Discount Cruise Ship Vacations:
Do They Exist?

By Teri Champigny

In today’s society, we live for deals, discounts, and other savings.  If given the opportunity to save money, just about everyone would take it. The need to save may be apparent in your daily shopping habits. 

Many shoppers, maybe even yourself included, shop at discount stores or use multiple coupons. These actions may save you thousands of dollars each year.  Do you know that in addition to saving money on your groceries, you could be saving money on your next cruise?

Discount cruise ship vacations are often viewed as a myth by many individuals.  These individuals are most likely infrequent travelers.  If you are interested in scheduling your next vacation aboard a cruise ship, you are encouraged not to believe this popular myth.  Automatically assuming that cruise ship discounts do not exist can cost you a large amount of money and it may even prevent you from making a reservation. 

When it comes to booking a discount cruise ship vacation, you have a number of different options.  These options vary; therefore, you are encouraged to examine each and every one of them.  You never know where cruise ship discounts may be found, that is until you begin searching for them.  To get started, you are encouraged to visit a number of online discount travel websites.

Discount travel websites are a popular and easy way to obtain discounts on a wide range of vacations, including cruises. With a simple click of the mouse, you could easily compare prices and make your reservations.  Expedia, Obitz, Travelocity, and Yahoo Travel are just a few of the many online discount travel websites.  If you happen to come across additional discount websites, you are encouraged to fully research the website before providing them with your personal information. 

In addition to viewing the discounts obtainable through an online travel website, you are also urged to contact cruise lines directly.  In the event that you decide to take a last minute cruise, you may find a number of deals and discounts offered to last minute travelers.  Last minute cruise ship discounts are often offered in a final attempt to fill empty cabins.  These deals and discounts can easily be found online or by directly contacting a cruise ship representative.

It is also advised that you considered any membership clubs that you belong to.  Triple A is a well-known travel agency.  In addition to providing roadside vehicle assistance, they also offer valuable discounts on a wide range of vacations.  AARP is another membership club that regularly offer travel discounts to its senior members.  These discounts often include airline tickets and cruise ship reservations.  Additional membership clubs may offer discounts.  The only way to determine if discounts are available is to ask a club representative. 

One alternative to researching cruise ship discounts yourself is to obtain the services of a professional travel agent. Travel agents operate online and locally.  You may be able to obtain the services of a low-cost travel agent. Travel agents are popular.  In addition to researching and suggesting particular cruise ships, they are often offered discounts that are not available to the general public. 

With a small amount of time and research or professional assistance, you can easily obtain discount cruise ship tickets.  Why avoid cruises altogether or pay full price for a reservation that can be obtained for a discount?