24 tips for smooth sailing

It is possible to get the cruise you want. Let the planning begin.

By Shirley Linde, Special to the Times
Published October 14, 2007

1. Book early. Booking three to six months in advance often will save you money - and give you the best choice of cabins. The earlier you book, the bigger the discount.

2. Pay early. Several cruise lines give an extra discount - sometimes as much as 15 percent - if you pay in full at least six months in advance of your cruise date.

3. Book late. Last-minute bookings can also result in savings; no ship wants to leave with empty cabins. However, cabin choice may be limited.

4. Consider off-season. "High season" refers to the most popular time to take a particular cruise. Go a little before or after this time for better rates. For example, try Alaska cruises in April, May and September, Mediterranean cruises in September and October or Caribbean cruises in early fall or in January and February. But be sure to check the typical weather or wildlife activity for the time you choose. Also, fares may be less just before or after a holiday.

5. Consider a repositioning cruise. Typical repositioning cruises go between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, or from Alaska in the fall to the California coast or to Baja for the winter. Repositioning cruises are sometimes half the cost for the same number of days, but more of those days are at sea.

6. Do a new itinerary or an inaugural cruise. These cruises often have special introductory rates. However, if you take an inaugural cruise, don't expect everything to be perfect. Some problems are inevitable as the kinks are worked out.

7. Put together a group. Groups that travel together, save together. Usually if there are 15 or more - be it a church group, a school group or even a family reunion - you can get a free ticket.

8. Consider an inside stateroom. To some people, the view is important. To others, the cabin is only a place to sleep and change clothes, and they would rather give up the window and keep the money. If you like to sleep late, having an inside cabin will prevent early morning sunshine from waking you, but you won't know the weather until you leave your room.

9. Have three or four in a cabin. Third or fourth persons (or children) travel at a substantial discount, and sometimes free. Just make sure you get along - it can be excruciatingly crowded.

10. Be flexible - try a "guarantee." You can book a guarantee for a particular category of cabin, with no choice as to its location. If the ship sells out of the category your chose, the cruise line will give you a higher category cabin. The only drawback is that you don't know where the cabin will be until just before the cruise.

11. Go standby. With a standby reservation, you are called at the last minute if there is a cancellation, but be careful of expensive last-minute air fare. Standby bookings work best when you live near a city where cruises originate.

12. Become a repeat passenger. Cruise lines usually give special discounts or upgrades in cabin category to past passengers. If you have sailed on a cruise line, be sure to mention it when asking for a quote or making a reservation.

13. Check the Internet for special promotions. Subscribe to newsletters and watch for cruise news, deals and discounts. There may be two-for-one deals, kids-sail-free deals or offers of 50 percent off for the second passenger.

14. Special occasion. If you are celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary or a family reunion, be sure to mention it when you call about a cruise. Sometimes you can get an extra discount.

15. Added value. Sometimes instead of offering a cheaper fare, a cruise line will offer free days at a hotel near the port before or after a cruise, or it will offer additional days of cruising for a discounted rate. Example: "Book three months early and get a free hotel room in Vancouver." Sometimes a cruise line will offer credits for shipboard shops or casinos.

16. Cabin upgrades. Some lines offer an upgrade in cabin category if you are celebrating a milestone (honeymoon, anniversary, retirement), are a repeat passenger, are recovering from an illness, or you brought other passengers onboard. Mention your special circumstance when you book your trip.

17. Book back-to-back. If you stay on the ship for a second cruise, most ships offer the second week at a greatly reduced rate.

18. Flat-rate specials. The way this works is that you tell the cruise line the cabin category of your choice, but you won't get a specific stateroom designation until a week or so before sailing. You get the best available cabin at that time. This is also called "tba" (to be assigned).

19. Senior citizen specials. Some cruise lines have discounts for persons older than 55 or 65. If a senior citizen is traveling with a younger person, the discount may apply to both fares. If you are a senior, mention it when you ask for a fare.

20. Watch air fares. You can find cruise/air packages that are cheaper than booking separately, though not always. If you live near the departure port, you can get a credit on the air fare if it is built into a package price. If you are going to fly, plan as far ahead as possible to get the lowest-priced tickets. You might be eligible for a senior discount.

21. Hotels and car rentals. Cruise lines often have pre- or post-cruise packages that are reasonably priced and can be arranged at the time you book your cruise. As you plan your entire vacation, check what the cruise line has to offer.

22. Compare cruise lines. Different ships often go to the same destinations. Read about the ships and cruises that go where you want to go. Compare itineraries, accommodations, educational programs, shore excursions and fares. Some cruise lines, for example, have cabins for singles with no extra fees. Be sure when you compare fares that you know whether shore excursions and port charges are included. Always ask about special offerings.

23. Tell a travel agent what you are looking for. If you tell a travel agent where and about when you want to go, he or she may be able to notify you when discounts become available. An agent should never charge you for getting a quote or for booking your cruise. He or she also may know of special offerings you otherwise would not hear about.

24. More important of all. Don't pick a cruise just becauseit is the cheapest. Find a cruise that fits your needs and desires. 

Shirley Linde is editor of the Web site www.SmallShipCruises.com. She lives in St. Petersburg.

[Last modified October 11, 2007, 10:35:28]