Cruise holidays are not traditionally the cheapest type of holiday available. After all with that long list of destinations you’ll visit, the inclusive onboard dining, the endless facilities and that high-octane professional entertainment, it’s not exactly your average beach break. But there are still ways to grab a great bargain on a cruise getaway – starting with the old package holiday favourite, late deals.
Deals on last minute cruises come in all shapes and sizes. Just like a package holiday, both travel agents and hoteliers – or the cruise operator in this case – will try to sell off any vacant cabins at reduced prices before the ship sets sail. After all it’s better to fill cabins at half price than not at all. Of course where last minute deals are concerned you’ll have to move quickly to get the holiday you want, as availability will be strictly limited. You might find your perfect cruise with huge discounts, but realise that the only available cabin is the presidential suite – in which case that fantastic deal isn’t quite as cheap as you first thought.
Be prepared to search various travel agents and cruise operators to get what you want. To get the best deal you should ideally be prepared to jet off at any time within the next few weeks – whether it’s next weekend or in a fortnight’s time – and on top of that, try to be as flexible as possible. For instance, you might have hoped for an exterior cabin with a window but if there’s only small interior cabins available, and if the price is right, why not give it a go?
Whether you opt for the signature P&O Oriana, a short 1-night taster cruise to Amsterdam or a fortnight onboard a Royal Caribbean super-liner, there’s a whole host of late deals available on cruise holidays of all shapes and sizes, to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. What are you waiting for…?
