Gone are the days when enjoying a luxury cruise was something reserved for only the rich and powerful. Many cruise lines nowadays have options to suit all tastes and budgets.
There are plenty of ways that you can make your money go further and get a last-minute cruise at a fantastic price, if you know when and where to look. Below is some advice that you can follow to help you get the best deal possible on a last-minute cruise booking, assisting you in booking a luxury cruise at a bargain-basement price.
Be Flexible
One thing that is essential when looking for last minute cruise deals is that you need to be flexible on your choice of cruise, as well as the port from which you depart and when you go. The more flexible you are, the better chance you have in finding a bargain on a luxury cruise, and if you do not mind where you cruise to, it is easy to find a deal.
Know When To Look
The best time to book your cruise deal is typically between 60 and 90 days before the cruise departs, and this is because it is the last point in which customers can cancel their reservation without losing their payment. It is also the time when the cruise lines know how many empty cabins there are and will do their best to get rid of them. You will see the price of the cruise coming down, and if you know where to look, there are some fantastic bargains to be had.
Shop Around For Cruises
There are some excellent places that you can search for last-minute cruises, and not everyone uses them. A good example is Twitter, and it is worthwhile following the big cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, or Disney Cruises, to name but a few. It is also worthwhile signing up to emails from the big cruising companies who will often have marketing campaigns offering exclusive deals to their email subscribers, so it is another excellent way to find the perfect cruise. Failing that, try calling around the different cruise agents and see if you can get any exclusive deals with them. Often when you bundle a full package together, including the cruise, flights, hotel, and transfers, some deals can be negotiated.
Look To Depart From Your Nearest Port
One way that you can look to reduce the overall cost of your last-minute luxury cruise is by departing from your nearest port, which is easy if you live somewhere like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. By doing this, you will save on the needs for flights, hotels, and transfers, and you can make your way to the port by yourself, having to only pay for the cruise and maybe a taxi.
If you have never experienced a cruise before and you are looking to get a bargain for your first voyage, follow the advice above, and you can soon find yourself relaxing by the pool on a luxurious cruise ship.
