Is it better to book a cruise directly or through a third party?

Is it better to book a cruise directly or through a third party? Travel agents can get better deals on cruises Their service to you is usually free, though some may charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it. In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which may save you money on the cruise fare.

Does it matter where you stay on a cruise ship?

The best deck on a cruise ship is different for every traveler. For example, if you get motion sickness, you won't want to stay on the same deck as those who enjoy looking at the scenery. And travelers with limited mobility may not want to stay on the vessel's top deck.

How far in advance should you book a cruise to get the best deal?

Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.

What is the most expensive month to go on a cruise?

The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.

Is it better to board a cruise early?

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

What is the best amount of days for a cruise?

What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won't allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can't decompress as thoroughly, either.

Do cruise prices go down closer to cruise?

Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain.

Do cruises get cheaper the closer you book?

Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

Why is Carnival so cheap?

Ship size and capacity: Carnival operates some of the largest cruise ships in the world, which allows them to accommodate a larger number of passengers. The higher passenger capacity spreads operational costs over more people, leading to potential cost savings.

How do you avoid lines on a cruise?

Is it best to pay for a cruise with a credit or debit card?

“I always want you to pay for a cruise with a credit card, never with a debit card,” Clark says. Aside from the better consumer protections credit cards offer, Clark points to another reason why you'd want to use a credit card to pay for your cruise.

Is it cheaper to book a cruise while on a ship?

The price of a cruise is the same whether you book onboard or at home, but Royal Caribbean will give you extra onboard credit for booking onboard. It's a bonus on top of other promotions the cruise line has, and is one of the best ways to rack up onboard credit.

What day of the week do cruise prices drop?

According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise. Prices associated with travel are always in flux due to supply and demand, so the prices of a cruise can change daily. Prices could spike on a Wednesday and drop, well, on a Thursday.

Is it better to book a cruise sooner or later?

When to Book Early. If you have your sights set on a high-demand sailing — on a new ship or during school holiday dates — the best time to book a cruise will be as soon as fares are released. This is the only way to guarantee a spot (and secure a particular cabin location).

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

Do you need a lot of spending money on a cruise?

As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Make sure to include smaller bills for tips. Fifty to a hundred dollars a day should be enough to cover small purchases, tips and snacks at each port.

What months to avoid for cruising the Caribbean?