When to book two-for-one cruise fares
Cruise lines offer two-for-one fares, but the best bargains usually hover around the start of the year. “By March 1, prices for those same two-for-one sailings will cost ten to twe... More
Cruise lines offer two-for-one fares, but the best bargains usually hover around the start of the year. “By March 1, prices for those same two-for-one sailings will cost ten to twe... More
Watch the bill. Carnival has introduced à la carte pricing for food on some cruises, and the extra cost can quickly add up for those who stray from the buffet. More
Cruising can be an expensive venture even in the best of circumstances, but here’s one way to control costs: Consider the season. Come spring and fall, cruise ships reposition them... More
With video feeds of more than 100 cruise ships, Cruise Cam lets you see everything from the pool deck to the dining room of a given ship; the app also has cameras at 150 ports of c... More
According to Steve Wellmeier, executive director of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will soon ban vessel... More
The islands are more accessible than ever thanks to recently added sailings from Norwegian Cruise Line and new flights from Delta (Detroit and San Diego), Continental (Los Angeles)... More
If you do book early, consider paying in full, as many lines offer an additional savings of up to 15 percent off the price. Research insurance (some companies offer refunds if you ... More
Showing your loyalty by planning your next cruise while on board has long had its benefits, but recently cruise lines have upped the ante. Some offer as much as 10 percent off to p... More
Cruise lines negotiate rates with airlines early, so if airfares drop later, the line no longer has the best deal—but if prices go up, you’re in luck. Before you reserve, check out... More
You don’t have to give up a veranda to get a deal—sometimes all you have to do is move down one deck, as is the case with Crystal Cruises, where going from Deck 9 to 8 can save you... More
Repositioning cruises, when the ship moves from, say, summering in Alaska to wintering in the Caribbean, can offer great value, as can shoulder-season cruises. But you’ll want to b... More
Their special relationships with cruise lines mean that agents often have access to better rates than you could get by booking on your own. They can also provide value-added perks,... More
For the luxe lines, book as soon as possible. Some companies announce sailings as early as a year and a half in advance at rates that are as much as 60 percent off, and come with s... More
After a year of watching booking windows shrink, cruise lines are fighting back by offering incentives to travelers who buy early. Oceania is giving its heftiest savings up front: ... More
The Metro del Mare ferry service is an inexpensive way to cruise the coast. Or you can rent a private boat from Signor Giacchino (011-39-338-264-0895) in Amalfi or charter a motor ... More
Book spa treatments during port visits, when rates are lower. You can also get discounts if you wait to book last-minute, once on board, though availability may be limited. More
Cruise line-organized shore excursions are often overpriced. To find and book your own, ask your travel agent, or search destinations on our site. Caveat: If you’re late in returni... More
Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, says his company’s sailings in 2010 will include most liquor and wines, shipboard gratuities, unlimited shore excursions, round... More
On most ships, except luxury liners, your out-of-pocket costs for things like bottled water, wine with dinner, drinks at the bar, and shore excursions can add up. And airfare is ra... More
The price difference between a dark, tiny, inside cabin and a larger one with an ocean view may be minimal, but the choice can have a significant impact on your trip. Beware, thoug... More
Because of the current economy, passengers are booking later, according to Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade group. That’s the wrong approach. “Earlier is d... More
You’ll actually get better value through travel agents who specialize in cruises. They often receive advance notice of unadvertised deals you won’t find on the Web. “Agents can get... More
Cruisecritic.com picks apart virtually every sailing on the seas, with pictures, authoritative editor reviews, good last-minute deals, and news updates. Travelers can search by por... More
If there are flight delays, you'll still make the ship. -2009 A-List Agent Michael Diamond More
Crystal Cruises has rolled out a series of onboard talks to help you manage your money. 2009's October 8 cruise between Montreal and New York, former Deutsche Bank chairman Bob Fro... More