Affordable cruises really are available! I have been contemplating cruising for a long time, so I've been doing some research on affordable cruises.
I found so many affordable cruise rates and great cruise offers in my search, I decided to add a special section to my website.
But before I got excited over the low rates I discovered, I did some research to see what 'hidden costs' I might have to be prepared for.
This way, I would know what to expect when it comes to the bottom line.
It's a good thing I did.
I found that there are several components that make up the cost of cruise travel and all of them need to be considered in the final cost: BASIC CRUISE COSTS The 'base' cost of your cruise will include your accommodations as chosen for the length of the cruise, on board entertainment and activities, meals and use of the facilities aboard the ship.
This base cost will fluctuate with the seasons and depend on what part of the world you're traveling to.
Generally, this is the advertised cost.
PORT TAXES AND FEES These are the taxes and fees that are charged to the cruise-lines by the various government and port authorities at the ports where the ship docks; the cruise line passes these fees along to the passengers.
These fees will vary, and may or may not be a part of your the advertised cost, so read the fine print.
AIR TRAVEL COSTS These are additional travel costs that would include any airfare from your home city to the port where you will join the ship, and your return airfare home.
They may or may not be included in the price of your cruise package.
Be sure to find out.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL COSTS If you are traveling by air to where your ship is leaving, you need to factor in the cost of your transportation to and from the airport, along with any parking or baggage fees.
When they are advertised, the cost of the affordable cruises do not include transportation to and from your house to the airport.
TRAVELER'S MEDICAL/CANCELLATION INSURANCE These are an optional costs, but ones I highly recommend.
Did you know you could lose your money if you have to cancel a pre-paid cruise? Did you know many cruise lines are registered in the Bahamas or other ports outside the United States? Because of this, did you know your medical insurance may not cover any illness you may experience on the ship if it is registered outside of the United States? Did you know you could lose all your money if for some reason your plane does not make it to your port of call on time? Traveler's insurance will cover you if anything happens during your trip.
It is very affordable with policies starting at just $30.
As always, read your policy carefully.
MISCELLANEOUS Be prepared for other small miscellaneous costs such as tips and gratuity, alcohol, on-shore excursions, and add-on luxuries (such as massages, manicures, etc.
).
These will be charged separately.
WHEN ARE THE MOST AFFORDABLE CRUISES FOUND? The most affordable cruises can be found "out of season".
Like most industries, cruise lines set their pricing based on supply and demand.
If you book during their busiest seasons, like holidays and early summer, the price is the highest.
If you book during their slowest vacation periods, the price will be much lower.
With a little flexibility, knowledge, and preparation, you can enjoy many affordable cruises that are sailing away to exotic destinations without breaking the bank! -Ken S.
, Founder LowRateSearch © 2009
I found so many affordable cruise rates and great cruise offers in my search, I decided to add a special section to my website.
But before I got excited over the low rates I discovered, I did some research to see what 'hidden costs' I might have to be prepared for.
This way, I would know what to expect when it comes to the bottom line.
It's a good thing I did.
I found that there are several components that make up the cost of cruise travel and all of them need to be considered in the final cost: BASIC CRUISE COSTS The 'base' cost of your cruise will include your accommodations as chosen for the length of the cruise, on board entertainment and activities, meals and use of the facilities aboard the ship.
This base cost will fluctuate with the seasons and depend on what part of the world you're traveling to.
Generally, this is the advertised cost.
PORT TAXES AND FEES These are the taxes and fees that are charged to the cruise-lines by the various government and port authorities at the ports where the ship docks; the cruise line passes these fees along to the passengers.
These fees will vary, and may or may not be a part of your the advertised cost, so read the fine print.
AIR TRAVEL COSTS These are additional travel costs that would include any airfare from your home city to the port where you will join the ship, and your return airfare home.
They may or may not be included in the price of your cruise package.
Be sure to find out.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL COSTS If you are traveling by air to where your ship is leaving, you need to factor in the cost of your transportation to and from the airport, along with any parking or baggage fees.
When they are advertised, the cost of the affordable cruises do not include transportation to and from your house to the airport.
TRAVELER'S MEDICAL/CANCELLATION INSURANCE These are an optional costs, but ones I highly recommend.
Did you know you could lose your money if you have to cancel a pre-paid cruise? Did you know many cruise lines are registered in the Bahamas or other ports outside the United States? Because of this, did you know your medical insurance may not cover any illness you may experience on the ship if it is registered outside of the United States? Did you know you could lose all your money if for some reason your plane does not make it to your port of call on time? Traveler's insurance will cover you if anything happens during your trip.
It is very affordable with policies starting at just $30.
As always, read your policy carefully.
MISCELLANEOUS Be prepared for other small miscellaneous costs such as tips and gratuity, alcohol, on-shore excursions, and add-on luxuries (such as massages, manicures, etc.
).
These will be charged separately.
WHEN ARE THE MOST AFFORDABLE CRUISES FOUND? The most affordable cruises can be found "out of season".
Like most industries, cruise lines set their pricing based on supply and demand.
If you book during their busiest seasons, like holidays and early summer, the price is the highest.
If you book during their slowest vacation periods, the price will be much lower.
With a little flexibility, knowledge, and preparation, you can enjoy many affordable cruises that are sailing away to exotic destinations without breaking the bank! -Ken S.
, Founder LowRateSearch © 2009
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