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Booking a Cruise on the InternetMay 30 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Booking a cruise with an internet cruise-only agent can save you lots of money. The question you have to ask yourself, is it worth the effort? I say it is!
Cruise vacations have become very popular. More and more people are taking advantage of low prices and new ships. It's still a good idea to book your cruise with a reputable travel agent; however with the advent of the internet, there is still some confusion about where to get the best price and service. There are basically four ways to purchase a cruise; 1) you can visit a local travel agent, 2) you can book your vacation through the cruise line via the internet or their 800 number, 3) you can book online with a number of internet travel giants such as Travelocity or Expedia, or 4) you can book your cruise with one of many cruise-only internet agencies that provide traditional service through an 800 number and allow for internet pricing. In general, the total price of a cruise vacation is comparable to what you would pay at a moderate all inclusive land-based resort, when you add in the cost for gratuities and drinks. There are many ways to bring the the cost of your cruise vacation down (which I will discuss later), however the average person spends about $1000 ($800 for the cruise and $200 for gratuities and drinks) for one week in the Caribbean, not including airfare. I realize many people spend much more, and there are those who spend significantly less. Needless to say, cruise lines know they are competing for your business. But what is the best way to book a cruise, and get the most for your money? A large percentage of people book their vacations the old fashioned way: they go to their trusted neighborhood travel agent. Providing individualized service, and capable of addressing your concerns locally, for many this option is the preferred way to book a cruise. I won't argue about service and loyalty, as many people hold these high on their list of "must haves." However, small, local agents just don't have the ability in most cases, to pass along volume discounts and group specials offered by the cruise lines. They compensate by offering a high degree of service and rewarding loyal customers. I realize there are exceptions to this, but generally speaking, companies doing the most business with a cruise line are the ones to whom cruise lines offer the lowest prices and best offers. Still, many people are willing to pay more for exceptional service. A good agent can help you select the cruise that's right for you. If you are new to cruising, and need help in making a decision, your local travel agent can be an invaluable resource, providing you with brochures and assistance in booking your cruise. If you haven't already noticed, there is no uniform pricing structure when it comes to cruises and no one pays brochure prices. Cruise lines offer larger agencies regional specials, volume and seasonal discounts and a host of other incentives. However, booking a cruise directly with the cruise line thus far has proven to be the more expensive way to go. Although most prices are in line with a local agent's quotes, prices obtained through Expedia and Travelocity are slightly lower. There are exceptions, such as "limited time" internet only specials. However, my research has shown time and time again that booking directly on a cruise lines website or through their 800 number consistently results in a higher price. Expedia and Travelocity both make booking a cruise very easy. However, your chances of finding the same cruise somewhere else for less money is very good. I think both of those sites are an excellent place to start researching your trip, and get an idea of the cost. However, several, cruise-only internet agencies tend to consistently beat Expedia's and Travelocity's prices. I really like cruise.com, but you'll find many others out there, by conducting a "search." Not everyone in cyberspace is reputable, so ask a lot of questions, and always book your vacation using a credit card. You can save quite a bit off the cost of your cruise vacation if you are willing to travel in the off season and to sail on an older ship. I have booked many seven night cruises for under $400pp in the off-season on less popular, older ships. In general, older isn't necessarily bad. The restaurant menus, activities and ports of call are the same as the more popular, newer ships. I recommend reading lots of past passenger reviews (both negative and positive) to be certain you will be happy on an older ship, and can live with a few of its short comings. Booking an inside cabin on newer ships is also a good way to cut the cost of your cruise. The least expensive time of year with the best weather to cruise in the Caribbean is in the first two weeks of December, and in January through May (excluding spring break). September through November is also a bargain, however, the weather in the Caribbean is pretty bad. For Alaska cruises, it's cheapest to cruise in May or in September. Same holds true for Europe. Although limited in availabilty, booking a cruise within 90 days of departure can also save you lots and lots of money. Booking a cruise with 6 months or more before the sail date can often reward you with upgrades and substantial savings. To obtain the best price on a cruise, I recommend shopping around. I realize many travel agents find this practice annoying; but it's a fact of life. Most people are looking for the best price. I recommend ordering brochures by contacting the cruise lines directly and checking out cruise line websites for more information. When you have decided on a cruise and sail date, begin pricing out the cruise on Expedia or Travelocity. Then contact several internet cruise-only agencies. Let the agents know you are price shopping, and see if they are willing to beat your lowest quote. Many will, by at least 10%. Is shopping for a cruise on the internet for everyone? Probably not. It takes some effort, and not everyone finds the time involved is worth saving a few dollars. I recommend people booking a cruise for the first time go with a knowledgible, local travel agent. However, those of you who feel comfortable surfing the net, and enjoy the challenge of finding a bargain should have no trouble in researching your options and finding that great deal.  |
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