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For instance, one recent search promoted free gratuities on trips booked through the site, but we couldn’t find any mention of this once we actually started the booking process. Digging further, the incentive applied only to certain cruises, despite being heavily promoted. In other words, these sites are more akin to having your own travel agent to help you with the booking process compared to only a website. From booking your first cruise to understanding onboard perks -- the questions can be overwhelming, especially for anyone that is new to cruise. All prices are per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy.
Reserve now. Pay later.
A good cruise travel agent will not only help you navigate these tricky questions they will hopefully provide you with some reassurance. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Special Offers
Above all, remember the age-old rule that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Be wary of any websites advertising cruise deals that are significantly less than the same cruise priced elsewhere. There are dozens — if not hundreds — of websites that you can use to book your cruise. Frankly, not all of them look professional, so it is understandable you might question the legitimacy of a website or their deals.
Cruise Buying Tip: Prices Are Often the Same Across Every Site
If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other. Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations. By waiting until the last minute you aren’t likely to find great deals, but it will mean that you have fewer cabin choices.
To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel
Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here. You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.
River Cruises
However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes. When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase.
Popular Cruise Destinations
If the incentive isn’t that strong or you don’t want to go through a third-party to your reservation, then booking directly through the cruise line is your best bet. In addition, these sites feature their phone number prominently for those who wish to talk to a person about their reservation. You don’t always find that with the large aggregation websites.
Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. Once you've chosen your cruise and, with the agent's help, matched your style with your vacation goals, you've got to book the trip. Your agent will also be able to sort out travel insurance, if required, and will collect payment for the cruise (usually a deposit at the time of booking and the full amount 60 to 90 days before departure).
So should you just find any random site and book your cruise? Below we lay out the advantages and disadvantage of booking with each different type of website. If you’re a deal-hunter, there isn’t some magic website that has cruise fares for dramatically cheaper than everyone else (that we’ve ever found). Cruising is big business, and that’s why you have dozens of websites at your disposal, all competing for your travel dollars.
We are here to help if something should go wrong before or during your trip such as canceled flights or revised itineraries. We know your well-earned vacation time is precious, so at all times we are working in your best interest when handling your travel needs. You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.
Australia's Coral Expeditions joins Expedition Cruise Network - Seatrade Cruise News
Australia's Coral Expeditions joins Expedition Cruise Network.
Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:56:11 GMT [source]
TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise. Like other cruise-buying websites, Costco offers rates that are in line with what you’ll find anywhere else.
Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you.
The right ship and itinerary can make your vacation that much more enjoyable -- and an agent can help you determine the best selection for your tastes. In addition, an agent can answer any questions or assuage any apprehensions you might have about taking a cruise for the first time. If you're used to booking travel independently, consider these reasons why you might want to make use of a travel agent to book your next holiday at sea. So, you've decided to go on a cruise -- perhaps your first venture on a vacation at sea -- and you're a little overwhelmed. You have to consider how much you're willing to pay, whether to book an inexpensive inside cabin or splurge on a suite, and which cruise line and ship are right for you.
If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent. Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.
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