BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP ON BOARD
Enjoying your first cruise? Book your
next passage before disembarking
and you’ll reap the benefits of loyalty
rewards and cabin upgrades.
SIGN UP FOR EMAIL BLASTS If you
have a destination or cruise line of
choice, it’s worth signing up for reg-
ular emails to be the first to know
about discounts and news.
ENGAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA Follow-
ing cruise lines on Twitter, Facebook
or Instagram is another handy way of
scouting deals and discounts. Keep
your eye out for giveaways, too.
CALL A PARTNER AGENT Most cruis-
ing companies work with licensed
agents. They have the power to pro-
vide you with extra incentives and
deals, so it’s worth scouting one out.
PICK INTERIOR CABINS You’re not
taking a trip to lock yourself away
in your cabin all day, so consider a
windowless room.
GET A CABIN GUARANTEE Rather
than pick a specific cabin, you can
lock into a room-type tier on a large
cruise, guaranteeing a minimum
level of comfort. If your chosen cat-
egory fills up, you’re automatically
bumped up to the next level without
paying the difference.ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS Your cruise
may offer price knockdowns for army
veterans, senior citizens, students and
more, so ask.BUNDLE YOUR FARE Seek bundled
fares that combine the cruise cost
with airfare (and sometimes offshore
excursions).SAIL ON OLDER VESSELS All that’s
shiny and new commands a higher
dollar value. So opt for a craft that’s
a couple of years old.ASK ABOUT BYO On smaller vessels,
ask if you can bring your own drinks
on board. You’ll toast the savings.OFT OVER-LOOKED COSTS There
are certain costs to travel that often
run under the radar. The most obvious
way to reduce costs is to take a budget
cruise alternative instead of hopping
on a megaship. Also steer clear of
casinos unless you have a strict limit
on what you’re OK
with spending (and
losing).READER’S DIGEST
June• 2019 | 73This is an extract from
The Cruise Handbook
by Lonely Planet
© 2019, published
by Lonely Planet