inexpensive? I am not sure how you would identify as inexpensive, But I think I can help you out. There are so many cruise ships in the market now, but to start off with I can explain a couple of them.
Carnival would be the least expensive...It is the largest cruise company in the market, it owns Hooland america, Princess, Cunard, Costa, Windstar, and the Yachts of Seabourn.
These ship do 3, 4, 5, 7, and Plus days. Their decor is neon lights, "Fun" colors and usually market to the 22-45 year olds. They have an excellent childrens program. You hear stories like, "it is a party ship" alot of drinking, well, that is true on most ships. These ships have over 2,000 - 4500 people, a small city. there will be drinking and some partying on the ships. Just like Royal Caribbean is more for the personal service, food, and outside fun, like rock climbing walls, and putt putt golf.
Their decor is more brass and recessed lights.
Different dates, different ports, different ships have different pricings, and promos. To get the BEST price and to know what you are getting, the travel agents have direct access to the inventory of all the ships, they have all the promotions. So to answer your questions, a Travel agent has the answer you are looking for, that is our job, we are professionals in our field.
Think about this...If you go on the internet to look for a cruise and BUYone, something goes wrong, who are you going to turn to for help? the computer? you will never get the same person twice when contacting someone from the internet. When you go to a travel agent, you have a personal one on one face to face no guessing relationship.' |
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IndySteve1563
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A lot depends on what your perception of "inexpensive" is. But regardless, you may want to check out TRAVEL WITH STEPHEN. They're a Travel Agency with a website; they have a ton of different cruises to most locations at very reasonable prices.
They also have a toll-free number. Their staff are very helpful and can assist you in finding the cruise that you're looking for at the least possible rate. They can also customize your cruise if you request it. Highly recommended. |
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