Caribbean cruises are one of the most popular cruise itineraries. According to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), 43 per cent of travelers name the Caribbean as the top area to visit on a cruise. Here's how to find some cheap cruise deals to the Caribbean.
Finding Cheap Cruise Packages
When booking a cruise, consider what the cost of a cruise package actually includes. Read the fine print of the cruise lines' websites to find out the cost of fuel supplements, cancellation policies, and onboard credits. Here is what else to consider about finding a cheap cruise package to the Caribbean.
Calculate Per Day Cost – When comparing cruises understand how many days and nights are spent onboard and calculate how much the cruise costs per day per person. Understand that cruise fare is based on double occupancy and that the cost of the third and fourth berth varies from cruise line to cruise line. For example, Holland America Line offers a 50% discount on the third and fourth berths for passengers who have sailed with HAL at least once.
What's Included in Cruise Fare? – As a norm, stateroom, dining, entertainment, and children's activities are included in the cruise fare. Understand that most cruise lines charge extra for drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities and many other incidentals.
Guaranteed Staterooms – When making a cabin selection, a guaranteed stateroom means paying for a specific cabin category but the cruise line selects the actual cabin. Opting for a guaranteed stateroom is another way to get a cruise deal and there's even a possibility of an cabin upgrade.
Early Booking Discounts – Most cruise lines offer an incentive to book early with cheap cruise fares. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines has special fares available to those who book five months prior to the sailing date on cruises six days or longer.
Repositioning Cruises – When the ship relocates to or from the Caribbean during a shoulder season, cheap cruises can be found. Look for cruises from Europe or Alaska to the Caribbean in the fall. Also, look for cruises from the Caribbean to Europe or Alaska in April and May.
Last Minute Caribbean Cruises
For those who have the luxury of being able to book a cruise vacation at the last minute, savings will be the reward. Cruise lines want their ships to sail full and generally sell off the remainder of cabins close to the date of departure. Here are a couple of ways to capitalize on a last minute Caribbean cruise.
Booking Airfares and Hotels Independently – Choosing to book the airfare and hotels independently of the cruise line can save travelers money. Be flexible with flight dates as flying an extra day or two earlier (or later) can sometimes save several hundreds of dollars. Additionally, each cruise line lists their recommended hotels on their websites. Take the time to check the hotels' websites for better deals.
Consider Driving to the Cruise Port – By opting to not fly, cruisers can save money. Choose from numerous departure ports throughout the U.S. that offer Caribbean cruises. In addition to the popular ports of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, look at cruising from Galveston (TX), Mobile (AL), New York (NY), New Orleans (LA), Baltimore (MD), Norfolk (VA), or Charleston (SC).
It takes more than just comparing cruise fares to find the cheapest Caribbean cruise. Understanding what is included or not included in a cruise package is just as important as knowing when to find a cheap last minute cruise. Furthermore, travelers who book their own airfares and hotels can also save money.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
