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Maximum Flexibility = Maximum Savings: Most travelers have some flexibility in their travel dates, especially if planning ahead of time. Let your cruise specialist know that you can consider alternate departure dates that may have lower fares available. Keep in mind cruise lines will offer discount cruise rates and perks on sailings that are not nearing capacity.TIP: Shoulder or off peak sailings offer the deepest price cuts. For example, the departure right after the New Year cruise might be substantially lower.
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Ask if “Guarantees” are Available: This requires that you have a little gambling spirit! Many cruise lines will offer a rate on a particular cabin category instead of an actual stateroom number and in effect “guarantee” that rate to you. Then the cruise line has the option of assigning you a stateroom in either that category or better. Sometimes you win and end up in a cabin several grades higher and sometimes you end up in exactly the category you were guaranteed. Remember, there is both an upside and downside to this program.TIP: Completely understand the process before booking a guarantee.
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Upgrade Programs: Often, your cruise specialist may offer a cruise line upgrade program. This means that you book and pay for category “X” and will be moved to a higher category “Y”. Again, there is an element of risk here. The fact that a stateroom may be in a higher category does not always mean it will be a more desirable cabin. For example, you might be in a nice mid ship balcony stateroom on Deck C and get an upgrade to a balcony stateroom on Deck A. While your new assignment may be the same size and have identical amenities you might end up in a less desirable location such as near an elevator or at the extreme end of the ship. And there are outside cabins that have views partially blocked by lifeboats or other equipment. On the other hand there are many instances of guests being upgraded several categories to wonderful staterooms.TIP: Advise your cruise specialist that you will “consider” upgrades offered but you want to have final say on any changes before they happen.
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Check for Group Rates: Many cruise agencies hold what is known as “block space” on ships. That means that they have reserved space at group fares, which can be discounted up to 20% cheaper than individual rates. Many agencies that reserve space for groups hold aside several cabins for individual clients who might be able to depart on this date. While you may be traveling as a “group”, your cruise experience will be as an individual traveler. The downside might be that your dining time or section is affected by the “group program”. The upside is that you might benefit from some group amenities such as an onboard credit, free shore excursion, etc.TIP: If your cruise specialist offers group rates, understand the features, benefits and limitations completely before you book. From the cruise line’s perspective you are a member of the “group” and fall under the policies and procedures for groups.
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Seek Out “Value Adds”: Over the past few years, cruise lines have instituted something known in the trade as The Level Playing Field. This was instituted to attempt to control the rampant rebating and discounting that occurred in the post September 11 travel slump. Basically, now the cruise lines have been partially successful in putting the genie back in the bottle by requiring cruise agents to all use the same pricing feeds. Because cruise agents do not purchase and re-sell the cruises but are paid a commission, the cruise lines themselves totally control published rates. One of the unintended side effects of Level Playing Field pricing is that the cruise lines had to find a way to promote “challenged” sailing dates. And they did this by creating Value Added features. They can include benefits ranging from dollars off certificates, on-board credits, pre-paid gratuities, free spa treatments, specialty dining experiences, casino credits to a free bathrobe or camera.
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TIP: Ask your cruise specialist to seek out sailings that offer value adds. They can significantly impact your bottom line.
