Technorati Tags: bahamas travel deals, cruise travel deals, dirt cheap travel, inexpensive vacations, travel all inclusive deals, travel deals cruises, travel good deals

Cruising can be one of the most luxurious adventures you will ever embark on. A cruise world-class service, unlimited fine dining, built-in entertainment, and the chance to experience many places in a floating 5-star resort. But when you are seeking cruise travel deals, there are some hidden gotchas that you need to be aware of in advance. That advertised price of $399 per person for a 5-day Caribbean itinerary sounds like a good cruise travel deal, but is it?

If you’ve never been on a cruise before or never booked one for yourself you may be suprised to know that the fare you ultimately pay for your trip has several components. Often times, advertisements and published fares do not include the hidden extras to appear like cruise travel deals, when in reality they are not a bargain. Here are some things you need to be aware of before you book your next cruise travel deal:

Port Taxes / Fees

This one may not be a surprise to you that they exist, but you may or may not have been quoted a price that included this charge. Port taxes vary widely depending on the ports of call, but for a 7 day cruise you can expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $150 to $250 per person. Everyone pays these fees, so you can’t avoid them, just make sure when comparing cruise travel deals that you are looking at the complete cost.

Fuel Surcharge

This charge can also really mix-up the value of your cruise travel deal. As a relatively new invention in the cruise industry, fuel surcharges are not standard. You may not see one at all or your may see one that is $100 or more.

Insurance

Actually, there are two types of insurance I’m referring to here – medical traveler’s insurance and trip insurance. The first covers you for any medical incidence on your voyage which may be a lifesaver if your regular medical coverage does not extend outside the US. Trip insurance, on the other hand is protection against unexpected cancellation to ensure you receive at least a partial refund of prepaid fares. Read the fine print on BOTH of these optional charges, so you are not surprised.

Is That All?

Each of those items above will be charged in advance of your trip, but what about once you are on-board the ship? Everything was prepaid since a cruise includes food and entertainment – right? Well, be sure to check out part two of this article Cruise Travel Deals – 4 More Hidden Costs You Must Know About.

WATCH THE VIDEOS INSTEAD

If you prefer to watch a video version of this information, catch both part 1 and part 2 here:

• VIDEO – Hidden Costs in Cruise Bargains
• VIDEO – More Hidden Costs in Cruise Bargains

Technorati Tags: bargain cruises, budget cruise, cheapest cruise, cruise bargain, cruise bargains, cruise travel deals, travel deals cruises

Everyone wants to travel the world, right? How does a luxury cruise sound? Warm beaches, exotic ports of call, fine dining, 5 star service, hammocks and fruity umbrella drinks. Who could resist?

Course there is one small issue – the outrageous prices that put the dream of a cruise vacation out of reach for 90% of people. But there is hope. I am here to help you find the absolute best cruise travel deals. Wholesale prices, incentive cruises, and even the occasional F.R.E.E voyage are in the bag of tricks.

My goal is to show you how to plan, find, book, and enjoy the cruise vacation of a lifetime on a shoestring budget whether it is your first cruise or your tenth. Be sure to check out this month’s top hints, insider secrets, and tricks the travel industry does not want you to know about how to get a fantastic cruise travel deal.

Here are 5 ideas to get you started on finding a ridiculous good price on your cruises:

1) Go off-season. Everyone and their brother is planning a cruise in the spring or early summer. Think spring break and that’s where you will find the crowds. The cruise industry is not going to offer any good cruise travel deals during their busy season because they simply don’t have to. Expect a 20-30% cheaper fare for off-season cruises. BONUS: Airfares will also be cheaper during the less-traveled months saving you an additional chunk of money.

2) Consider repositioning. These cruises are heavily discounted because the cruise line is simply moving the boat from one home port to another. They have to take that trip regardless of how many passengers sign up. You will get a few less ports – but if you are true cruise lover, the extra days at sea will be no great burden. You can expect to save 40-60% on a price per day basis over regular cruises.

3) Skip the flight. Most cruises in the US originate from Florida and California, but did you know that dozens of other ports of embarkation (where you leave from) are available? Unexpected places like New Orleans, Houston, Seattle, New Jersey, and even Mobile, AL offer a few cruise itineraries a year. If you can hitch a ride from somewhere within easy driving distance, how much will you save? Anticipate travel to and from the embarkation port costs to drop easily $1000 for a family of 4. BONUS: Also, you will not have to worry about hotel on either side of the cruise in this scenario.

4) Last minute savings. Often if your schedule is flexible, good cruise travel deals can be had in the last 2 months leading up to departure. Think about it – the boat is going, overhead is relatively fixed, so empty staterooms cost the cruise lines big bucks that can never be recovered. Sign up for email newsletters (cheapcruises.com, vacationstogo.com, and travelzoo.com are my favorites) so you will get priority notification of cruise travel deals.

5) Speak and cruise. If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know there is a an endless array of entertainment and educational opportunities on board. Everything from underwater basket weaving, to painting classes, to seminars on wine tasting. Did you know that each of those presenters AND their family get a complimentary cruise in exchange for a couple of 1 hour work sessions? Would you work for 2 hours to get a free cruise?

WATCH THE VIDEO INSTEAD

Check out the video version of this article here 5 Ideas for Cheap Cruise Travel Deals.

Technorati Tags: bahamas cruise deals, bargain cruises, budget cruise, cheap caribbean cruises, cheapest cruise, cruise bargain, cruise bargains, cruise caribean, cruise travel deals

Too lazy to read – well now we’ve got videos to entertain you – no work required! Get great bargain cruises with 5 of our best secrets.

For visitors with a slow connection or if you prefer the text version, read it here 5 Ideas for Cheap Cruise Travel Deals.

Technorati Tags: bargain cruises, budget cruise, cheapest cruise, cruise bargain, cruise bargains, cruise travel deals