By Aubrey Williams
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Now that cruises are one of the more popular vacation options, inquiring minds want to know how to select a cruise and they desire a better understanding for cruise pricing. If you're an experienced cruiser, you might already know what to look for while shopping for your next cruise vacation. But for experienced and first-time cruisers, this article could save you money, or at least help you spend it more wisely.
One of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for a cruise is applying the same method they use when buying airline tickets. The offerings and pricing models are completely different for cruises than what you might be used to. Where the cheap airline ticket is almost always the target of choice, there could be reasons you're not aware of for not jumping at discount cruises. We'll explain some of the reasons and make sure you know enough to get the cruise deal that's right for you.
You get what you pay for
You're probably not surprised to hear the age old saying "you get what you pay for". While the saying also applies to most cruise vacations, it doesn't necessarily mean the low priced cruises are a bad thing. It often seems like the discount cruises are perfect for everyone except you. This is one area where cruise prices are similar to airline prices. I'm sure you all can relate - you find that perfect airline price, but that flight to your destination leaves town two hours before you get off work, or at a time that gets you to your destination just in time for bed (and there goes your first day of vacation).
When you find cheap cruises, it's okay to buy, as long as they meet your criteria. Be sure the travel dates work for you. Also be sure the cruise ship has features you like, as some of the bargain deals are on older, smaller vessels. Last but not least, check the seasonal weather for the dates in question, as some cruise deals could drench you with more rain than sun. Another thing to consider is length of the cruise. Don't demand that your cruise counselor get you the same seven day price your friends got, and then find out your friends only purchased a four day cruise.
Value versus price
Another big difference between buying airline tickets and cruise line tickets is that airlines don't offer much choice in value - not even in first class, unless you think a TV dinner and two glasses of wine are worth an extra $300. On the other hand, selecting a cruise should be more based on value than price, and there's plenty of value to be had.
Value comes into play often when comparing a cruise to other vacation options. For example, you might pay roughly $900 each for two people for a seven day cruise, and in comparison pay roughly the same for a nice land resort. However, the cruise will also offer a "boatload" of food, activities, and entertainment included in the price, while you'll pay additional for these extras at a resort. Of course the cruise will also include accommodations, and won't require a rental car. Hopefully you're starting to see how a cruise is often a better value than a typical resort vacation. Cruise prices that first appear a little over your range frequently deserve a second look. In many cases, what first seems like a high price ends up being well worth it when you consider all it offers.
Book cruises like an experienced cruiser
There's a lot to learn about booking cruises, which is why most people still bypass the huge travel websites in favor of personal cruise counselors. All the details about free cruise upgrades, stateroom locations, onboard credits, and extras can be overwhelming. Use companies that offer free cruise counseling that goes beyond simply taking your order. The best personal cruise counselors build relationships with their clients to understand every detail of their clients' dream cruise. It's highly recommended that you use a personal cruise counselor to research your cruise options, navigate cruise pricing, and build your perfect vacation. It's like getting VIP service from your own personal concierge and goes a long way towards helping you book your cruise like a pro.
That being said, you now know that cheap cruises aren't always the best cruises. You're also now aware that value can be much more important than price when booking a cruise. Lastly, you know your cruise value can begin with the services of a personal cruise counselor who gives you the same pampering service you might expect on your cruise.
Aubrey Williams provides information and tips to new and experienced cruisers. He's a professional cruise vacation counselor providing assistance with all aspects of the cruise booking process for individual and group cruises. He can be reached by email and phone at his website http://www.EliteCruiseVacations.com.
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