Author Login | Popular Articles | RSS Feeds | Sitemap

Home | Travel-and-leisure


What are the best Seasons & Routes for cruise discounts?

By: Nick Moseley

Getting cruise discounts isn't advanced maths level in difficulty but can be a tricky business and you do need to do some work. There are some factors involved that can be heavily weigh to odds in your favour â€" If you know about them and how to apply them. Read and learn!

***Cabins***

On short season or limited availability cruises e.g., Alaska or Baltic for example, premium cabins on new ships sell faster than the standard cabins on older (but still good) cruise ships.

Though such premium cabins are more expensive, the demand is still high enough (and the supply small enough) that they sell with no problem. So if you want premium cabins on a specific cruise I advise you to get in as early as possible â€" At least 6 months but a year is better.

***Routes***

Again some more popular than others and sell out faster. E.g., Vancouver to Anchorage is the most popular for Alaska cruises with several lines offering on shore excursions too. These sell fast so if your route is like this book at least 6 months in advance.

Round Trip cruises that leave and rtuen to the same port often have more spaces closer to departure date. So if you don't mind going round trip add them as an option to check out.

Bahamas/Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises are slightly different in that there are so many lines going so often you have much more choice. But big choice = a lot of information and chances to find a great deal so again, planning is essential.

***Late or early season?***

Booking off peak will give you more choices though unless you're lucky you'll still have to pay more for an ocean view cabin.

***Avoid Peak times***

Holidays, not surprisingly, sell out first. Spring Break week in the US, the Xmas-New Year week and July and August are the busiest times. Even with all the options places like the Caribbean attract such high demand that you'll need to book 9-12 months in advance to get a good cabin on a popular cruise. Not so hot for cruise deal hunters.

***Avoid High season***

The late winter/early spring months, Feb-April (in the Northern Hemisphere) book up next. Many people living in cold winter zones are looking for relief from the cold. Even though they won't leave for months, the act of booking seems to provide some relief from the winter doldrums.

***Best Cruise Discounts time***

Bargains are best September-early December and you could find good cabins available as short as 60 days before departure. The weather can still be nice though if you're going to the Caribbean take account of the possibility of hurricanes and be prepared to be flexible.

***Use PC Power***

There are a ton of factors to weigh up. I advise using a spreadsheet to order your wishlist and checklist of things you consdeur essential as well as "nice to have" arrayed against your budget. This helps you stay focused and avoid information overload.

***To start with go online***

See what's about, make a shortlist, and put it all into a spreadsheet. Then start asking for quotes. Cruise lines want you! They want to make you happy so that you come back again and bring your friends! So if they have good cruise discounts on offer they WILL tell you!

Bon voyage :-)

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Travel addict Nick lives in Stockholm, Sweden with fiancĂ© Lena. He moved there after commuting from London every week for 2 years. All this traveling gave him a lot of cheap travel deal finding practice. This he’s put to work on his site MyTravelstore.co.uk It’s crammed with dirt cheap discount travels deals including a dedicated flights & cruise specials section.

| Print | Ezine Ready | |

Recent Travel-and-Leisure Articles

  • Appealing Folk In Newcastle: Astounding Quayside By: Shizukon Stogden - Newcastle is a glorious locality to pay a visit to, as it is chock bounteous of amusing museums and actual pull, as well as the superior eating affairs and night-life you might choose to have. There are numerous things to do and see while you are in Newcastle.
  • Surprising Antwerp Has Delightful Shopping By: Tamesh Macrae - Antwerp may not be much of a political power compared to its neighbour Brussels, but it is one of the true gems of Flanders. With a batch of baroque bars and antique domiciles, Antwerp is also named the diamond capital of the world. Almost every one of the diamonds imported from Africa are cut and prepared here. This memorable charm and modest lifestyle in Antwerp make it one of Belgium's largest underrated tourist destinations.
  • Villas: Perfect Option for Elaborate Vacations ! By: Kristen Kristen 3 - Villas: Perfect Option for Elaborate Vacations !   Holidays are a great way to take out some time from routine life and pampering yourself. If you are looking for an elaborate dream vacation, nothing could be better than spending the time at a villa. When hotels and motels are reflecting ordinary travel, villas satiate your thirst for the elite experience.
  • Living on a budget-shoestring in Phuket By: Hedin Johan - A little bit about Phuket The island of Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea because of it beautiful pearl like shape. It was originally famous for tin mining and rubber, Chinese coolies arrived at the island in the 17th and 18th Century to work on the mines and there is still a hint of Chinese influence here today which can be found in some of the old town’s architecture and Island’s food.
  • Hotel inspectors in Patong Thailand By: Hedin Johan - Interpreting for the Kingdom of Siam It took a good full week for me to complete my interpreting job in Patong, Phuket, Thailand. Everything was laid on for me, hotel accommodation, food; precisely everything I needed. I was actually on a clandestine mission with a Thai/American magazine to inspect some of the hotels in the resort areas of Patong and Phuket.
  • Enjoy Christmas on a Beach - Karon Beach in Phuket By: Hedin Johan - Surfing Santas If you’ve been to places like Bondi beach, you won’t be surprised to find a pot bellied Santa dressed in his red coat, full beard surfing the waves down on the coasts of Sydney, Australia. This is about as far as it goes for the Australian Beach Xmas, sure there are a few beach parties but nothing of the level you will find in places like Thailand for example-and they aren’t even Christians!
  • Top 5 Tourist Attractions of India By: GarimaG - India is a land of great cultural and regional diversity. For a tourist the country is a goldmine of both popular and off-beat destinations. The Taj Mahal in Agra has to be the most popular tourist destination in India. Built by Shahjahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is famous throughout the world as the Monument of Love.
  • Mexico Travel Destinations By: Vfern - With abounding culture, amazing food and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder Mexico is a top vacation destination to countless tourists each year. The enormous growth of tourism is reflected in the wide range of Mexico hotels available; from large international chains to small boutique establishments. Mexico enjoys a cultural blend that is entirely unique. The natural exquisiteness of Mexico speaks of the diversity and resilience of a country blossoming with culture, geographic wonders and age-old experience.
  • Adore The Grand Theatres In Chester. By: Gracia Westolick - Chester is a county municipal in Cheshire, England, situated in what is called the English Northwest. Chester occupies on the River Dee, a water body that borders Wales. Chester is ultimate recognized for the Roman settlements that made the place's walls. These fortifications were made to snub the incoming Welsh from the border. Called Deva Victrix, Chester was already an active municipal as early as AD 79.
  • Ten Essential Items To Take On A Cruise By: Gen Wright - A cruise is one of the best way to take your mind off work. Once on a cruise ship, there is little else you can do except to thoroughly enjoy yourself. So be sure not to bring any of your work along if you are going on a cruise! And remember to bring these important items so as to make your trip more enjoyable. 1) Personal pillow. Some people can't get to sleep without their personal pillow.

Search Ebay

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!


Submit Your link to the Open Link Directory Project

Copyright 2005-2008 MJE Sales, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Proud member of the ArticleCkr Search Network Search Network!
ArticleSnatch.com is free for both publishers and authors to use and is supported entirely from advertising revenue.
Use of our service is protected by our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.