Better prices for cruises?

Question

I've searched and searched, but everyone seems to have the same deals!! (Travelocity, Expedia, TravelZoo, VacationsToGo, PriceLine, Walmart, the cruiseline's website, etc.) I can't seem to find any "exceptional" prices.

Anyone know of a better way to find deals? Someplace that actually offers a "sale" price above the major retailers? Or is the market pretty much equal?

Last minute deals are not an option for me. I am not a senior or previous cruiser. Looking for something in non-hurricane season! (May - July)

Answer 1

In most cases it's a level playing field.  You'll get the same price from the cruise line as you will from an online site or a travel agent.  

Many cruise lines like Carnival expressly forbid discounting, doing so can cause the agency in question to loose their ability to sell the line and may cause the client to be billed by the cruise line.  Occasionally you'll find agents offering shipboard credits, but beyond that the prices will pretty much stay the same.  Be very cautious of sites or agents offering fares below those offered by the Cruise Lines or most agents.

In some cases booking with an online travel site can cost you more money because they charge service and transaction fees which most travel agents don't charge.  

By calling a real live travel agent, they can work with you to match you with the ship and itinerary that is best for you.  Working with an online site, you'll be the one who has to do all the research.

Finally, if something should go wrong who are you going to call?  If you deal with a travel agent you'll have somebody to speak with who knows you and can assist you.  Book with an online site and who knows who you'll speak with.

Answer 2

You are looking during peak cruising season, especially since schools are out. If you can, try to book as early as possible in May. This is the method I have used in booking the past 2 cruises I have been on and has proven successful. Email me if you have any other questions-- I track vacation prices as a hobby.

Follow the steps below and you will get a knock out price on your cruise:

1. Start out at vacationstogo.com. They have reasonable rates and it's the easiest to see all of the ports and embarkation dates. They generally have good deals, but you can get it cheaper (also, note that their prices do not include government taxes, and the prices quoted are for guaranteed rooms).

2.Go to cruisecheap.com. THey will generally have better rates than vacationtogo.com.

3. Use the rate from cruisecheap.com to get a quote from beatanycruiseprice.com. They will beat that price!

4. Finally, go to cruisecompete.com; They will beat the quote from beatanycruiseprice.com. I still book with beatanycruiseprice.com, just because I trust them and they are SUPER nice. Make them fight for you-- the cruise industry is so oversaturated right now that most places will fight over getting a cruiser to book with them, and you will get a good deal. I just booked a Carnival 7 night Eastern Carribean for $986 for both me and my husband! You CAN cruise CHEAP!

PS: Note that the major vacation carriers (ie Travelocity, Expedia, etc) are more commercialized than say a smaller agency such as the ones I have listed above.

Source(s):

1. vacationstogo.com

2. cruisecheap.com

3. beatanycruiseprice.com

4. cruisecompete.com

Answer 3

Too bad. Last minute cruises are stressed to sell rooms.

The best deals are usually JUST BEFORE or RIGHT AFTER a holiday. Those trips book lighter (everyone is going on the "prime" week) so there are usually better prices for them.