You've talked to your friends, read the brochures, been to all the websites and you're finally sold! You're taking a cruise this year! So where's it going to be? Hawaii, Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska? The sky's the limit!

Cruise Packages:
Tips To Help You
Save Up To 70%!

Make sure you get the best deal on your cruise package. It's as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Find a cruise website or cruise expert you can trust. One of the most important parts of planning your cruise vacation is finding the right company to book your cruise. Whether you book online or through a travel agent, you need to make sure you're working with a reputable company that specializes in cruises and one who is easy to contact if you need them.

Some of the Top Cruise Agencies include:

2. Choose where you'd like to cruise. There are many factors to consider when choosing your cruise - your destination, ship, activities, programs for kids, cabin selection, airfare and departure port to mention a few. Spend the time to sort through all of your options. Read the reviews; check out the pictures, and find the cruise that's perfect for you!

Remember - a cheaper, inside stateroom may work just fine for you. Though not as fancy as an "Ocean View," these cheaper rooms provide a comfortable place to rest your head after a long day of fun!

3. Research to find the best price and stick to your budget. In today's Internet economy, it's never been easier to comparison shop for the best price. There are dozens of travel websites with low cruise rates, but don't discount calling the cruise ship's reservation desk. Often times, better rates are available if you call and speak with a live person.

When talking to that "live person," here are some discounts to ask about:

Past Passenger of the Cruise Line - If you are a past guest of a particular cruise line, you may qualify for special discounts, coupons or free upgrades that are not available online.

Multi-Cabin Discount - If you have two or more families traveling together, you may be able to negotiate a lower multi-cabin rate.

AARP Member or Senior (55+) Discounts - Many cruise lines offer discounted rates to passengers that are traveling with at least one passenger who is over the age of 55.

Military (Active or Retired) Discount - The cruise lines are very appreciative of the commitment made by our armed forces. Some extend a special military discount to members of every branch of service including immediate family members.

Resident Rates - Cruise lines will often give special discounts to residents of certain states.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When checking for the best price, make sure that your quote includes all port charges, taxes and government fees.

BEYOND THE DISCOUNTS
Here's 10 Practical Ways to Save on Your Next Cruise Vacation:

1. Consider Departure Ports Near You - The days when cruise ships only sailed from Florida and California are long gone. Other embarkation points include Galveston, TX and New Orleans, LA. Flights to those and other less well-known ports may be much cheaper.

2. Book Your Own Flight - Most cruises offer a complete package including airfare to and from your home city. But while such a packages offer convenience, that convenience comes with a price tag.

3. Pack Smart - Smart travelers can save a lot of money by packing those "incidentals" - stuff like that bottle of sunscreen, an umbrella, rain jacket or sweatshirt, things that will be very expensive if you have to buy them on the ship.

4. Check Up On Shore Excursions - Many travelers stick with the shore excursions sponsored by the cruise companies, but by doing some homework before you leave, you can figure out exactly what you want to do at each port, and book your own shore excursions for considerably less.

5. Shop Wisely - For the many travelers who spend time shopping at ports of call, haggling is acceptable and even expected, so don't be afraid to barter for that little trinket you've just got to have!

6. Track Your Drinking and Gambling - Alcohol and casinos bring in huge profits, and it's one area where the cruise lines can "get you." Keep your drinking and gambling in check, and you won't leave the ship with empty pockets!

7. Take Your Own Photos - Shipboard photographers will snap your photo when you board and frequently throughout the voyage. Most of these photo packages are quite pricey; so don't forget your own camera and plenty of film for the trip.

8. Tipping Guidelines - Tipping is an expense that can really add up - typically around $10 per person per day.
Some cruise lines allow you to add your tips to your shipboard account, which removes the hassle but doesn't give you the opportunity to reward outstanding service or penalize poor service.

9. Save Your Calls or E-mails For When You're In Port - Using the Internet or phone on board a ship can be incredibly expensive.

10. Keep Up With Your Account Balance - Charging all of your extra expenses to your shipboard account is convenient, but when you don't stay on top of your bill, a heart attack might ensue when it comes time to pay up.