Sue and Bruce Mitchell
Red Mountain Travel offers the following important questions and answers you should consider to assure the best deal on your cruise
Should I wait to book my cruise?
Well, that depends on you. Do you have the luxury of traveling at the last minute? If not, contact your local cruise agent, and book well in advance. This will assure you the best cabin at the best rate available. This doesn’t mean the cruise rate won’t change. However, you can ask your agent to check to see if you qualify for a lesser rate. Sometimes, promotions are directed to certain clientele. More importantly, if you want a certain cabin, reserve it as soon as possible to avoid being disappointed.
How do I know if I am dealing with a good agent?
Check out the company with which you are dealing. Try using one with a good reputation, or select the company that touts being a top producer with the cruise line of your choice. This typically means there is buying power, and the company will have special pricing or amenities available. Ask the agent if the company has ever sailed with the cruise line in which you are interested, or if it has had special training. You need to feel comfortable dealing with the agent.
When is the best time to travel?
If you are traveling to any exotic port, there usually are softer booking periods in which pricing can be hundreds of dollars lower. For example, if you are sailing to Alaska, book in May or September, and your savings will be substantial. The Caribbean is dirt cheap in the fall. So inexpensive, it’s almost free. Well, maybe not, but it can be less than $100 dollars per day, which is cheaper than staying home. Again, choose a reputable, knowledgeable agent who can guide you to these savings. Sometimes, being flexible is key to saving money.
How do I find the best cruise deals?
Ask if your travel agent sends out weekly specials. Most competent agents send out a weekly email promotion. This will give you a heads up when there are special cruise deals. In other words, agents regularly have access to cruise line promotions. They include shipboard credit, cabin category upgrades, reduced payment deposits, coupon booklets for onboard savings and even free gratuities. You will miss the deal, however, if you don’t know about it.
Most importantly, make sure your agent asks you questions to help determine if you are sailing on an appropriate cruise for you. For example, if you want peace and quiet, you do not want to be on a cruise catering to spring breakers.
Next month, watch for our review of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship the Norwegian Escape. We are sailing on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to Miami.
If you haven’t cruised in a while, or would like to know what some of the specials cruise lines currently are offering, contact Sue or Bruce Mitchell, your Cruise Planners travel specialists, of Red Mountain Travel. Visit the website at redmountaintravel.com. You also can send an email to smitchell@cruiseplanners.com, or call (480) 396-8084.