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Best way to book a cruise
Posted on 9/20/24 at 9:54 pm
Posted on 9/20/24 at 9:54 pm
My wife and I would like to do an Alaskan cruise next year. I've checked out all the websites of the different cruise companies (Princess, Holland, Norwegian, among others) and have a general idea on price and options. I was curious if there is a better way to do it. Travel agent? Discount sites? Other?
6
Posted on 9/20/24 at 11:20 pm to indytiger
I have taken two Alaskan cruises, both on Holland America and both from Vancouver to Seward.
They were spectacular. .
If you can book them through HALe, just do that.
They were spectacular. .
If you can book them through HALe, just do that.
Posted on 9/21/24 at 12:58 am to geauxpurple
What month did ya'll go?
Posted on 9/21/24 at 4:24 am to indytiger
Most cruise lines will recommend the use of travel agents and they can make your life easier. Many will keep there eyes open for sales and will reprice your cruise for you and if you have an issue, they're the ones that need to sit on hold with the cruise line for hours trying to get it done.
It won't cost you any extra, they can shop numerous lines, cabin categories, let you know of potential add-ons, etc.
Rally just depends if you want to take on all the research and work yourself or let someone else do it.
I'm too much of a control freak to use them but know many people who do and do so without issue.
When cruising resumed during COVID and there were so many instances where sailins were altered, cancelled, etc we did use MEI Travel so if something did happen I didn't have to call and had no issues but there are plenty reputable out there.
They key is that you tell them what's most important to you. For me, I stressed..I want upgraded cabins so when they offer sales if you can get me in a ____ category for $x or less, just do it, don't even ask. Add my gratuities now and I'll reseach all the ports, on-board bookings, etc.
It won't cost you any extra, they can shop numerous lines, cabin categories, let you know of potential add-ons, etc.
Rally just depends if you want to take on all the research and work yourself or let someone else do it.
I'm too much of a control freak to use them but know many people who do and do so without issue.
When cruising resumed during COVID and there were so many instances where sailins were altered, cancelled, etc we did use MEI Travel so if something did happen I didn't have to call and had no issues but there are plenty reputable out there.
They key is that you tell them what's most important to you. For me, I stressed..I want upgraded cabins so when they offer sales if you can get me in a ____ category for $x or less, just do it, don't even ask. Add my gratuities now and I'll reseach all the ports, on-board bookings, etc.
Posted on 9/21/24 at 8:24 am to LSUfan4444
Figure out what people loyal to the line you’re sailing typically do.
I mostly sail with Carnival; the culture there is book directly with the line using a designated Personal Vacation Planner. Because I book directly with the cruise line’s agent, they’re more flexible if I need to move dates or cancel.
However, the folks I sailed with on Celebrity almost all used travel agents. It was a stark difference to Carnival in that regard.
What’s best depends on the line and what you’re comfortable doing.
If you’re a member, you can also check Costco travel for cruises as well.
Echoing the post above, pre-pay/add your gratuities to the cruise fare. When you do that, you lock in a cheaper rate in the event the line decides to raise them (which they do often).
Princess and Celebrity do Alaska the best IMO. Holland America’s ships are gorgeous; they’re known for attracting a much older crowd.
I mostly sail with Carnival; the culture there is book directly with the line using a designated Personal Vacation Planner. Because I book directly with the cruise line’s agent, they’re more flexible if I need to move dates or cancel.
However, the folks I sailed with on Celebrity almost all used travel agents. It was a stark difference to Carnival in that regard.
What’s best depends on the line and what you’re comfortable doing.
If you’re a member, you can also check Costco travel for cruises as well.
Echoing the post above, pre-pay/add your gratuities to the cruise fare. When you do that, you lock in a cheaper rate in the event the line decides to raise them (which they do often).
Princess and Celebrity do Alaska the best IMO. Holland America’s ships are gorgeous; they’re known for attracting a much older crowd.
This post was edited on 9/21/24 at 8:29 am
Posted on 9/21/24 at 8:44 am to indytiger
Both in May.
One time we took the post cruise extension that included a train ride to the Denali Park for a few days.
The other time we went up a week early and divided our time between Victoria and Vancouver, which are two great places to visit.
One time we took the post cruise extension that included a train ride to the Denali Park for a few days.
The other time we went up a week early and divided our time between Victoria and Vancouver, which are two great places to visit.
This post was edited on 9/21/24 at 8:48 am
Posted on 9/21/24 at 10:03 am to geauxpurple
Travel agent can get you best deal
Posted on 9/21/24 at 11:02 pm to nicholastiger
I typically find a cruise I want and then bot to watch pricing. Get alerts when it goes below prices I want, book, continue to bot and get alerts anytime it goes below my book price and call and save money. Repeat.
Agents should be able to do something similar for you, but I like having full control myself.
Join the Facebook cruise group for your sailing, they can alert you to sales on cruise, drink packages, excursions, when show reservations open up and such if you don’t keep track yourself.
Agents should be able to do something similar for you, but I like having full control myself.
Join the Facebook cruise group for your sailing, they can alert you to sales on cruise, drink packages, excursions, when show reservations open up and such if you don’t keep track yourself.
Posted on 9/22/24 at 1:23 pm to Dam Guide
Check out Costco travel if you’re a member.
Posted on 9/22/24 at 9:18 pm to indytiger
We just got back from an alaskan cruise through Norwegian.
I starting doing my research around Christmas and found a New years deal that I couldn’t pass up. It was half off the total cruise and the second person flies free if you book the cruise through their site. I couldn’t pass it up.
I starting doing my research around Christmas and found a New years deal that I couldn’t pass up. It was half off the total cruise and the second person flies free if you book the cruise through their site. I couldn’t pass it up.
Posted on 9/23/24 at 6:17 am to indytiger
Only been on one cruise. We booked through Costco. It was cheaper than booking directly, and we got a $300 visa gift card and an upgraded drink package.
Not sure if it was a special or not, but no issues and we saved money. Hope this helps.
Not sure if it was a special or not, but no issues and we saved money. Hope this helps.
Posted on 9/23/24 at 8:49 am to indytiger
Do NCL. You’ll get assigned to your own planner. Make sure Glacier Bay is on your itinerary. May is driest month Great company takes care of repeat customers.
Posted on 9/24/24 at 9:00 pm to indytiger
I used Expedia
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