For many years the concept of a last minute deal on a cruise was that you went down to the pier and got a great deal or maybe you called the cruise live the night before the ship sailed and they gave you a bargain. Those scenarios can no longer happen since 9/11/2001 because cruise ship must have the passenger manifest complete up to 24 to 48 hours prior to sailing. Don’t let the new stipulations discourage you because great deals are still available. In the new world of cruising planning a trip 6 months in advance is considered short term planning.
When you are looking for a good deal cruise a smart place to start your search is by looking at the various cruise websites and see what deals they offer because many of these deals are posted on there websites. If you are not wowed by these prices your next step should be to go to discount travel websites such as expedia, orbitz, travel zoo or last minute cruises because many times these sites offer great deals.
Check for repositioning cruises this can be a good idea because when a ship changes location of were it sails they will offer great rates but keep in mind you must be able to purchase a reasonable prices flight home from were the ship leaves you off at because you will not be returning to your original departure point.
Don’t plan on taking a cruise during peak holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Also the Spring Break and Easter Holiday are not good time either.
Many cruise lines that sail the Caribbean offer great incentive prices if you book during the Hurricane season but be prepared to have your trip canceled or postponed.
The best time to look for a really good price is to check 60 days in advance on the Internet. Go to the many available sites because you may get lucky and be able to pick up some cruise cancellations from earlier planned trips and these are usually offered at a lower price.
When completing your cruise reservations there are a few things that you need to check for so there are no surprises. Make sure the rate you were quoted was for a single or double occupancy. Check on what type of cabin you have purchased and see if any airfare is included because sometimes what may be a good deal can turn out to be an expensive cruise.
A last minute cruise may not be what we used to think it meant but there are still many inexpensive cruises available and remember more people are cruising than ever before.
