Can you really save 80% on a cruise?

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"Save 80% on your next cruise" -- Really?

I was recently asked this question by my own daughter - Can you price match because I found this fantastic deal online advertising 80% off a particular cruise fare? I did the research for the ship, sail date & stateroom category.

We found the current available rate for that cruise was EXACTLY the same as what she saw listed as an 80% discount. Let's be honest folks, most the time those discounts never really exist - they are phantom discounts based on "Brochure Rates".

Now if you have ever looked at a cruise line's brochure you know already that the rates printed are excessively high and most cruise lines never stick to those printed fares. (Similar to Rack Rates used by Hotels) That stateroom she saw listed as 80% off might be off those brochure rates but I am quite certain that stateroom & itinerary had never sold at those brochure price.

My advice to you, when you see an offer where a huge percentage off is advertised, you should check the actual current rate with the cruise line & then see if the offered rate is really any deal at all. In other words -- do the math or call me, I'll be honest with you.

There is one situation to note though - Travel Agencies often take out contracts for Group Space early in the year and while cruise line rates often rise steadily, those group fares are locked in -- plus there’s added value in booking in a group due to free gifts or Onboard Credits.  Although we may have such groups to offer at discounted rates, we’ll never fake a deal or advertise something that just is not real. 

One last point about pricing: a lot of people believe the cruise line will have a better deal, but this is just not true. In most cases, the cruise line and the travel agency will offer you the exact same rates but the cruise line fares will never be lower than a travel agents. We are e-connected directly to each cruise line so we sell for whatever they are selling for - not a cent more. 

A real bonus for you to watch for are those times the cruise lines offer special rates that are only available to book through travel agents. 

By the way, did you know the average traveler spends 50 hours booking his vacation on his own?  Yes, booking online might appear to be simple planning but if you prefer smart planning give Salty Breeze Cruise Planners a call.  Call us toll free 888-332-8202 or visit us at www.saltybreezecruiseplanners.com

After all a carefree vacation begins with careful planning.