Discounted Cruises - Things You Should Know
What is the same thing did 11 million people worldwide do in
2004? They took a cruise. Of course, some extremely rich people
did not take a cruise technically but they used their yachts and
spent days in opulence in the midst of the ocean. But for people
like you and me, we have to be content with a cruise package
offered by various travel agencies. If you think cruising is for
old people or your parents, than you are wrong, my friend.
Before you hurry up and buy your discounted cruise tickets
advertised in the Internet or one of those travel magazines, you
should be aware of the reality. Cruise prices are going up every
year. Rooms are filling up very fast. So, bargains may not
always be available. However, bargain prices can be found just
before or after the holidays, or in shoulder seasons. Shoulder
seasons vary from region to region, for example September for
Alaskan cruises.
Get ready for some unexpected problems in a deep discounted
cruise ship. But, hey, don't forget that you also saved a bundle
by purchasing a discounted trip. Engine problems are very common
and some port of calls may be cancelled due to engine problems.
If a port of call is cancelled you may have little recourse for
a partial refund because your discounted ticket may have small
prints that say that the cruise line can change their itinerates
at their discretion.
Imagine thousands of people in close proximity in a cruise ship.
What do you expect? Well, how about viruses? Yes, a cruise ship
is an idle breeding ground for all those nasty viruses. Check
the CDC (center for Disease Control) web site for worldwide
virus outbreak. But that should not dampen your cruise going
spirit. Just stay healthy, exercise, wash your hands frequently
with disinfecting soap and you will be fine.
Don't pay a premium for airfare purchased through the cruise
lines even if they promise you that they will hold the ship if
your flight is delayed. Shop for your own airfare and the
connections you prefer. Most of the time you will be ahead of
the game and you don't have to fly red eye or use lousy
connections.
If the cruise line is promising an all-inclusive fare, try to
understand their language. They are saying, hey, we will cover
your foods, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment. You are on
your own if you want to get intoxicated. But that should be fine
because there is not much opportunity to spend a fortune in a
discounted cruise ship.
Don't fall for the gourmet food hype. Realize that it is a
buffet style food, plenty, good but definitely not gourmet.
There may be alternative restaurants besides the buffet style
food. Sometimes, you have to pay in those restaurants. So be
prepared for that.
When the ship arrives at a port of call, either you can purchase
their excursion tour or explore on your own. These excursion
tours are money maker for cruise lines. If you want to purchase
travel insurance, shop at insuremytrip.com and try to avoid the
insurance offered by the cruise line. Don't get upset, if you
find beer and pretzels, instead of, champagne and caviar. Enjoy
your cruise and be happy that you are not spending a fortune for
your vacation.