Cruises Just Got Cheaper, Baby
Posted: Thursday, October 01, 2009
by Debra Fortosis
MnD Getaways
I know some of you love hearing, "Are we there yet?" five million times. You adore the cutthroat traffic and killer fuel prices, the rising hotel costs, the fast food overdoses, the huge amusement park admission fees, and all the other thrills of the typical family vacation. What if you could have your rooms paid for, all the fabulous food you could possibly consume, free daily shows, swimming pools, kids' programs, arcade galleries, island paradises, all on one self-contained little city on the seas? And what if you could treat your family to this for less than you spend on the typical family vacation? Thanks, now I think I've got your attention.
1. Cruise for free! If you organize a group of at least sixteen, you will receive your cruise free. It's not that difficult to do. It can be a family reunion, a class reunion, a church group, or a group of old friends or individuals with similar interests. Few can say no to a great cruise.
2. Cruise lines sometimes offer a two-for-one deal, or a fat discount for a third or fourth party who will be staying in your cabin.
3. If you've cruised in the past with a cruise line and book another trip with them, you can inquire as to whether they will give you a free category upgrade.
4. If a ship is being repositioned from one part of the world to another, you can often get a substantial discount booking on that ship. This usually occurs either in October or April.
5. There can be impressive benefits if you either book a cruise a year in advance or are able to book last minute. If you book a year in advance, you will be considered first if there are any perks or cabin upgrades. If you can book last minute, the line may offer highly reduced rates because they want to fill as many cabins as possible.
6. If you book back-to-back consecutive cruises on the same ship, you can often receive a substantial discount. However, it's wise to request that you remain in the same or a similar cabin so you don't wind up getting downgraded.
7. If your cruise is terminated even a little earlier than publicized for issues such as mechanical failure or passenger health, you will often receive a free future cruise of similar value.
8. If you singles are a little daring, some lines offer a share-a-cabin program. You can share a cabin with another passenger and pay double-occupancy prices. However, do everything possible to ensure that your habits match those of your partner or it could be a very long cruise.
9. Some cruise lines offer the chance to charge your entire cruise vacation to the cruise line's credit card. You are then allowed two to three years to pay for the entire vacation. However, beware of high interest rates.
So don't just sit there. Begin checking out cruise packages now!
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