How to Compare Cruises for the Best Deal
- 1). Determine the type of experience you are searching for before you compare cruises for the best deal. Most cruises offer swimming pools, various types of entertainment, spas, exercise rooms, restaurants, classes, child care, off-shore excursions, standard rooms and rooms with private decks and balconies. Determine if you are looking for a luxurious cruise or one that is more family friendly to narrow your search. Refer to "Types of Cruise" (see Resources).
- 2). Look online at the sites of each individual cruise line to determine their prices. This method takes time. You will need to research each cruise line's amenities. Pay attention to discounts attributed to the season. Look for incentives. Locate discounts for seniors, students, businesses, residents, people who have taken a cruise with the line before, etc.
- 3). Look at bargain travel sites. Examples of bargain travel sites include Cruise Direct Online, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Priceline and more. Compare their prices with prices you may find at the actual sites of the cruise lines to determine who offers a lower price.
- 4). Research auction sites, such as eBay, to compare cruises for the best deal. Understand that there is a risk to working with an auction site. You may not receive what you bid for or you may be working with an unscrupulous dealer.
- 5). Contact a travel agent. In addition, if you have found what appears to be a good deal at a site, find out if the travel agent can beat it or match it. Be aware that some cruise lines do not allow travel agents to discount their cruises.
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