Need help finding a cheap cruise to the Caribbean over the summer of 2010!?
Question by birdflg: Need help finding a cheap cruise to the Caribbean over the summer of 2010!?
I’m looking for a 4 day cruise out of Miami on any of the cruise lines. I’m looking to pay less than 0 a day at the most(including tips, taxes and fees). I have the summers off so last minute deals are welcome. I can go anytime during the summer with about 2 weeks notice. Anyone know any good websites or travel agents that might be able to accomodate me? Also good websites for last minute flights would be helpful as well.Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by MomSezNo
Summer is “prime time” for Caribbean cruising, as kids are out of school and that’s when most people take vacations. This, despite the fact that it’s also hurricane season in the Caribbean. Thus, the cruises will not be “cheap”.
“Last minute” in the cruise business means < 60 days out [which is when most final payments are due].
There are good travel agents in your town [AAA is good, if you're a member] and there are the "usual" on-line sites. I would not advise using an on-line site unless you've cruised before [which I suspect you haven't] or have done extensive research. There are many variables you'll need to choose from before you are ready to book, although you do already have a departure port and destination in mind.
You don't mention a travel companion, so if you're traveling solo, you'll be charged "double", basically, as cabins are sold double-occupancy.
Carnival is probably your best bet for the lowest cost. That being said, the three or four day cruises to the Bahamas are not the best cruise experience, but you'll be OK if it's your first cruise.
What do you think? Answer below!
As a long time cruiser, I can vouch for http://www.vacationstogo.com (NO I DO NOT WORK FOR THEM!!). They have the best prices overall. I went with AAA for my first cruise and was ripped off. All my other cruises were purchased through vacationstogo.com (no added fees except for required port charges and taxes).
Go to: http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm and you can search by date range, where, number of nights, departure port, etc.
Based on your criteria, I found a few that might work: (before taxes)
http://vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=22739 ($259 – 4 nights)
http://vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=22738 ($289 – 4 nights)
http://vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=21382 ($319 – 4 nights)
I would track their prices as you get closer to your date. Tips are on average about $10/person/day and I’m thinking taxes would be about $80 for the 4 day trip. But keep in mind, a lot of cruise lines add a fuel surcharge of between $5-$10/day if the price of oil is above a certain value (I want to say $80/barrel).
So, I really think you need to work backwards from your price and start with $400 minus tips and possible fuel surcharge and minus taxes. The helpful vacation councilors at vacationstogo.com can help you with the exact amount. You can even put a 24-hour hold on a cruise to mull it over or sleep on it.
I hope this helps!