9 Dirt-Cheap Cruise 'Secrets' to Sail for Less $$$
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Who doesn't want to sail cheap? While any cruise will cost money, it doesn't have to break the bank.
I run through the tips and tricks you should know about scoring fantastic cruise deals. You won't necessarily get a $1,500 cruise for pennies, but you can save hundreds compared to some passengers.
Secrets to Scoring Cheap Deals:
#1: Be Flexible With Your Cruise Schedule
#2: Be Open to Any Cruise Line
#3: Don't Drive Yourself Crazy Searching Sites
#4: Sail on Older Ships For Cheaper Deals
#5: Last-Minute Cruise Deals... Aren't Really a Thing
#6: Careful On Upgrades
#7: Cruise Line Sales are a Dime-a-Dozen
#8: Port Fees Can Add Hundreds to Your Trip
#9: Find a Rate You Like? Go Ahead and Book It Now
Bonus #10: Let the Cruise Line Pick Your Cabin
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What's the least expensive cruise you've ever taken? Have you sailed for under $500? For under $300? Let us know below...
Cruise under $500 but that was about 15 years ago. Flight, cruise and hotel cost us under $1500 for 2 pp to the Caribbean with NCL fr Miami.
With you. A 7 day cruise from New Orleans. Cost 350.00.
Booked on Alllure of the Seas for 2022 for 14 nights at £38 per night
$199 US per adult and the kids sailed free - 10 days Spain to Brazil on Pullmintor. Sadly the line did not survive the pandemic.
$99. pp 2 Nite 3 day Bahamas out of maimi. but that was in the 80's - 1 bathroom per floor, ss britanica. old tub built in 50's - everyone got seasick! it caught on fire
Book a refundable trip then call and inquire about canceling right around the cut off date. As an retention, they will offer you some incentives not to cancel. Upgraded from a balcony to a suite at no extra cost and a free drink package for 2.
I like your way of thinking😈
Pure Genius 😎
What cruise line?
No way should you should allow the line pick your room. You risk getting a really loud room because of venues above or below your room... or right next to stairs or elevator ( ding ding ding)... just saying. I agree with a lot of what he says except room personal preferences will make your trip a lot better...
What cruise line was that?
I went on 6 cruises this past winter and never paid more than $100 for any one of them. Waiting for the last minute works best for me. Living in Florida helps. 2 were upgraded to outside window cabins. The rest were interior. And I travel solo. Can't be beat!
Even with the port fees?
@@Mary-bd9vu no. Port fees, taxes and gratuities are always kept separate even on the cruise websites.
How do you do this? I’m looking to go on my first cruise
With a bit of online research, it's pretty easy to book yourself a cruise. My main goals are to keep "Days at Sea" to a minimum. I want no more than 2 in a week. That means traveling to the ports which are closest to the routes you want to take. If you've never been on a cruise, just go book one. Nothing beats experience when it comes to travel. It's not always fun but it is always an adventure.
Best deals this year, cruising over Christmas in the Caribbean for 6 nts $750 total for 2 in an interior spa room.
The best way to get a cheap fare is to join the loyalty club and the casino club. After a few cruises you will get offers for free cruises from the casino not the cruise line. The more you spend , not counting any winnings, the better the offers. My wife gets better cruises, cabins, and a better selection over all than I do. Yes you do have to pay port fees. We twice let them pick the cabin and on was directly over the engines and the other was so far from the elevator you could hardly see it. After almost 30 cruises we get free offers every week.
I'm part of the Casino club, I get so many offers but only have time for a few cruises a year.
How much would one have to spend in the casino to get a free trip?
That’s cuz you’re a sucker and loses money at the casino lol
I'll take one of those offers.
One rule I hear repeatedly; using a travel agent with a focus on cruises is always better than booking on your own. Cruise agents are paid by the cruise line on commission; they specialize in finding deals.
Good point. I've never used an travel agent, but have booked by calling the cruise line agents directly to see if they have access to better deals. The prices I've found are the exact same as seen online. Anyone else have a different experience?
It depends on the travel agency. I am a travel advisor with Costco Travel, and prices do match the crusie line. On occasion, Costco booking have discounted rate codes or additional amenities for a cruise. Primarily, the benefit is a shop card that can be used at Costco. I don't make commission, but I am paid by the hour.
@@Cruzelycom - we booked a Royal cruise in December 2022 with a travel agent and the spread between what the total difference through them and the total on Royal's website is $300-$350.
they offer incentives such as on board credit
@@nan-sea3814 Also, sometimes they get you a bottle of wine, or a free specialty dinner. They NEVER cost more. Why not support an American job?
I read some retired couples book back-to-back cruises because it's cheaper than living in a retirement home.
They have housekeeping, meals cooked for them, and medical staff on board.
Older ships lack some amenities like bumper cars, and bowling lanes, mini golf, I-fly. If you don't do this crap, take an older ship- smaller, less walking, more intimacy. You get to know a lot of passengers by sight. The service is equal. The food is equal. The shows are equal (albeit less extravagant). AL LOT OF PEOPLE PREFER SMALLER SHIPS. Regardless of cost.
The biggest (newest) ships are built around gimmicks. All RC ships now have a rock wall- yeah- like any of us use it. And they all have multiple hot tubs, etc. I swear the smaller ships have LARGER (!) pools.
Don’t overlook repositioning cruises. I just booked a 14 day transatlantic on Royal Caribbean. Incredible deal.
How do you find out about when a ship will reposition?
They can be costly and often sell early. Some are dirt cheap as they are off season and often just one way. Eg alsaka japan in sept for $700 but the other way in april can be $2k+
Cruises from Alaska to Japan
At least with Carnival you can continue to check discounts on your cruise and if you find a cheaper cruise later on they will give you the difference in on shore credit!
Thankfully here in Aus, the port fees etc are included in the fare. The only downside is as a solo traveller, the cruise is double which is super annoying.
It’s actually more than double to go solo. You need to figure in all the gratuities for two people … not just one.
@@cberry6751 those are included in the fare as well,
NCL or RC (i forget which) now have some solo cabins which are really great
@@michaelmele7185 true but I don’t think either of those sail from Melbourne. I’m kinda stuck with limited (and no choice about when) time off and can really only sail from there 😩
Not all lines or ships. Virgin now saioing from AU and they have solo cabins. RCCL larger newer vessels too. But they sell fast
How do I sail for cheap, a single person ?
I stopped after the second tip:
Be open to any cruise.
That followed up tip number 1:
Be open to any date.
So 2 “secrets”. Choose any cruise line on any date. Got it genius.
The phenomenon of no matter the sale, the price is always about the same, is certainly true. The biggest variation in one “sale” to another I have seen is the amount of on board credit or other inclusions included in the deal. I’ve seen the amount of the deposit vary, but I couldn’t care less about the amount of the deposit. My next cruise cost $375 including taxes and fees and I am getting $500 onboard credit.
Please tell me how?
How does one get a $500 obc with that sale price??
You can't reply?? How do you get on board credit
@Cat Valles There are a lot of ways, for that particular cruise, it was just the deal they were offering everyone at that time, but as cruises are selling out these days, you probably won't find that good of a deal. If you are a past customer, casino player, stock holder, etc., you may get offered additional on board credit.
The onboard credit is offered by Next Cruise. They are located on Royal carribean and have the best offers while you are on the cruise. It is smart to take advantage of one of their deals. For instance a recent deal was put $200 down you have year to schedule the cruise with a $500 onboard credit. I was advised by several people that next cruise is the way to go
1:20 that’s why homeschool is so great
Tip for mega savings if you have ability and are happy to miss out. Call the cruiseline 2 to 3 days prior and ask for late cancellations. They slways have them as somone always gets sick etc or dies.. Literally 70% off as any sale is better than vacant cabins. My wife did a pacific relocation this way 18 days for Under 100 a day. . Always ask for the cabin details to avoid a bad cabin.
It’s a supply demand equation. We sailed Argentina to Chili on a 2 week cruise for $350. On a 4 star ship in 2018.
It’s extras where the cruise line makes its profit, over $1,000/person/week.
How did you find it?
We nearly booked south america to australia on a cunard ship for half the cost of econ airfares. But dates didnt work for us
Another tip is when you’re going with a party of 4 or larger, getting 2 rooms is cheaper than all 4 in one sometimes. I know it sounds crazy. I just booked 2 connecting inside staterooms for the eastern Mediterranean in July (7days) for $4500 total out the door including taxes etc.
Btw that price was with us picking our rooms obviously.
Love your videos. Keep up the great research and knowledge. I have been loyal to RCCL for 13 cruises, but would like to try Princess or Viking. I am more into technology than balcony staterooms. Don't mind an interior stateroom that I will only sleep and shower as opposed to a ship that has high speed internet to share live video calls with family and friends. Best wishes.
Cruise compete will give your some good deals , like some OBC and choose better room and so on.
If you're part of the Casino. Crowns and Anchors society. They sends free cruises.
You still have to pay for the port-fees, Gratuities, Taxes and your flight to the port.
That’s how I’m going on mine next week
Travel agents can do more and even better than booking online. Or with fruited line.
Good tips! Who doesn't want to pay less for the same thing. :)
Marry one of the officers or the captains and you'll get to cruise as often as you want for free !😇....nice thought !
Using a travel agency does not increase the price and you may also get you perks from the travel agency. Furthermore, if you get a deal directly from the cruise line, the travel agent will (more often than not) match that price.
Letting the cruise line pick your cabin is risky because you may get a poorly located cabin. This can ruin your whole trip so I would suggest avoiding that option.
We let the cruise line choose our room ONCE. We wound up with a life boat partially blocking our view AND we were on the walking deck with people constantly walking by our window! Never again!
Me too..”Never Again”- A deck below the rolling dining carts..🙄
This can apply to agent special offers too. Eg a deck 2 cabin or 4 berth. A cabin under the pool. No thanks
The problem I have with a lot of cruise lines is how deceptive they can be! If a cruise line tells you that they are doing a special it’s not always true. The other day I was browsing cruises, and I found a carnival cruise that was at $300 without Wi-Fi and drinks. When I went to go, add the Wi-Fi and drinks to the cart the price jumped up to almost $800 with port fees and taxes included.
The very next day when I came back to the carnival website they had the same cruise listed but Wi-Fi and drinks were included this time. When I went to go add the cruise to the cart, the price was around $800 with port fees and taxes included. So the $300 special that they had given me the prior day now jumps up to $800 and they’re claiming it’s a good deal because Wi-Fi and drinks are included.
It’s the same exact price, whether I booked it the day before or on the second. Go figure! I think by changing the wording around on the listing they can get you to think that this is a great deal when the reality is, you’re paying the same exact price in a lot of instances.
I like my room near the elevator it's so convenient lol
Isn’t it noisy at all hours?
@@janetmyers3729 it wasnt for us when I sailed on Anthem last year. I kinda dont like walking the long hall ways just to get to my room and I dont have a problem walking it more just convenient lol
7 night Alaska $229, in 2018
Just booked a cruise for $360 for 2 people
I’m interested ?
Thanks for the valuable tips! I've read that Carnival has the most "party vibe" so people tend to be rowdy, for that reason we avoid this line.
Went on my 1st cruise with Carnival, Mardi Gras: absolutely amazing, we made new friends and had great conversations with a bunches of people. We had 3 drinks for 7 days cruise, my hubby had like 3 beers.
My travel agent had always gotten me a better price than what Royal Caribbean's website does. He also gets me onboard credits...this last booking got me $250 in OBC!
Always check discount deals. They are often non refundable deposits and can even be high deposits that are lost.
Just saw celebrity has a transpacific 15 day cruise in 2023 for just 1300/person in ocean view (which includes drink, WiFi,port and tip). I want to go so bad, but probably won’t have time.
Great video, thanks for the info!
Not dirt cheap anymore 😭😭😭
Wow, I guess u don't like travel agents who can get u the BEST deal at no higher cost than booking direct with cruise line and is more personal.Many of your suggestions are just what u say, " might". I could argue almost all of your "tips", such as your statement of letting cruise line choose your stateroom....u say they sail at capacity or higher, so yes, the " guarantee room " will be from left over or cancellations and nay well be a location u do not want. EArly booking are usually a good price and great choice of location.
Can you get me a cheaper price than 899 per person (3 people but they’re offering kids sail free on expedia) so total was about 2000 for three…. for the Holland America cruise line , ship: Koningsdam leaving San Diego on Dec 26-Jan 2nd
Travel agents are a middle man that adds more fees due to the commissions that have to be paid. How could that possibly be cheaper than booking directly through the cruise line website?
thanks, I've been on a few cruises and want to bring my girlfriend on her 1st. I'm using your tips to find something for us
Did you find anything? I want to do the same
Thanks for your important information-helpful 😮
I'm on a budget, but I don't want to sail on an older ship, I want Oasis of the seas, ship class on a budget
RE: "reserving directly w/ a cruise line after a search is completed" Isn't there value with using a travel agent in case something goes wrong? And on that same note, using a travel agent instead of an "aggregator site". Won't a travel agent, with their experience, have a better chance of finding a good cruise?
No, not unless you’re completely inept.
Thank you great job
Traveling in fall or winter is usually less as long as it's not a holiday
But be careful with hurricane season in the fall in the Caribbean/Atlantic
nice video sir
Typically the cost for letting the Cruise line pick your cabin is only a few dollars cheaper. In that case, don't do it. The "Guaranteed" cabin means that you are guaranteed to get the room that no one wanted. The cruise line can only pick your cabin from those that are left after everyone else picks the good ones. There are not any upgrades anymore. Cruise lines auction off the upgrades or call people to sell them the upgrade, they do not give them away any longer.
Yep. One time I was "upgraded" to a balcony suite RIGHT ABOVE the smoking lounge. Never Again. Not. Ever.
This is the absolute Truth... no more Cruise Fairies as they say... they use to call to see if you wanted an upgrade cheap so they could sell sell your cabin at a premium... Once we got a grand suite for only $140 more total... when we had an aft balcony. It was a sweet deal. Needless to say that never happened again. As said above they auction off upgrades... And even then, when you get the upgrade, you don't get to pick the room, so you might get an upgraded room in a terrible location. It is ALWAYS BEST to choose the room you want or at least will be happy with.
Great info - thanks 😊
Good information
Im loooking for a one night leaving from ports of LA. Some of my friends want to do a Test Runbefore the book a longer cruise
Princess Cruise Line have one way cruises, that are usually 2 days. Princess Cruise Line does this when the ship is on the way to be cleaned. For example, we left from San Francisco and cruised to Canada in a balcony cabinfor $199 per person. The downside, we had to fly back from Canada.
we just booked for 29th january flying from the uk £960 or $1250 for the flight, 15 night cruise... bargain i think
Tip here but not technically cheaper. Take a cruise spend 1k in casino on 25 dollars a spin, you will either win or lose in 10 minutes. Cruise ships will let you take cruises for free after that.
Anyone know if there is a singles club or traveling singles club around?
Its just past the swingers club.
Vegas is expensive during the Super Bowl?
I have never been on a cruise. Are there any cruises that sail from Asia back to the US?
Have you compared prices on Costco Travel? I've only gone on 3 cruises but they were cheaper and offered more credits
Costco can be great for cruise travel. I do find often it has a price listed and when you go to book, it changes. But the Costco Cash if you're a member is great.
Good ideas
I’ve never cruised before I’ve heard so many horror stories about it my dad and step mom are going on a cruise for five days to the Bahamas I’ve heard it’s extremely expensive to cruise on the bigger cruise lines celebrity I’ve heard is the cheapest and best quality I live in Jacksonville Florida I live in middleburg wich is a part of Jacksonville Florida how expensive is it to cruise on a five day cruise I don’t want to go in the winter but I don’t want to go in hurricane season either so the spring would probably be my best bet but how expensive is a five day cruise to the Caribbean and back I’m definitely curious
great job
elevator on bottom deck is no problem!!!
I don't get it. I'm a pro at finding cheap flights and hotels. But for the life of me I've never found a cruise that wasn't $700 or so after fees for a god awful interior room 🤷♂ I may never cruise
Carnival 6 days $100
No more last minute
since covid some trips are half empty lol
But what's the weather like in Jan & Feb in the Caribbean?
Summer 24/7
we almost exclusively cruise Jan-March
I will never never step on a MSC ship again in my life
How do I get to go on a cruise with you? 🥰
I love your videos, but as an English teacher, there is a rule about pronouns (he, she, we, it, they, etc). These are never used immediately after the noun. They are used in the NEXT sentence. You never say" The cruise line, IT... or the passengers THEY.... or John HE... Save the pronouns for the next sentence and don't make the uneducated mistake of using the pronoun WITH the noun at the same time. God bless you!
Could we talk?
I don't want to be on a DIRT CHEAP cruise!
Good point. Beware of cheaper cruises. We went on our first...and last...MSC cruise based on price. How bad can it be? Yes it was ordinary. Wished we paid more not to go on MSC
The idea is not to go on a DIRT CHEAP cruise (i.e., everyone pays a low price). The idea is to pay a LOT LESS than the cruise would normally go for. I booked a cruise upon Holland America for $830 per person during a Black Friday sale. I thought it was a good price. When I got aboard the ship, I met people who paid far less. They booked the cruise with the HA as a standby at a low rate. They got their stateroom at the very last minute. They paid $350/person!
Dirt cheap means crowded buffet lines, subpar cleanliness at public areas, and questionable clientele quality. No thanks.
“Poor people are bad.” Okay Karen.
Clueless
Cheap means it is less expensive. Food level and service level is always the same. Maye a few less amenities- like ship has no bumper cars. Who cares? Entertainment is generally top-notch. Buffet lines are ALWAYS crowded, at least at peak times.
before being picked up. I have Never seen a piece of paper on the floor that sat there for an hour. The clean 24/7. Your room is serviced twice a day. Ask for ice- you'll automatically get it 2x a day for the duration!
Like he said, you are more likely to find better deals if you travel on the off-season. But that also means dealing with fewer loud kids since they are in school. Also being willing to book a cheaper interior room has nothing to do with the quality of the overall ship. So there are ways to travel in particular ships that you really like for less money
I have found that booking early has limited rooms available and not the best rooms. They will only offer what they can't sell. Junk rooms are the only rooms offered in a early booking. Just don't do it. The cruise line want to sell the worst room first and think we're all just to stupid. Just don't do it. There will be better room available between two months and 30 day's before sailing.
You are wrong on several points
Are you sharing what points?
Is it possible to book a cheap cruises without all the bad stuff, buffets huge ships and old people??
You cannot avoid old people- they have money and time. At least they are quiet and well-behaved. You don't want the buffet? Don't go there. Breakfast is served at most DRs and lounges. Lunch is served at most DRs. And dinner should ALWAYS be in the Main DR. If you do a specialty restaurant, you will be paying twice- once for the main DR (built into the cruise price) and again for the upgrade. Why?
@@RetiredSignDude I like nice food, not cafeteria slop.
Alas, all of us will be old one day…if you are lucky. Rather die old than young.
@@imgadgetmanjim I'm not sure what your point is? When I'm old, walker, depends etc. I will not ruin cruises for younger people.
Dates and destinations can influence this. Oldies wont travel in school hoiday periods and higher priced journeys. Its like 3 night cruises to nowhere are always booze cruises to avoid. Oldies arent a issue. They dont stay up late and eat a early dinner and a quiet. Kids in holidays can be really abundant and fill pools and make noise running in hallways etc. Buffets are totally avoidable. You choose where to dine. I hate buffet except breakfast. The trick to a buffet isnt to eat all you can. Some do and its gross. The buffet on celebrity was the only place to get gelato. Only ice cream in dining room
If you want to be a CHEAP SKATE EL CHEAPO go right ahead such as taking a cruise with MSC at the rock bottom price this cruise line offer passengers lowest cut of meat same thing on the menu day in day out be that in the dining room / buffet no amenity one would wonder if the meat is from the deceased animal or the green from the left over bin from the market you get what you pay for if the price is too good to be true ---- then it is too good to be true you would feel SORRY for yourself during / after the trip just a waste of money
Yes agree 100%
I really don't like being around fat people. Are there cruise lines that I should avoid???
Thats offensive. Better to be around fat people than a confirmed fuckwiit. Cruises have a diverse passenger group incl disabled, handicapped, blind and stupid people and loads of ordinary peeps
Why do so many poor people cruise?..?
What is wrong with that? I know poor people who do everything right feed clothe and shelter their family well but at the end of the day their budget for vacations are limited. Why shouldnt they deserve a vacation with their hard earned money even at a discount?
What does this even mean?? Lol
Because they save up their money for years to actually have a good vacation because they never go on vacation (I'm a poor person)
Poor people asking why poor people do 😂