| When you really know what you're doing, taking a | | | | everywhere with the group, but the group may have |
| cruise can be one of the most economical vacations | | | | booked a 9:00 p.m. dinner table and you would be |
| available. Your price typically includes cabin, all meals, | | | | registered at that table. So make sure you know |
| entertainment, kids' programs, gym/sauna, jogging | | | | details like this. |
| track, and other amenities. However, there are some | | | | 6) A few little-known tips: If you go on an older ship the |
| very important pointers you must follow to prevent | | | | cruise may cost less. Also, if a cruise ship is being |
| your cruise vacation from becoming a yawning money | | | | repositioned to another location, you can get large |
| pit you will greatly regret. | | | | discounts on that voyage. Ask about this when you |
| 1) Do your homework or get your travel agent to do | | | | book. If you decide to purchase cruise insurance, try to |
| his/her homework in comparing cruise lines and cruise | | | | purchase it from an insurance company, not the cruise |
| packages. There is a vast array of them. Make darn | | | | line. It can be less expensive. |
| sure the quote includes port fees and taxes. Many a | | | | 7) You can save money if you're okay with exploring |
| traveler has had their bubble burst when they realized | | | | a port of call without paying for on-shore excursions. |
| the price they were quoted was the basic cost before | | | | The excursions can put a big dent in your wallet fast. If |
| fees. | | | | you want better on-shore excursion rates, visit for |
| 2) Don't forget to figure in airfare. You're way ahead | | | | various official tourism port websites. Set up your |
| of the game if you don't live too far from cruising ports. | | | | on-shore excursions directly through them. Also |
| But, if not, try to schedule far enough in advance to get | | | | Google for coupon books such as the Great Alaskan |
| the most discounted airfare possible. | | | | Toursaver. This can save you lots of dough. |
| 3) If you book months ahead, sometimes you can get | | | | 8) To save, you can avoid on board pay-to-play |
| in on good cruise discounts. However, if your schedule | | | | activities like the betting, wine-tasting, art auctions, etc. |
| is flexible, then try to book during the last few weeks | | | | Bring a decent camera for memorable photos. The |
| before a cruise. They're trying to fill their ship then and | | | | professional photos on board cost a fair amount. Buy |
| you can get hefty discounts. Also, if you don't mind a | | | | internet use at a port if possible; on the ship, they |
| windowless cabin, book an inside cabin at a cheaper | | | | charge per minute. If you're on a budget, don't get |
| rate. | | | | carried away with the booze. A bar tab can get out of |
| 4) Look for cruises where kids go free. As I wrote this | | | | hand real quick. Even water and soda are costly, so, if |
| article, I noticed several kids-go-free offers. Majestic | | | | you want, bring your own water bottle or coffee mug |
| American, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Costa offered | | | | and fill-er- up at the self-serve buffet. |
| a cruise free for kids under 12 and Disney offered a | | | | 9) In brief, almost everything costs more on the ship. |
| free cruise for kids under age 17. You can't beat | | | | So bring plenty of toiletries, sundries, camera film, etc. |
| offers like this. | | | | 10) What's my final tip? What did you expect? Cruise |
| 5) There are other possible discounts. If you're over | | | | lines want to grab customers for life so they usually |
| age 50 you may get 10% off. If you book eight cabins | | | | offer nice reward programs if you book your next |
| with friends or relatives, you may get your cabin free. | | | | cruise with them. So keep a record of your prior |
| Or you can ask to be included in an unknown group. | | | | cruise(s) and see what discounts or rewards you are |
| Of course, on-board you won't have to be run around | | | | offered. |