Last minute cheap cruises tips
For a long time the concept of a last minute cheap cruise was to go to the pier and get a great deal or by calling the cruise line the night before the ship sailed. Since 9/11/2001 this cannot happen anymore, cruise lines must have the passenger manifest complete up to 24 to 48 hours prior to sailing. Don’t let the new laws discourage you, it is still possible to get last minute cheap cruises deals. Today planning a cruise 6 months in advance is short term planning.
Where to look for last minute cheap cruise fares?
When looking for a last minute cheap cruise deal first search the internet and look at the cruise websites for the cruise deals they offer. If you don’t find prices in the range you are looking for go to discount cruise travel websites such as Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Travelzoo or Lastminutecruises. Most of the travel companies offer extensive information about bookings and reservations on their websites. The internet is a great place to look for last minute cheap cruise fares and find fantastic savings.
Finally don’t forget your own travel agent. Make sure that he/she will think of you when last minute cheap cruise deals come across the fax or the mail.
The best time to look for last minute cheap cruises
The most preferred time to find last minute prices on a specific cruise is 1 to 3 months before the departure. Why? It’s because this is the final call for travelers to cancel existing reservations without getting a penalty. At this stage, the cruise line knows exactly how many cabins are left and will decrease the fare so they can sell out the ship.
Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
Most of the time last minute cheap cruises deals are not found over the holidays. Don’t plan on taking a cruise during peak holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Also the Spring Break and Easter Holiday are not good time either.
For example you are more likely to find last minute cheap cruises in the Caribbean during hurricane season (September – early November), but be prepared to have your cruise canceled or postponed, or during the pre-holiday break (first weeks of December) and the post-holiday break (first weeks of January).
Look For Repositioning Cruises
Fall and spring are actually the prime times of the year for repositioning cruises. Some ships sail 365 days a year the same itinerary, or at least in the same region. Lots of these ships relocate a few times a year based on the season. For example some will sail from Canada/New England to the Caribbean, or Alaska to Hawaii. Cruise lines sell these one-way itineraries rather than sail the ships without passengers. These trips are known as repositioning cruises. Per-diem prices for repositioning cruises are much lower than for regular cruises. These trips make great last minute cheap cruises.
These trips are usually longer, sometimes two weeks instead of seven days and up to a month in some cases, include many sea days, and come by lots of ports, all at a reasonable price. They feature themes on subjects ranging from theater to wine, or offer options like guest lecturers. Note that on the bad side you are responsible to buy expensive one-way airfares because generally these trips start in one port and end up in another, sometimes what may be a last minute cruise deal can turn out to be an expensive cruise.
To find these repositioning cruise think of regions that are season related year after year. Alaskan cruisers have no choice but to get away in September or October, most of the time offering unique routes along the California coast, through the Panama Canal or to Hawaii. The same way in springtime the ships will have to relocate to the Alaskan area. For example in fall and spring transatlantic ships will reposition from the East Coast (like New York or Ft. Lauderdale) to Europe for Mediterranean cruises. These are examples but you have many repositioning cruises all over the world like Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Are you a repeat customer?
Many cruise lines offer incentives to their actual customers to cruise with them again. These rewards can be discounts, stateroom upgrades, or onboard spending credits. Some cruise lines have travelers clubs and offer to their members special events or receptions, increasing the perceived value of the last minute cruise.
Read the Fine Print
This is very important and obviously applies to every transaction that you make. Please read the offer very carefully because it will tell you exactly what your package entitles you. Is it the right cabin type? Is the price per person? Is it single or double occupancy? Are service fees, government taxes and port charges included in the price? Is it really all inclusive?
thanks for sharing
Cruise Ships Side by SidePlanning and booking private shore excursions can not only save money, but more importantly save you from waiting in long lines
Hello,
When on a cruise you should take advantage of the facilities that are available on the ship. It is always a nice thing to get up early enough to watch the sun rise. The cruise director can tell you when the time will be for the sun rise the next day and having a cup of coffee and seeing it rise is a special thing you should take advantage of.
And I can recommend you a good travel agency to develop your plan. I always used their services whenever i travel to other countries. Last summer i went also to London and they find me a good hotel with a good price. Visit the website of LastMinuteTraveland find also their good deals and services. Enjoy their deals too.
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London Hotels
http://www.lastminutetravel.com/Destination/London-Hotels.aspx
ast minute holidays are available all year round and late deals to the Algarve offer plenty of winter sunshine. Last minute holiday bargains make short weekend breaks to the Algarve entirely possible too. Here there are very good tips for a last minute trip.
last minute cruise deals´s last blog ..Disabled Cruiser Specialist
Thanks a lot; you have given such wonderful information in much summarized manner. The information you have provided for last minute cheap cruise is really helpful.
And definitely I will not make a mistake by booking my cruise during holidays.
I’ve read about this and I thought that it’s still the gain for the agency though it’s late so they still accept it.
-liz