10 Tips To Finding Last Minute Cruise Travel Deals
A simple guide to help you find last minute cruise travel deals.
Cruising is an amazing way to see and experience different destinations throughout the world. As a result, it has now become one of the most popular types of holiday for all ages. However, cruising is not the cheapest type of holiday, especially if you are trying to book everything last minute. The good news though is that there are certain ways to find the best deals on last minute cruises!
Below are 10 tips to help you find last minute cruise deals, saving you time, stress and money.
1: Be Flexible With Your Dates and Times Of Travel:
One of the major factors and keys to finding any last minute cruise deal is to be flexible. Flexibility allows you to have a much broader choice of both dates of travel and destinations. As a result, you will certainly have much more options and a larger chance of finding discounted offers and deals.
Tip: Cruise operators often reduce their prices when cruises are not selling. This is why being flexible really can pay off!
2: Use Search Agencies:
Many of the major Online travel Agencies have exclusive deals that other travel companies do not have. This is due to the fact that they often purchase large numbers of cabins in bulk and as a result can offer them at much lower prices. The crazy thing is it can often be cheaper than the cruise companies themselves can offer them for!
3: Sign Up For Newsletters and Alerts:
Signing up for newsletters and alerts is a great way to hear about all the latest offers from cruise operators. Many companies regularly have promotions, discounts and deals that they send out to their subscribers. If you are subscribed, you will be the first to hear about their last minute deals.
Tips: Sign up for the Before Travel newsletter and alerts and be the first to hear about great deals, discounts, offers and promotions from hundreds of major travel companies. It’s 100% FREE!
4: Consider Looking For Repositioning Cruises:
What are ‘Repositioning Cruises’ you may be thinking? Well, Repositioning Cruises are simply when the cruiseliners need to move from one port to another. They are generally one-way cruises with a different type of itinerary and as a result, are sold at lower prices.
5: Social Media:
Social Media is a powerful reach for any business and cruise operators use this platform to entice passengers. Following cruise operators on Social Media can help keep informed with upcoming promotions that will help you find the best deals on cruise holidays.
6: Use A Travel Agent:
It is always worthwhile searching for the traditional travel agents. Travel Agents often have exclusive offers that are released for specific cruises. Not only that but Travel Agents will deal with and handle all your booking requirements, saving you time and making planning your trip easier.
7: Last Minute Upgrades On Existing Bookings:
Don’t forget that even if you have already booked your cruise, you may be able to upgrade your existing booking. As the sailing date approaches, cruise operators often discount upgrades to higher class cabins that are unsold.
8: Off-Peak Sailings:
Booking a cruise that sails during the ‘Off-Peak’ seasons are generally cheaper. Once again, if you are flexible with your dates and can travel throughout these times, can often save you considerable amounts of money.
9: Senior Discounts and Loyalty Programmes:
If you are a certain age, you may be eligible for a discount! This is not always the case but some cruise operators do offer discounts for Senior passengers. Another great way to save money is by joining the loyalty programmes of cruise companies.
10: Factor In Your Airfare:
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your airfare, when searching for last minute cruise deals. Booking a package deal that has the airfares included, can often work out much cheaper.
Conclusion:
Considering certain factors when looking for last minute cruise deals can save you money. Flexibility and a little research will often pay dividends in finding the best deals. Staying informed about deals, promotions and discounts is a good idea. Being ready to act quickly when seeing last minute deals, will also ensure you book your cruise at the best price.
We hope you found the 10 tips useful in finding the best last minute cruise travel deals.