The children’s summer vacation has just ended. That means it’s time to discuss your family’s next summer vacation. Holidays are going to be a big expense for families this year. So the NBC Bay Area Responds team is revisiting the cruise for potential savings in 2024.
In San Francisco Harbor, Tamika Smith, April Miller, and their husbands are about to set sail for Mexico.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Miller. “Party, party, party”
Save time and money on a 4-night, 5-day birthday cruise.
“We’re from Vallejo, so it’s close to home,” Miller continued.
“I didn’t have to fly or drive to Los Angeles. It saved me a few bucks,” she said.
“Cruising isn’t just for seniors. It’s great for groups. It’s great for families. It’s great for young people,” says travel writer Sarah Greaves, aka “Jet Set Sarah.” Gabadon says.
Yes, if you look at her social media handles, you can tell she’s on planes a lot. But Jet Set Sara has also been on many 30+ cruises to keep readers informed.
Greaves-Gabbardon said airfares, hotel prices and vacation rental prices have all been high this year and are unlikely to drop again next year, especially since many cruise trips include everything. They say cruises are the best value vacation.
“It’s probably hundreds of dollars a day, maybe $300. If you buy a plane ticket and stay in a hotel every night, it’s very hard to replicate,” Greaves-Gabbardon said.
She said cruise lines are forever battling the ‘love boat’ stigma of the ’70s.
But Greaves-Gabbardon said 2024 will have all kinds of cruise vacation options. Huge to small riverboats, beach to glacier, budget to luxury and everything in between.
“I think there’s a cruise for everyone. Don’t poop until you try it,” she said.
Cruises can be booked directly with the cruise company 1-2 years in advance. But Greaves-Gabbadon also says to call your travel agent. We may actually offer a lower fare.
When reserving a room, you are basically reserving it for yourself. However, travel agents may obtain a block of rooms at a bulk discount and pass the discount amount to you at the time of booking. Bonuses are also possible.
“Go through a cruise-specialized travel advisor because you can use their relationships with cruise lines to get perks, upgrades or even better pricing,” said Greaves-Gabbardon.
Full disclosure: Some viewers have complained to us about cruise company refunds over the years, especially during the pandemic. and we helped. To be fair, we also handle refund complaints for airlines, hotels and vacation rentals.
If you book your cruise well in advance, consider whether you want refund options and travel insurance in case you have to cancel.
Returning to pricing, Greaves-Gabbadon offered another idea for shopping.
“Look at the membership card in your wallet,” she said.
auto club? warehouse club? Reunion? Ask about cruise deals.
“It’s okay there. It’s a one-stop shop,” April Miller said of Cruise.
So how did Miller and Smith cover the fares?
Tamika Smith said her group “got a very good deal.” I paid about 4 of each. ”
It’s about 2000 yen in total for 4 people.
4 nights in the room, 4 days in transportation, 4 nights in entertainment.
“And free food. It’s that easy,” Smith said with a laugh.
Gentle on your wallet!
Things to keep in mind when choosing a travel agency to book your cruise. Consider an agency licensed in California. Here’s why. Travel agents in California pay money to a fund that will pay back consumers if a travel agent goes bankrupt or fails to provide services. Travel agents in other states do not offer similar protection.
Have there been any complaints from consumers? tell uswe can help.
