Drop Into a Summer Cruise!

 

If you've procrastinated until now to book that perfect summer cruise, you may need to adjust your expectations.

But there are still deals to be had if you're flexible on your demands.

Space is limited for families with children who prefer to cruise in a shared room to save money or in adjoining rooms or full Suite to luxuriate in more space.  Shopping with those parameters today might leave you sticker shocked, if not leave you with no options.

Want a mid-ship balcony on your favorite ship?  That might no longer be available.

However, even when your ideal seems elusive, you might find you can still go on a great cruise.

Perhaps the newest mega-ship simply costs a bit too much.  All cruises are fun, a ship that's a generation older might fit your budget.  Take that mega-ship next time, when you have more time to plan.

Maybe you'll need to go with an interior room.  Those are generally the lead rates you'll see advertised to lure passengers, and even when most have switched to rooms they really want, there still may be some bait out there waiting for a bite.

While I usually choose balcony categories, I have cruised in interior rooms and still enjoyed wonderful vacations.  After all, you're on vacation and presumably enjoy the experience outside of your staterooms or you would have stayed home.

Another way to dramatically increase your chances of getting on the cruise you want is guaranteed. 

By that, I mean gamble on a room without a stateroom assignment.  It's not unusual --- with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity in particular --- to be able to save hundreds of dollars per person by not having an advance stateroom assignment.  Often, it is the difference between being able to book a room and waiting until next year.

Finally, perhaps the answer to making a cruise fit your budget will be to give up some of the "free" amenities like beverage packages.

When you think about it, those were rarely offered on mainstream cruises ten years ago, and cruises were still fun.  Click here to read my blog about "Drinkflation" or Value Add?  It includes some great videos to inspire you to cruise.

No need to wait for next year.  If you have the time and budget to go on a summer vacation, then email Wes@CruisePlanners1.com or call 310-546-9618 and say, "Get me on a cruise!"

Wes