The cruise line industry took an economic hit in 2020 and 2021 at the height of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. But since then, travelers have been eager to return to cruise ships, with 35.7 million of them expected to return to cruise ships in 2024.
according to ReutersThis number is up 6% from 2019, the last full year before the pandemic.
With cruise demand exceeding pre-pandemic levels, it’s harder than ever to land a deal. When cruises first came back, it was not uncommon to find deep discounts online. But in 2024, you’ll need diligent research and travel itinerary flexibility to save money. As travel experts explain, it’s possible to save money on your cruise if you know how and when to book.
Book early and get great deals
As is usually the case with travel, the advantage of booking as far in advance as possible is that you have more opportunities to save. As it returns to pre-pandemic popularity, booking demand is increasing and transactions are decreasing.
Kimberly Fiddler, Vice President of Marketing for Get Away Today, said: disney cruise line, rarely offers great deals. ” Discounts are rare, but Fidler urges cruisers to always check prices. She added: “If you can keep your cruise going and another deal comes up after you book, you can often adjust to apply that deal as long as the cruise price has not been paid in full.” added.
When discounts are available, they often include conditions such as non-refundable deposits. Cruisers should keep that in mind, but if you’re sure a cruise is in your family’s travel plans for 2024, it’s worth the trade-off. “There’s always the option of paying a little more for a little bit more flexibility, so it’s a good idea to consider that,” Fidler said.
How early a family should book a cruise depends on several factors. If your family has already taken a cruise, you can often book your next voyage at a lower price. Known in the industry as “bouncebacks,” these limited-time offers allow travelers to book their next vacation before their current vacation ends or shortly after.
Mikkel Woodruff, Co-Founder and Editor sometimes sailingexplains the benefits of booking your next cruise while on board, stating that it “saves you the most money on future cruises.” Additionally, “You can reschedule your cruise, and if you ultimately decide to cancel, you’ll receive a refund. However, once you disembark the ship and complete your sailing with Disney Cruise Line, you will not receive the same offer.” is not available, so we recommend booking on board.”
Set a flexible travel itinerary
Travelers can now save big on upcoming cruises by having flexibility in their schedules. Expensive cruises are often clustered around popular itineraries, so thinking outside the box can reduce the likelihood of paying top dollar for a cruise. Woodruff points out: popular cruisesEspecially those just before the holidays sell out quickly and are also the “most expensive. For example, if you can go during the first week of December before Christmas or Hanukkah season begins, you can enjoy the Christmas decorations on the ship. You can avoid the cost of a Christmas or New Year cruise.”
Sarah Gilliland, travel editor and writer Traveling with Sarahadds that cruise lines tend to offer discounts on cruises that take place on less popular dates. “So flexibility is key if you’re looking for a deal on a specific date or itinerary.” Suppose a traveler wants more control when going on a cruise. In that case, Gillian says, “Booking a placeholder or making a deposit for a future cruise before your current cruise ends is an easy way to secure a lower price for your future trip. ” he advises.
Explore discounts in detail
Theme park journalist Megan Dubois says saving money on cruise fares was easier a few years ago, but the days of getting big discounts are over. She points out that there are still ways to find deals. Rising cruise fares“Look at your cruise line’s discounts page to see if they have any applicable benefits, such as military discounts, credit card loyalty discounts, state resident discounts, etc. Don’t feel comfortable booking on your own? If so, you can always call the cruise line directly to make your reservation. In some cases, the person on the phone may be able to combine offers to give you a better deal.”
Dubois advises travelers to shop around before taking a cruise, saying, “Be sure to research several different room types and dates. Try multiple combinations of itineraries and cabins to see when… Make sure you get the best value for money.”
Founder Scott McConkie Miles with McConkeyagree that checking the web for discounts is most likely to save you big on a future cruise. He encouraged families to check the Disney Cruise Line website regularly, saying, “Cruise deals are offered regularly, but they disappear quickly. By checking daily, you can: When you see a deal you like, you can buy it right away.” Being able to book a cruise right away will come in handy when a big deal comes along.
This article was created by Media decisions Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.