Back in the day, going on a cruise ship was something only the rich can afford. It would also be confusing due to the many classes and different restrictions per class. And they weren’t very comfortable either, with barely passable accommodations owing to a lack of cruise ships. And worse, you wouldn’t be allowed to socialize with other passengers from different classes – only the ones in yours.

However, there have been more cruise ships launched recently because of increased demand. New ships were built, each one bigger and more luxurious than the last. In fact, today’s cruise ships are sea hotels of sorts with all the perks included. And best of all, cruising is now affordable even for average folk in this era of expensive fuel costs. Still, it would be your responsibility, and that of your agent to find the most affordable cruise with good value.

It’s up to you – you can book with the online travel agencies, book through the cruise line itself or have a travel agent do it for you. Try all and settle on the best deal for you. Book your cruise several months in advance and enjoy savings of 10 to 40 percent.

Develop instant credibility and save money by making payment in full. Standby booking is good for those who are flexible with their times of departure. Standby passengers are usually notified if they made the list 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure.

Cabins mainly determine the cost of the cruise, depending on size and location. Interior cabins won’t give you any view, therefore they are the cheapest – this shouldn’t matter if you don’t spend much time inside. If you’re going on a cruise where the scenery is great, you may want to fork over some dough by going for cabins with a window and/or a balcony – it will be all worth the extra cost.

Ask your agent or the cruise line if there are any special discounts for booking. For example, if you’re 55 and above or a member of the AARP or AAA, you have a good chance of getting a discount from the cruise line.

There are also group discounts you can take advantage of if you’re traveling with several other people, as well as buy one/take one offers. A good source for special offers would be newsletters, both online and offline.

Travel in the off-peak season and enjoy reduced rates. If you’re planning to get away before the Christmas season, that’s the perfect time for a Caribbean cruise. Booking an Alaskan cruise immediately before or after the summer months could save you money.

Another technique you can use to get a discount is to have your cruise repositioned. Generally, in the spring and fall, ships are moved from one part of the world to another depending on the sailing season. The only way to get ships to another location is to sail them and it’s more cost efficient to have revenue paying passengers on board.

You can be rewarded for your loyalty. The more you sail with a particular line the more discounts and perks you’re offered. You could get a chance to book another cruise at a lower rate while on your current cruise. Cruise officials know you’re having so much fun it’s hard to say no.

There are no age or mobility restrictions with cruises. The food, entertainment and lodging is second to none. It also feels nice to be treated like royalty by the cruise staff. There doesn’t appear to be a limit as to where cruises can go these days. To most travelers, cruising is where it’s at.

Leadership training will help you discover what is holding you back from achieving success. Effective leadership developmentgoes beyond information and motivation through an experiential environment.

Filed under: Cruising • Vacation Guides

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