How to Find the Best Promo for You

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Nationwide ads by cruise lines are generally available to anyone, and just because I don't promote each and every one of those doesn't mean I can't get them for you.

In addition, Cruise Planners American Express has top-level purchasing power with all major cruise lines, so we frequently have exclusive deals with them, such as pre-paid gratuities or additional on board credit on "select sailings."

Regardless of whether you're looking at national, regional or Cruise Planners American Express advertising, remember those words "select sailings," because the cruise industry loves to make specials seem more universal than they in fact turn out to be.

Viking and other river cruises love to list the lowest rates for early December cruises and then say cruises available from March through December, implying that the same rate is available in fall's prime wine harvest or in perfect-weather May.  They aren't.

Norwegian Cruise Lines ads include "lead rates" for x-guarantee rooms that don't include any amenities with headlines that promise five amenities, each of which has a lot of fine print of its own.  Although make no mistake, that doesn't mean the tease doesn't lead you somewhere special.

And as I said, "select cruises" may not include the date you choose at random.  If you have flexibility for when you go, let me know, because the cruise leaving a week later might have extra amenities that you'll miss going on the exact date you mention.

Finally, if you're a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a past guest of any cruise lines, or residents of a state, or seniors, or ..., you might qualify for special rates beyond what is advertised, but you can't assume they're always compatible with whatever the best amenities or pricing may be.

However, if I don't know enough about you, then I can't possibly provide you with the best alternatives.

This is especially true for new customers, including your friends you refer.  There is a good possibility that if I start out knowing their names, birth dates and phone numbers that I may be able to go straight to past guest rates for them, but also consider that because promotions vary by qualifications and when you book, they may get a different "deal" than you.

In any case, I'm always looking out for what is best for my clients, and hopefully you know that beyond price and amenities, the bigger picture is always you making the most of your valuable vacation days.