Holland America ms Amsterdam on 03/17/09 · $2,349
Holland America ms Maasdam on 03/27/09 · $1,699
Holland America ms Eurodam on 05/23/09 · $2,049
Oceania Nautica on 01/07/09 · $4,599
Oceania Nautica on 01/22/09 · $4,599
Oceania Nautica on 02/06/09 · $5,599
Oceania Nautica on 02/27/09 · $7,499
Oceania Nautica on 03/23/09 · $4,599Understanding Cruise Pricing and How to Save
A look at some of the basic components that make up the cost of a cruise, and some helpful tips to save you money.
BASIC/INITIAL COST The advertised “per-person” price is for an inside cabin unless otherwise stated. This will include your accommodations advertised for the length of the cruise; onboard entertainment, onboard activities, meals, room-service, and use of the facilities while aboard the ship. Note: The prices are usually based on double occupancy. This would be bad news for a single person traveling alone, but it means third and fourth passengers are usually even less than stated.
TIP: If you and a friend are cruising and can share a cabin for 4 with another pair and divide the cost by 4 YOU WILL SAVE MONEY. There are even “room share” programs available. Ask Pamela to help you with this.
CRUISE PORT FEES AND TAXES These are the taxes and fees charged by the various government and port authorities at the CRUISE PORTS where your ship will dock. They are usually not included in the cruise-line’s advertised price because the cruise-line has no control over them and they may change before ticket purchase. These typically cover the cost of docking and use of the port facilities and are ALWAYS added to the Basic Cost. The additional charges should be noted as “plus Port and Tax”, “includes taxes”, “includes port fees”, or some other method intended to disclose this necessary evil.
MANDATED, NO SAVINGS HERE SORRY.
MANDATED, NO SAVINGS HERE SORRY.
TRAVEL INSURANCE and CANCELLATION INSURANCE Optional costs of your cruise, but a cost well worth the money. Your medical insurance may or may not cover you after a ship sails because it may be registered in some other port of convenience; and very few if any cover a heliport transfer from the ship to the nearest hospital (this alone could result in a bill over $10,000) Cancellation insurance will cover cost reimbursement and most penalties incurred for canceling due to illness or death before the ship sails. Important: all cruise insurance policies are different and you must read them to assure you are covered for every contingency. Pamela will assist you in this area but encourage you to speak directly to the vendor you choose. I never suggest leaving without insurance.
TIP: THE SAVINGS IN EITHER CASE will be realized if you ever have to use it.
TIP: THE SAVINGS IN EITHER CASE will be realized if you ever have to use it.
THE CABIN The lowest price for a sailing usually starts with an inside cabin and increases from there. An Outside cabin does not mean you will be able to walk outside overlooking the water; this would better describe a Balcony or Veranda. I personally recommend rooms based on destination. During a longer trip to a more scenic destination such as Alaska, Canada, or The Panama Canal I would recommend you stay in a stateroom with verandah in order to have your own semi-private place to watch the ship come in and out of the more scenic Cruise Ports. There is so much to see and do aboard most Cruise Lines. So when it comes to the shorter sailings, the only thing you have time for in your room is sleeping.
TIP:Inside cabins are a GREAT VALUE for a room you plan to just sleep in.
TIP:Inside cabins are a GREAT VALUE for a room you plan to just sleep in.
AIR COSTS If you do not live within comfortable driving distance to a CruisePort, this is the cost of your airfare from your home city to the port where you will board the ship. When available ask Pamela about using the cruise lines' Air/Sea program because this will include baggage handling and transportation from the airport to the ship on the day you embark and transportation back to the airport on the day you disembark your cruise.
TIP: When visiting a location with a CruisePort for 10 days or longer, break it up with a 3 day sailing to get the most bang for your buck.
TIP: When visiting a location with a CruisePort for 10 days or longer, break it up with a 3 day sailing to get the most bang for your buck.
OTHER ONBOARD SAVINGS If planning to shop onboard:
TIP: The best sales are typically toward the end of the sailing, but keep in mind that selection is at its best as the stores first open. It’s a give and take here (price vs selection)
TIP: The best sales are typically toward the end of the sailing, but keep in mind that selection is at its best as the stores first open. It’s a give and take here (price vs selection)
Bottled water, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are usually an extra expense unless otherwise stated.
TIP: Bring a sealing personal cup. The free flowing fountains at the buffet have teas, punch, lemonade, etc… Most Cruise Lines allow passengers a reasonable amount of bottled water and soda to be brought onboard for personal use. This includes a limited amount of personal wines. Ask Pamela for Cruise Line specifics on this item upon booking.
TIP: Bring a sealing personal cup. The free flowing fountains at the buffet have teas, punch, lemonade, etc… Most Cruise Lines allow passengers a reasonable amount of bottled water and soda to be brought onboard for personal use. This includes a limited amount of personal wines. Ask Pamela for Cruise Line specifics on this item upon booking.
It still frustrates me when I hear that someone used an online booking engine in hopes of saving money, only to feel “slighted” at the end of the process because they were not fully informed. Online booking engines were designed as a time convenience and can be if you’re a veteran cruiser. If you’ve not sailed at least five times I prefer you book directly with me instead. It doesn’t cost you any more or less and I’d like for you to understand every aspect of sailing and enjoy your time onboard to the fullest.
Don't forget your travel tools are at MyGetawayPlan.com on the top-left marked “Travel Tools” or bookmark http://www.mygetawayplan.com/site/Travel+Tools
