First cruise did the balcony. Found out I hate to look at all that water. We do interior now and can see the price difference. We don't do drink package, or wifi dint need to be connected all the time the only item I would disagree w you is in the excursions. Some places in the Caribbean are sketchy especially if you have never been there. But more importantly if you book an excursion thru the cruise line big difference if your going to be late getting to the boat vs doing it on your own. And never forget travel insurance
I agree with your tips. Cruise prices are going up but it seems like the cruise lines are trying to keep the base fare in check, but then going for the add ons to make extra money. Resisting those add ons is key to sailing at an affordable price.
Thank you for posting. We are definitely budgeting more for our future cruises and taking your advice, jump in a cab to the local beach for a few hours. Next month we are driving to a port, older ship and we choose an ocean view instead of our required balcony.
That's awesome 😎 Local beaches closer to port are also a great way to directly support the local people as well. Enjoy your ocean view room, and have an amazing cruise! 😍💕
EXCELLENT ADVICE, all around!! We're going on the Star Trek Cruise in 2024, and have been paying in installments. We're in an inside cabin, because we don't expect to spend much time in the cabin! Since it's our first cruise, period, we will look at all the online advice, if we intend to cruise again😉😆
Great tips, except the last one. Here is the truth - never ever buy a cruise too early, you will pay trough your noise... 2 months before the trip is the perfect time.
Technically buying a cruise 60 days out is considered a "last minute deal", and you can find some incredible discounts that way. However, you will have to pay in full at the time of booking.
The travel agent inside of me is screaming reading this comment. Please for the love of God people don’t take this “advice” if you’re planning on a budget. The best deals are absolutely not 60 days out and you will risk not having a cabin if your dates aren’t flexible. Most ships with budget itineraries are sailing full, meaning the last people who booked 60-30 days out paid through the nose, have the worst options for cabin selection and have to pay in full at time of booking if that ship even has space for them to begin with. My next sailing has been sold out 45 days prior to the sailing. If you book a cruise 1-2 years in advance you lock that rate in, have time to make incremental payments, have time to pay any extras like drinks/excursions/specialty dining well in advance of your cruise and have a much better selection of available cabins to choose from. If the sailing drops in price anytime between when you booked and your final payment date you can call and have the newer price honored. 5-10 years ago you might find last minute deals all over the place but all of that has changed with the demand post 2020. I literally have a conversation with someone who has the “best deals are 60 days out” mindset at least 4-5 times a week who are looking at 3x prices compared to what the same sailing a year out would run. Keep in mind, everyone who had future cruise credits from 2020/2021/2022 virus impacted sailings have been rebooking into 2023 & 2024, you also have the standard demand that would’ve existed for 2023 & 2024 and then you also have people who never cruised that were locked down for 1-3 years that are now feeling the need to travel and booking cruises. So you basically have 2-3 years of demand being squeezed into 1 year of supply. Anyone who has access to Travelport can absolutely tell you a last minute deal is the exception rather than the norm, especially if it’s a budget Port Canaveral or Miami itinerary.
Here's my tips: all cruise companies have offers from time to time. On board credit, kids for $99, free wi-fi, drinks package included. Also most cruise ports have free wi-fi, l see lots of people texting as soon as they get off. When the ship docks go to the top deck, on the side thats facing the dock. Sometimes you can pick up the terminals free wi-fi, and do your texting before you are aloud off. Thus saving time.
I never understood cruise companies giving a discount to people living in the port state. Those of us who live nowhere near a port (Midwest) have to spend more to get to the port. We should get a discount!
Just subscribed and already hit the like button. All the cruises we've been on leave from this area. Been to Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, even the Panama Canal. Now I go by myself since my wife passed away. I do go for an occasional specialty restaurant. Special occasions, Anniversary. If I've never been to the port before I will go on a tour with the company the cruise line does business with. Several times the tour got back late and the cruise line stayed because it was with a company they sponsored. Some ports I could do on my own.
Yes, the added security of having the ship wait is a big selling point for the excursions. They're still over priced to heck 😂. My condolences for your wife. It's great that you can still cruise, and solo at that. Awesome!
I live in Pa. My husband and I took the greyhound to new york and got on the carnival sunshine to Nova Scotia, Bay of Fundy, etc. Also we drove to Baltimore to get on an older ship to the Bahamas. We drove to family In Virginia several times, spent the night, and then drove to Norfolk Va to cruise to again the Bahamas. This year we flew to florida and got on the carnival mardi gras to three stops in mexico. I dont think i want to do that again but thats the only way to get to the good ports.
@TravelLifeAccessible thanks! I didn't think about amtrak! And I try to avoid it as well, but I went with a group of 93 people on the last cruise. My husband and daughter in law and other people from our group got it after we got home. The cruise was August 19th to 26th. I want to go next year because it's our 25th anniversary and it's going to places 4 stops, 2 of which we've never been.
Well, I noticed that according to your advice I have definitely cruised on a budget for the most of my >5O cruises. And the best: I did not lack anything!! I live in Europe and have seen am awful lot there. Nevertheless I also cruised the North American, even Australian areas. But always with all those extra costs in mind. I have been to speciality restaurants on board years ago only to find out that (especially) the Italian or French Cuisine is often just not worth it. Any restaurant of that type in my home town serves better food. Spa? Forget about it. Even if a massage might be offered at a reduced price and is tempting - it is still way overpriced and those (sometimes extremely) massive sales talks afterwards destroy all the great feelings after the massage. Drink package? One must be a very heavy drinker, if not called an alcohol addict, to make up for the prices! Just calculate... And you will soon find out that "enjoying" a Drink at a Bar costs you much less than filling yourself, be drunk, don't behave in public etc just because you want to use up the money you already spent in advance because you got carried away "by the low price" (haha) And so on and on. Good video! 👍
I've never personally used a travel agent, but I understand that it shouldn't cost you anything extra to use one. They also have access to discounts and group rates that you can take advantage of. Go for it 👍
Sorry i only read about 3 mins of your info and gave up when you kept referring to the people of the USA. Now, there's really nothing wrong with that but how is it that you don't know there's tons of Canadians cruising and probably lots of people from other countries as well. Figure out some different wording if you will please.
Hello Travelers!
Are you bummed out about high cruise prices? Fear not!
These 5 easy tips will help you get amazing rates on cruises.
Love this video. Great smart tips.
First cruise did the balcony. Found out I hate to look at all that water. We do interior now and can see the price difference. We don't do drink package, or wifi dint need to be connected all the time the only item I would disagree w you is in the excursions. Some places in the Caribbean are sketchy especially if you have never been there. But more importantly if you book an excursion thru the cruise line big difference if your going to be late getting to the boat vs doing it on your own. And never forget travel insurance
The added security of "not missing the ship" is a huge draw for the excursions, for sure.
I agree with your tips. Cruise prices are going up but it seems like the cruise lines are trying to keep the base fare in check, but then going for the add ons to make extra money. Resisting those add ons is key to sailing at an affordable price.
The absolute best bang for your cruising buck is to find a "Repositioning Cruise". You'll be shocked at how much money you can save.
Thank you for posting. We are definitely budgeting more for our future cruises and taking your advice, jump in a cab to the local beach for a few hours. Next month we are driving to a port, older ship and we choose an ocean view instead of our required balcony.
That's awesome 😎
Local beaches closer to port are also a great way to directly support the local people as well. Enjoy your ocean view room, and have an amazing cruise! 😍💕
This is me now. I am a poor guy. Thanks for the tips. I wish someone would find me one as I would like to do it once just to get ca change of scenery.
EXCELLENT ADVICE, all around!!
We're going on the Star Trek Cruise in 2024, and have been paying in installments.
We're in an inside cabin, because we don't expect to spend much time in the cabin!
Since it's our first cruise, period, we will look at all the online advice, if we intend to cruise again😉😆
Whoa, a StarTrek cruise?! That's so cool, I love TNG & DS9, that sounds like it'll be super fun! I'm sure you'll love it.
Thanks for that. I agree. I've taken over a dozen cruises and still don't buy the add-on's
Great tips, except the last one. Here is the truth - never ever buy a cruise too early, you will pay trough your noise... 2 months before the trip is the perfect time.
Technically buying a cruise 60 days out is considered a "last minute deal", and you can find some incredible discounts that way. However, you will have to pay in full at the time of booking.
The travel agent inside of me is screaming reading this comment. Please for the love of God people don’t take this “advice” if you’re planning on a budget. The best deals are absolutely not 60 days out and you will risk not having a cabin if your dates aren’t flexible. Most ships with budget itineraries are sailing full, meaning the last people who booked 60-30 days out paid through the nose, have the worst options for cabin selection and have to pay in full at time of booking if that ship even has space for them to begin with. My next sailing has been sold out 45 days prior to the sailing. If you book a cruise 1-2 years in advance you lock that rate in, have time to make incremental payments, have time to pay any extras like drinks/excursions/specialty dining well in advance of your cruise and have a much better selection of available cabins to choose from. If the sailing drops in price anytime between when you booked and your final payment date you can call and have the newer price honored. 5-10 years ago you might find last minute deals all over the place but all of that has changed with the demand post 2020. I literally have a conversation with someone who has the “best deals are 60 days out” mindset at least 4-5 times a week who are looking at 3x prices compared to what the same sailing a year out would run. Keep in mind, everyone who had future cruise credits from 2020/2021/2022 virus impacted sailings have been rebooking into 2023 & 2024, you also have the standard demand that would’ve existed for 2023 & 2024 and then you also have people who never cruised that were locked down for 1-3 years that are now feeling the need to travel and booking cruises. So you basically have 2-3 years of demand being squeezed into 1 year of supply. Anyone who has access to Travelport can absolutely tell you a last minute deal is the exception rather than the norm, especially if it’s a budget Port Canaveral or Miami itinerary.
And you may not get the room you want or be able to choose your room
❤
Here's my tips: all cruise companies have offers from time to time. On board credit, kids for $99, free wi-fi, drinks package included. Also most cruise ports have free wi-fi, l see lots of people texting as soon as they get off. When the ship docks go to the top deck, on the side thats facing the dock. Sometimes you can pick up the terminals free wi-fi, and do your texting before you are aloud off. Thus saving time.
Great tips! Thank you for sharing 😊
Helpful points! I use most of them myself.
That's awesome 😎
Thank you for watching!
Yesterday i found an 10 night NCL cruise for 390 € per person including all free at sea perks. Problem: Embarkation is today.
Wow, that's incredible 🤩
That's a last minute deal that would have me rearranging my whole life 😂
I never understood cruise companies giving a discount to people living in the port state. Those of us who live nowhere near a port (Midwest) have to spend more to get to the port. We should get a discount!
I hear ya! Disney also gives incredible discounts to residents of Florida just to entice them. Every one else has to take a loan out 😭😭😭
Just subscribed and already hit the like button. All the cruises we've been on leave from this area. Been to Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, even the Panama Canal. Now I go by myself since my wife passed away. I do go for an occasional specialty restaurant. Special occasions, Anniversary. If I've never been to the port before I will go on a tour with the company the cruise line does business with. Several times the tour got back late and the cruise line stayed because it was with a company they sponsored. Some ports I could do on my own.
Yes, the added security of having the ship wait is a big selling point for the excursions. They're still over priced to heck 😂. My condolences for your wife. It's great that you can still cruise, and solo at that. Awesome!
@@TravelingEve Yes, I have no choice but to cruise solo. Next year will take a non cruise vacation to visit someone.
I live in Pa. My husband and I took the greyhound to new york and got on the carnival sunshine to Nova Scotia, Bay of Fundy, etc. Also we drove to Baltimore to get on an older ship to the Bahamas. We drove to family In Virginia several times, spent the night, and then drove to Norfolk Va to cruise to again the Bahamas. This year we flew to florida and got on the carnival mardi gras to three stops in mexico. I dont think i want to do that again but thats the only way to get to the good ports.
I like to avoid plane travel at all costs. I've been looking into Amtrak recently and seems to be a bit cheaper than Greyhound in some instances.
@TravelLifeAccessible thanks! I didn't think about amtrak! And I try to avoid it as well, but I went with a group of 93 people on the last cruise. My husband and daughter in law and other people from our group got it after we got home. The cruise was August 19th to 26th. I want to go next year because it's our 25th anniversary and it's going to places 4 stops, 2 of which we've never been.
I just don't want to do the flying
Well, I noticed that according to your advice I have definitely cruised on a budget for the most of my >5O cruises.
And the best: I did not lack anything!!
I live in Europe and have seen am awful lot there.
Nevertheless I also cruised the North American, even Australian areas.
But always with all those extra costs in mind.
I have been to speciality restaurants on board years ago only to find out that (especially) the Italian or French Cuisine is often just not worth it. Any restaurant of that type in my home town serves better food.
Spa? Forget about it.
Even if a massage might be offered at a reduced price and is tempting - it is still way overpriced and those (sometimes extremely) massive sales talks afterwards destroy all the great feelings after the massage.
Drink package?
One must be a very heavy drinker, if not called an alcohol addict, to make up for the prices!
Just calculate... And you will soon find out that "enjoying" a Drink at a Bar costs you much less than filling yourself, be drunk, don't behave in public etc just because you want to use up the money you already spent in advance because you got carried away "by the low price" (haha)
And so on and on.
Good video! 👍
Hey nothing wrong with that! Cruising is a blast, even without all the extras, and the best part is you save more money for the next cruise 😂🤣
Good advice 👍.
Thank you so much for watching.
Hi i wish to special for September 2024 from durban to mozambique for 5 days wirh 10 people inside cabins
Should we go through a travel agent? My bff & I are wanting to go on a cruise. Not sure how to go about the arrangements.
I've never personally used a travel agent, but I understand that it shouldn't cost you anything extra to use one. They also have access to discounts and group rates that you can take advantage of. Go for it 👍
are you flexible on Dates Places Or Budget?
never skip excursions; skip wifi alcohol shopping madsages
save up go on a Memorable vacation holiday not just a relaxing boring one
Sorry i only read about 3 mins of your info and gave up when you kept referring to the people of the USA. Now, there's really nothing wrong with that but how is it that you don't know there's tons of Canadians cruising and probably lots of people from other countries as well. Figure out some different wording if you will please.