Top Budget Travel Tips to $Category

Nobody pays full price ! Paying the brochure rate for a cruise is like paying the full sticker price for a car. There are always good discounts offered off the brochure rates, if you look long and hard enough.
Try to book as early as possible. Rates often go up closer to sailing. The best rates are usually available 120 days or more prior to sailing.
Look around, browse the Internet, compare the multitude of different cruise lines and their rates.
Be as flexible as possible about your travel dates. Choosing a cruise during off season will always save you money.
Look for any coupons, 2 for 1 deals or other special discount programs that you might be eligible for.

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Often discounts are offered through associations, corporations, military or to seniors, children or large groups.
A membership in a VIP club or frequent flier program often includes discounts or upgrades.
Many credit cards offer special discounts to their cardholders.
Some packages include a discounted cruise price in the total cost, along with pre or post-cruise activities.

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By booking early you have a good chance of getting what you want at a lower price. If the ships end up with low occupancy close to sailing time, you can still find super deals. Due to the new large ships that have been launched in the last few years, last minute deals are an even greater possibility. They may be somewhat limited if you don't have the flexibility to leave at the last minute or book quickly without having to check your social calendar !

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Occasionally. 2 for 1 deals are popular incentives that offer two cruises for the price of one. Airfare is rarely included in the two for one rate. Some cruise lines have offered discounted or free airfares with regular cruise pricing; free post or pre-cruise hotel stays; free cabin upgrades or free shore excursions.

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Many cruise lines will offer a discount to encourage a first time cruiser to give their product a try. Often it won't need to be your first cruise, just the first one with that cruise company.

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Cruise lines are emulating airlines by offering discounts and other incentives to those who have previously cruised with their line. Most of the clubs publish magazines with updates for frequent cruisers regarding the line’s programs and often offer discounts or other special offers.

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Peak seasons vary in different parts of the world. Cruise lines must move their ships from area to area to maintain high occupancy rates and take advantage of peak season pricing. By moving a ship from an itinerary in the Caribbean to Alaska or Europe, a new itinerary is created. The trip to from the old to the new itinerary is called a repositioning cruise and can usually be booked at a very reasonable price..

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