Cruises are one of the most cost-effective holidays you can go on. With a number of free restaurant options, your room and plenty of entertainment included, you get lots for your money. However, ticket prices can sometimes be steep, which is why you need to adopt some savvy shopping skills when you’re booking your next cruise.
Book a Last-Minute Deal
If you can, try to wait for those last-minute deals that often come three to six weeks before the cruise is due to set sail. You’ll need to be flexible in order to book a cruise in this way, but you could clinch yourself a great deal if you do this. These deals are often even better when you’re not travelling at peak times, or if you opt to go to the Caribbean during hurricane season.
Monitor Cruise Prices
As with any holiday, prices will go up and down all the time. However, cruise ships will often put on promotions and sales at similar times each year. So, by monitoring these, you’ll have a good idea as to when you’ll be able to get the best deals. Look for online deals, such as those offered by Bolsover Cruise Club Limited, and keep a note of them, so you know when the best deals come round.
Cruise from Your Home Country
You might be surprised to know that there are a number of U.K. cities you can cruise from. And if you can arrange to cruise from one of these destinations, you’ll cut down the cost because you’re not having to pay for a flight somewhere. Some cruises might start in different places, so you might only be able to remove one flight from your overall bill, but even this will make a vast difference to the price of your holiday.
Upgrade to an Exclusive Cruise
This won’t be something everyone will benefit from. However, if you like to indulge when you go on your cruises, splashing out on drinks, fine dining and other added extras, you might benefit from paying for a luxury cruise. Luxury cruise lines will often provide you with free Wi-Fi, wine, gratuities and speciality restaurants, which will be included in your package. These are all things you’d have to pay more for on a normal cruise line, so you could save more by upgrading your ticket to a premium liner.
Finally, you might also want to consider booking your cruise while you’re on your current one. Cruise liners will often give you a discount if you do this, just be sure to check this is as much, if not more, than the deals they normally run.