How to get on board a cruise ship more cheaply
In 2022, more than three million Germans will have set sail on a cruise ship. But it is expensive. So now is the best time to snap up a cruise bargain. But there are also a few other tips to save money.
Right now is a good time to start planning your vacation for the coming year. If you book early, you can save a lot. During these weeks, the major tour operators are offering early booking discounts and cruises are more popular than ever. Last year alone, more than 3.2 million Germans set sail.
It is a dream of many vacationers to travel on such a large ship once in their lives, but such a trip is also very expensive. Fuel surcharges, higher staff costs and increased food prices are also making cruises more and more expensive. Use these tips to save money when booking.
Tip 1: Wait for special offer days
Now in November is the perfect time to catch a cruise bargain. On Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Singles' Day, many retailers offer their goods at lower prices and travel providers also jump on the bandwagon.
There are discounts on the travel price, percentages on drinks packages or cheaper trips to the cruise ship. If you are a little flexible when it comes to travel times and destinations, you can take advantage of some discounts on these days.
Tip 2: Cruise from the discounter
Why not? Don't underestimate the weekly cruise offers from the various discount supermarkets. It's worth leafing through the offer booklets and comparing prices. There are often attractive bonuses such as a bottle of sparkling wine or on-board credit when you book. With some shipping companies, unused on-board credit can be converted into gambling chips in the on-board casino, which may then be converted into cash.
Tip 3: Cancellation cabins and remaining space
Some shipping companies and specialized websites offer so-called cancellation cabins or cancellation cruises. These trips and cabins are available at reduced prices because it is better to travel full than half-empty. Free upgrades are also possible this way, so the trip may not necessarily be cheaper, but it will be much more luxurious.
Tip 4: Savers sleep inside
Admittedly, the view of the open sea is fantastic and an outside cabin sounds very tempting. But if you book an inside cabin, you will save a lot of money. A cruise ship like this offers plenty of opportunities to look out to sea, so you don't have to sit in your cabin. On modern ships, the inside cabins are often equipped with beautiful photo wallpaper and artificial portholes so that you don't feel cramped at all. Also ask yourself how much time you spend in your cabin when the ship offers countless entertainment and excursion options. You don't need an expensive outside cabin just for sleeping and showering. A lucky, flex or variocabin is also much cheaper and can be a good option if you don't mind sleeping near the engine room, for example.
Tip 5: Flexibility in your choice of ship
It doesn't always have to be the newest ship, round-the-clock entertainment or an all-inclusive offer. You can save money by cutting back on the age of the ship, the entertainment on offer or perhaps not speaking German on board. Ask yourself what is really important to you and whether you are prepared to pay more for it. All cruise ships are safe and offer food, drinks and entertainment. So keep an open mind even for inexpensive cruise lines.
Tip 6: Travel in fall and winter
Cruises are much less popular at colder times of the year. As high demand also determines the price, you will get better offers in the cooler months.
Bad weather can mean rough seas or not being able to sail to a port, but at the same time the ships are less crowded. Don't let bad weather put you off, as cruise ships offer plenty of activities even on rainy days. As long as you don't get travel sick easily and can cope with unexpected surprises, cruises in the low season offer great savings potential.
- An experienced advisor might suggest waiting for special offer days, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, to book a cruise to save money on the travel price or expensive add-ons.
- Consumers looking for a more affordable cruise can consider buying discounted cruise tickets from supermarkets, which often offer attractive bonuses like free sparkling wine or on-board credit when booking.
- For consumers seeking luxury at a reduced cost, buying cancellation cabins or cancellation cruises from some shipping companies or specialized websites can provide significantly cheaper options while also offering the possibility of free upgrades to more luxurious rooms.
Source: www.ntv.de
