We all want the best deal, here's some tips you may not know to save on your next cruise vacation
The price of travel is increasing. Travelers are looking for ways to reduce the cost or discount their cruise fare. These tips may help you.
Brand Loyalty
When you sail with a particular line and gain status, there are some perks that may occur along the way. Cruise lines will often open their booking for a new sailing sooner than the general public. There are times when this might come with a certain discount rate. This means you are generally booking very early.
In addition to any discount you may get from early booking, you may also get the pick of available cabins. Great cabin locations sell out quickly, so this might save you money as well as get you in the best available spot on the ship.
Brand loyalty may also get you additional discounts after the voyage is published.
Future Deposit Programs
Most lines offer some sort of discount if you book on board. Many offer ways to deposit money on your next cruise, even if your not sure where that will be. These deposits may come with perks, like being the only amount you might need to deposit (usually about $100), or onboard spending money.
Gift Cards
Pay attention to your lines gift card programs. During holidays they may offer incentives to buy a certain amount in gift cards and receive onboard spending or additional gift cards. Think buy $500 in gift cards, get $50 gift card free!
A well known retirement website in the US offers all sorts of gift cards at a discount. I've seen these between 5-10% off. This site also includes airlines.
Be cautious and remember you can't use a gift card for a cruise line if your booking through a 3rd party travel site (not an agent but an online provider). In those cases you are paying the online booking site, not the cruise line. A travel agent should be able to call in your gift cards if your booking with them.
Owning Cruise Line Stock
Large cruise corporations such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean have shareholder benefits. For example, if you own 100 shares of Carnival, submitting a form will get you $100 on board credit for a 7 day cruise. You must own the stock before the cruise and submit proof. Note these usually can be combined with other consumer offers.
Military, Veteran, First Responder
If you meet any of these you may qualify for onboard credit. Many lines have these programs. These, like the stock programs are generally combinable with other offers.
Credit Cards
Most major lines offer a credit card that allows you to earn points or spending money on your cruise. This is a slippery slope. These cards may have very high interest rates, so be mindful of your spend when doing this. Also a credit card application comes with an inquiry on your credit profile, so this isn't always the best choice for folks.
Casino Perks
Another way to save on a cruise is getting a Casino Perk. This is another slipperly slope. However, if you like to gamble, most cruise lines will offer discounts, casino cash, or other perks to make your sailing special. Never gamble more than you can affort, or gamble just for perks!
Let me know if I can help you incorporate any of these strategies into your next Travel Story!
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