Cruises

Cruises are one the most popular forms of vacationing and for more than one reason.
Many people hate to allocate meaningful time resources to deal with all the stress, extra work and hassle that comprehensive trip planning involves.
Not having to struggle with important but nagging questions such as: where to go exactly each day, what to do and how to actually get from one point to another is a huge plus that cannot be underestimated nor discounted.

In that regard, cruise packages represent a more economical and convenient option.
They offer the unique ability to travel from one sight to another at an extremely leisurely pace while enjoying the standards, pleasures and comforts of a modern, top-quality luxury hotel.
If you wish to spend less of your time budgeting and more time enjoying and relaxing, it’s probably a better alternative.

Additionally, cruises offer exceptional value which is hard to match in the travel business.
All-inclusive packages can bundle everything you’ll ever need for an unforgettable experience: superb food and beverages, relaxing accommodations, an opportunity to explore hot destinations, a wide variety of entertainment, transportation and so many other pampering perks.

Other than that, this type of holiday is ideal for so many audiences and traveler types.
They are great for family vacations with kids, perfect for romantic getaways for couples and many take them for first or second honeymoons.
These exciting boat trips attract many other groups, like seniors, singles, the disabled, etc.
There’s little wonder why it’s one of the most popular vacation choices in the tourism industry.

Popular Cruise Lines

• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Royal Caribbean International
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
• Costa Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
• Disney Cruise Line

How Does Last Minute Cruising Work?

The cruise industry’s definition for “last minute” is quite flexible and dynamic.
While for many people the term represents a near-instant timeframe, meaning today, tomorrow, this weekend, next week and so on, for most of the players in the industry even 60 or 90 days before departure date fall into the category of last minute deals.

U.S. law requires cruise lines to submit their passenger manifests within hours of departure (for security purposes), which means it’s practically impossible to book a package at the last-second, on the same day the ship leaves port.
However, making a reservation for next day departure or any alternative future dates is a totally different ballgame.

The logic behind the last-minute booking strategy is quite simple and understandable.
Cruise lines will lower fares as departure date approaches in order to fill any vacant cabins that have not been sold through regular marketing channels.
Nobody in the industry likes to see a ship sails half empty and an unsold cabin is a financial loss that can never be recouped.

The solution? Slashing prices aggressively and quite fast, usually 45-90 days before sailing.
Those who can travel on short notice can sometimes take advantage of bargain discounts and low cost specials that can’t be obtained in any other circumstances.

However, it requires you to act quickly.
Don’t forget that there are plenty of other bargain hunters out there with the same motivation and the same tactic, who are equally passionate about finding a great deal at the last minute.
If you see a package that you like, in terms of contents and price, you may want to grab it before someone else will.