Real travel agents also know when the cruise lines plan to open their new deployment schedules. A ho

Everyone wants a good deal…or at least think they have a good deal. When cruise prices fluctuate as wildly as airfares, how do you know that you're getting the lowest possible price or coveted value-added florida hertz car rental amenities?
7. Book your cruise as far in advance as possible.  In the "old" days, people would show up at the port, suitcase in hand, 30 minutes before sailing time in hopes of negotiating a last-minute bargain. Those days are over; the tide has turned. Homeland Security wouldn't allow it and ships seem to always sail full.
The best values, accommodations and availability are offered 10 to 18 months before the cruise, not the week of the cruise.  Seriously. florida hertz car rental Many cruise lines offer early booking savings and will even upgrade those who booked florida hertz car rental early so the cruise line can then "re-sell" their original cabin to a new customer at a higher price. This isn't rocket science. Supply and demand drives the rates and, as a ship nears capacity due to heavy sales, fares will increase for those people who book closer to the sailing date.
Once you ve booked and deposited but before final payment, check pricing again about 120 days out, then again at 90 days before your cruise and one more time just before final payment is due.  Read on to find out why this is a good idea.
Try to time it just right. If you can pick up and go, aren't fussy about the itinerary, the accommodations or what cruise line, you just might find a last minute bargain (I said "bargain" not a "steal") one to three months before the cruise. Why? The online cruise sellers block group space as soon as it is open for sale. Eventually they have to return the unsold allotment or get stuck with unsold "merchandise." florida hertz car rental This starts to happen somewhere florida hertz car rental in the vicinity of 90 days before the cruise.
But you absolutely can't be choosy. The discounted cabin might be all the way at the bow on a very high deck or all the way aft on a very low deck. Think lots of motion and engine vibration, respectively.
If you are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for last minute air fares, then the more exotic cruise itineraries may have the best opportunity for snagging a decent cabin on a last minute (90 days or less) cruise.
6. Look for added benefits and amenities . To entice guests, florida hertz car rental cruise lines add additional benefits to specific cruises in order to add value and uniqueness when a price drop isn't in the plan. For example, many times they'll offer onboard credits (actual dollars that may spent onboard), pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, complimentary airport transfers, lunches or dinners in the specialty restaurants, private shore excursions or onboard functions.
5. You might qualify for special rates or discounts . Many cruise lines will offer senior citizen rates (over 55), active/retired military discounts and resident rates.  From time to time, cruise lines like to say "thank you" to those who belong to or have careers with organizations. Holland American and Carnival offer Community Appreciation Fares for firefighters, police, and teachers. Many times the online cruise "discounters" fail to ask if you fall into any of these categories for special offers because it lowers their commission. Be proactive and ask.
4. Frequent cruiser? Ask about any Alumni florida hertz car rental discounts. Most of the cruise lines have their own past passenger clubs. Holland America has their Mariner Club, Carnival Cruise line has their new VIFP program, Crystal has their Crystal Society and so on. Each cruise line offers rewards for being a repeat florida hertz car rental passenger. florida hertz car rental It may be in the form of a discounted rate, category upgrades, onboard amenities, welcome back parties, or even complimentary wash and fold for your clothes. Cruise lines that are owned by the same company, i.e. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity may offer past passenger/loyalty rewards simply because you've florida hertz car rental cruised on one of their "sister" cruise lines.
3. Book your next cruise while on your current one . The cruise lines know that the best time to sell a cruise is when their passengers are having a wonderful time on their current cruise. Most cruise lines are very generous florida hertz car rental and offer extra special savings to passengers that deposit and/or reserve a future cruise while still onboard. You may receive onboard credits worth over $100 per person, a discounted rate, category upgrades, and a reduced deposit.
Another advantage of booking florida hertz car rental onboard is that you are able to choose your perfect cabin, itinerary and sail date. Most importantly, all you have to do is to tell the cruise lines' onboard booking agent that you want to have your travel agent back home handle your new reservation.  The Future Cruise Consultant (as they are usually florida hertz car rental called) will look up your travel agent's name from your existing reservation and give the credit to that agency. Chances are, the agent at home will be so excited that you might even receive a special thank you gift for your effort.
2. Invest in the stock market…cautiously, of course .  Royal Caribbean International florida hertz car rental and Carnival Cruise Lines, being publicly held companies, offer onboard credits to their shareholders. With 100 shares of either company, you are given up to $200 to spend onboard florida hertz car rental your cruise. If you cruise enough, you can actually make back the cost spent on buying their stock.
1. My #1 best suggestion would be to develop a relationship with a knowledgeable florida hertz car rental Travel Agent . Start with a referral from a friend or co-worker. Contact the agent and have a phone chat or meet in person, if possible. Look for someone you trust and have confidence in knowing that they work for your best interest. Working with someone you know and trust is far more sensible than chasing a bargain on a computer any day.
If you're still convinced that an online mega agency is the way to go, remember: if it's too good to be true, it usually is. Some online mega-agencies charge hidden service fees, cancellation fees, and penalty fees for name changes or to have documents mailed to your door. Sometimes the charges or penalties are written in grey and in teeny, tiny font at the bottom of your screen florida hertz car rental or worse, florida hertz car rental not visible until you've entered your credit card information. If you should find something fabulous online, let your personal travel agent know and they can almost always match it.
Real travel agents also know when the cruise lines plan to open their new deployment schedules. A home-based travel agent has access to the same sailings and rates as do the huge online agencies. Let your travel agent know what's on your cruise bucket list and they can watch for it to become "open to sell" and grab the best rates and the most onboard amenities.
Not sure where to find a reputable and knowledgeable cruise travel agent? Check out CruiseOne.com , Cruises, Inc. and CruisePlanners.com . They are national cruise agencies for professional home-based travel agents. You choose your location (if that's important to you) and locate a near-by qualified and dedicated cruise travel agent.
I work with AdventureSmith Explorations, small ship cruise and adventure expedition specialists, and we continually update our Special Offers page. Some really florida hertz car rental great deals right as they re released to destinations like Galapagos, Alaska, Hawaii florida hertz car rental and Antarctica!
Thanks for reconnecting here. Please email me with any questions you might have and I can either help you or refer you to someone. After 20 years with my own travel agency and being a solo traveler, I can probably answer most any question.
Many agencies have groups set-up that appeal to local clientel (transportation issues) or cruisers with similar interests. These may offer better rates and/or additional amenitites such as roundtrip bus to the airport or cruise port, cocktail parties, onboard credit, special shore experiences or excursions, onboard gifts such as wine, specialty restaurants and beverage cards or packages. Some may have air, pre or post hotels or land tour packages included at significant savings.