Posts Tagged ‘cruise deals’

The Best Time to Take a Cruise

Mar 23rd, 2012
by Kim.
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So, the big question. “When is the BEST TIME to cruise?”

My immediate answer is “ANYTIME!”

I say this because, for me, anytime you can get away is a great time to cruise.  Possibly the better question to ask is, “When is the least expensive time to cruise?”

Cruise rates are typically less expensive in the fall, end of August through October. Yes, this is hurricane season which runs from June until November. Learn the truths and myths about hurricane season here.

Another great time to sail is before or after Christmas, early December or January.  The cruise rates are lower when kids are in school and less families can travel.

Booking early can also save you some cash, the days of the best deals being last minute are a thing of the past.  The cruise lines lower and raise their rates by supply and demand. They have found that they can fill the ships quickly running specials early, and then they can raise the rates because those people that are scrambling for something to do last minute will pay the going rate if they want to go bad enough.

But again, anytime you can and want to cruise is the best time for YOU and that is all that matters!

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How Often Do Cruise Rates Change?

Mar 2nd, 2012
by Kim.
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Cruise rates can be tumultuous. They can, and do, change regularly.

So if you have received a cruise quote from an agent, we highly suggest putting a complimentary hold on that cabin. Very little information is needed and there is no obligation to book the cruise. A ‘hold’ is typically 24 hours, but the time could vary between just hours or up to a week. It is all dependent on the date of the sailing.

It is a win-win situation. If the rate goes up within that time-frame, you are protected and will still have that lower rate locked in. If the rate goes down, no problem, we just have the rate adjusted to the new lower cruise price.

Unfortunately, if you do not put a cabin on hold at the time you are quoted, the cruise line will not honor the lower rate.

So, how can the price change so quickly?

The cruise lines have sophisticated computer systems that diligently monitor their inventory across each sailing. They look at how many cabins of each category are booked, how many are on ‘hold’, and how many are still available. They then calculate the time left prior to a sailing, how easy it’s been to fill the ship on previous, similar dates, adjust and calculate the price accordingly.

That can mean the price going up, or coming down. Supply and demand is the driving force, the more popular a sailing, the more likely it is to fill and have the price go up.

This can happen once a week, once a day and some cases, once an hour!

Don’t take a chance on losing out on the best price for your cruise, just play it safe and ask your agent to put your reservation on a complimentary hold and make sure you know when it expires.

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Cruise Deal Insider: Book NOW to Lock In Your 2012 Cruise at the Lowest Price

Feb 7th, 2012
by Alara.
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Well, we are half-way through ‘Wave Season’ and the deals are here.

What is Wave Season? (Read our earlier post on all things Wave Season)

In short, it is the time of year (Jan-March) in which cruise lines experience their highest sales volume, so they offer low rates and valuable incentives to reward those cruisers that book early.

Make sure you take advantage of these low prices and offers before the Spring and Summer pricing (April-July); as demand increases with spring and summer break, so will the cruise rates.

Plus, deposits are fully refundable* up until your final payment date. This means you have nothing to lose; you get to lock-in the best pricing of the year, but if some unforeseen circumstance arises, you can cancel without penalty! pssst: CruiseNow.com never charges ANY service or administrative fees.

(*Non-refundable fares such as Carnival Early Saver and Holland America Flash Rates are excluded.)

The deals are fresh each week, but they don’t stay long. If you are thinking of taking a cruise vacation in 2012, well, NOW is your chance to be merry and save!

psssssst: Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly SEASaver newsletter! It is so easy–you don’t need to spend time searching online for the latest cruise deals and specials. Our weekly SEASaver brings you the top 5 deals and promotions of the week, straight to your inbox!  Just OPEN, CLICK and be the FIRST to save!

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What is Wave Season? Best Time to Book a Cruise?

Jan 4th, 2012
by Alara.
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Wave -noun. 1. Any surging or progressing movement or part resembling a wave of the sea  2. A widespread feeling, opinion, tendency, etc.  3. A mass movement

Wave Season -Travel Industry term for high volume cruise sales; duration January through March; cruise lines roll out their best sales, values and amenities

“Wave Season” has arrived. And not a moment too soon as the cold has come!

This is typically the time of year when people book their cruise vacation whether you want to dig your way out of the snow, fill your now free vacation calendar or plan that oh-so-fun-filled family summer vacation. So for the benefit of those cruise-minded individuals and the cruise lines alike, the lines tend to offer extra amenities or sales just to help push you over the edge from possible-cruiser to booked-cruiser for 2012.

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What Discounted Cruise Rates Should I Look for in 2012?

Jan 3rd, 2012
by Amber.
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Bottom line, everyone is looking for the best rate, no matter what purchase they’re making.

Who wants to pay more than they have to for the same product?

That goes for a cruise vacation, too.

When reserving your 2012 cruise, make sure to ask your personal cruise guide if you or your sailing qualify for any of these special rates offered by the cruise line:

  • Resident Rate– cruise lines sometimes offer specific states a discounted rate for particular ships and sailing dates. You can save on your cruise just by living in your great state. Not every cruise will promote a resident rate, however, many do and it doesn’t hurt to find out if your state has a discount. When reserving a cruise, most travel agents will ask what state you live in, if not, make sure you ask.
  • Military Rate– many lines give a discount for active or retired military. Once again, promotional rates are not offered on every sailing, but on selected itineraries and sail dates.  There is a restriction, you must be active duty or honorably discharged. Make sure you have a copy of your DD214 form, many lines will require you fax in a copy within a certain time-frame. Or, you will be required to show this form or military ID upon check-in at the cruise terminal.
  • Law Enforcement and Fire Fighter Rate– this one is close to my heart (hubby is in law enforcement!), but, unfortunately, not all lines offer this discount. Royal Caribbean tends to offer this special rate most frequently. Just check with your personal cruise guide to see if your sailing qualifies! For verification, you will be asked to show your badge at the pier.
  • Interline Rate– if you work for an airlines, you’re in luck! Many cruise lines will offer this inter-line rate for those who work in the airline industry on special ship and sail dates. Identification will need to be faxed upon confirmation or shown at the pier, depending on the cruise line, make sure you confirm with your cruise guide.
  • Past Passenger Rate– a frequent specialty rate, there is usually some sort of discount, perks or upgrades for past passengers. Make sure your cruise guide has applied your past guest number to your new reservation. At this time they will be able to check for any amenities. The more you sail, the more you are rewarded.
  • Senior Rate– if at least one person in the cabin is 55 + years young or over, you qualify for this discounted rate. Your age will be verified with your ID upon check-in. {Hey, I don’t think 55 is senior either, but discounts always rock!}

Just keep in mind these special rates are not available on every ship and sail date. It is a good idea to find a great cruise guide and have them keep an eye out for the promotional rates in which you can qualify.

Get a great rate on your 2012 vacation!

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