How to Get a Discounted Cruise

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Choose the dates for your cruise vacation - dates in the "off-season" will be less expensive than the "peak season".

   If you can schedule your time even a few weeks before or after the peak season you'll save substantially.
   
   For example, the peak season for Alaska Cruises are during the summer months of June and July.
   
   If you can sail before or after those dates you'll save.
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   Step 2: Decide which cruise line you want to sail on.

   Do a little homework and check out the amenities on each vessel to make sure it meets your expectations.
   
   Large ships have more features for time when you're on-board, but the small cruise ships can get closer to wildlife and the glaciers, and can go to ports where the large ships cannot. , These advertisements are usually for the smallest interior cabins on off-season sailings, and do not include port fees, taxes, and the fuel surcharge. , If the agency is unable to give that information to you then find another agency.
   
   Your interest should be the bottom line, the total cost with NO Hidden Fees.
   
   These costs can run several hundred dollars per passenger, just be aware. , An inside cabin, without a window, is by far the cheapest.
   
   The drawback to an inside cabin is that you'll never know what time of day it is since no "daylight" comes into your room.
   
   Make sure you have a clock. , In other words, the first two people in the cabin will pay the full-fare, additional people will pay less. , Don't purchase cruise insurance from the cruise line; get a separate policy.
   
   You'll not only save money but you'll probably have better coverage too.
   
   Insurance includes trip cancellation for covered reasons, travel delays, medical expenses and lost or delayed luggage., Some cruise lines offer a small discount (about 5%) for a group; sometimes you can also get extra amenities like on-board credits.
   
   But some cruise lines do not provide anything additional for a group. ,
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   Step 3: Be wary of advertised specials such as "Discount Luxury Cruise

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   Step 4: $599 per person double."

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   Step 5: Get a cruise quote that includes port fees

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   Step 6: taxes and fuel surcharge.

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   Step 7: Keep in mind that

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   Step 8: unless you plan on spending a lot of time in your cabin

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   Step 9: it's better to get an inside cabin.

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    Step 10: Note that cabin rates are typically based on two person occupancy.

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    Step 11: Remember that cruise/travel insurance is often recommended by an agency when booking your cruise.

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    Step 12: Understand that cruising with a group does not always save you money on your cruise.

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    Step 13: Check out your Sunday paper's travel section for some ideas of what the pricing is like for the different cruise lines.

Detailed Guide

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