How to Get the Best Discount Deals on Cheap European Cruises
By: Brad Sutherland
A cheap European cruise – that phrase sounds like an oxymoron on par with phrases like “jumbo shrimp” or “gourmet pizza”. Yes, cruises to this region are for the most part, far from cheap. However, cheap is not an absolute term, but rather a relative one. Anything you can find at a discount off its regular price can be described thus, and the purpose of this article is to help you find the best European cruise discounts available.
Anyone who has spent some time traveling Europe knows that costs can quickly add up on a vacation. Add to that the fact that cruising certainly isn’t the most budget-friendly form of travel and you’ve got a recipe for a wallet straining holiday. While it’s true that cruise passengers might not be able to keep their daily budgets down to the level of backpackers staying in hostels and eating a steady diet of Ichiban they can still realize significant savings over a comparable land package.
How is this possible, you ask? Well, once you take into consideration all the costs associated with travel on land you begin to get a clearer picture. Hotel costs, restaurant bills, entertainment, and car rentals can all add up in a hurry. On a European cruise ship all of these things are included on one bill, so while it may seem pricey when you are investigating costs if you actually break down the math you will see that this can be a very economical way to travel.
So, we’ve established that simply by choosing a cruise you can save a substantial amount over traveling on land. What are some other tips to save money on a cruise vacation?
Book a group vacation
Though in many cases a cruise will be a romantic getaway for two, in most instances you will be experiencing the adventure with friends and/or family. Plan a time to get together with everyone who will be traveling with you and make your booking as a group. Groups will often enjoy a significant savings over booking as a single or pair.
Loyal customers get rewarded
Cruise ship companies realize that they make the most money from their repeat customers. They will reward those passengers who are loyal to them, often offering two for one deals or deeply discounted fares. Once you’ve found a cruise company that meets your criteria for an ideal vacation, stick with them! By doing so you’ll enjoy significant savings as the years go by.
Book your next cruise before you’ve finished your current one
As I said above, cruise companies like repeat customers. On board your ship you will find opportunities to book future voyages. Companies will be aggressive on pricing in an attempt to get you to commit to them for your next vacation. Take advantage of this opportunity. Oftentimes you can find a discount cruise deal onboard that you won’t find at a travel agent or online.
Look for discounted fares for 55+
Though there are a lot of negatives associated with getting old, having the opportunity to enjoy discounts is certainly not one of them. Most cruise companies offer deals to their more “senior” passengers. A savings of 5-10% might not sound like much, but when you consider the regular price of the vacation is thousands of dollars you’ll realize that 5-10% can represent a significant savings. Remember, every little bit counts.
These are just a few tips to help you find the best deals on cheap European cruises. Do your homework. Visit your travel agent, search online, and take advantage of all the tips I’ve outlined above. Remember, the more money you save this time on your cruise, the sooner you’ll be able to go again!
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