desparte for a deal on a cruise!!!!!

[SamanthaRoth]

I need to find a good deal on a cruise not sure where or with who open to suggestions thanks so much.

[reford]

I've cruised 3 times - twice on Carnival and once on Norwegian (all 3 were Western Caribbean cruises, two out of New Orleans and one out of Houston - we drove there to save airfare). I much preferred Carnival. Have you ever cruised before? Pricing will depend on how far in advance you book, whether you want an outside (window) cabin, the time of year you cruise, and whether or not the travel agency has a group rate for that particular sailing (that's one key thing to ask). Make sure you have them include port charges and all applicable taxes to their quotes.

You'll find that there are big cruise discounters who will beat competitors' prices (they'll be aggressive about wanting to know exactly what you were quoted and by whom). I can't think of the names of the big discounters off the top of my head but check on the 'net and you'll find them.

If you haven't already, bookmark [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] and check them out from time to time - they have a nice newsletter, too - they compile up-to-date online travel agencies' bargains; if you find a good deal jump on it fast 'cause they sell out quickly.

Good luck - enjoy your trip!

[SamanthaRoth]

thanks for the tips if you find anything please let me know there are 5-7 of us going (2 or 3 are kids) and we want to go the end of feb. beginging of march. thanks again. (Thought about the disney cruise ha! 1,000 each!!!!was the cheap route)

[SapphireStacy]

I've been keping an eye on the cruises at travelscape.com, they have great prices on airfare too. $1000? dang! they had a 10 day cruise to Tahiti for $1000!! LOL

[geffric]

Try [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] for cheap rates.

We just got back from the 7 day Disney Cruise, it was wonderful and we paid $2000 for all 4 of us. If you can go during value season, it is cheaper.

[bargain]

only been one one - took a canadian cruise for one week - for 2 it was 239 total plus port fees - was a wonderful old steamer but part of premier lines - now disappeared.
anyway you can bid at ubid.com

have travelled a lot through egghead.com and you can bid for cruises or purchase there the cheapest I have seen anywhere but you will want to buy insurance.

[lschrow]

if you do the disney cruise, check out the *early booking* rates - saves a bundle. (we LOVED it, btw)
also, costco gives further discounts on many cruises, etc.
good luck!

[SamanthaRoth]

this is great i have never meet people in the "real world" lol... that are this helpful. Thank a million! love ya

[chiku]

How about food ? how is cabin? what all facilities they do?

..do they have some vegetarian food or not ( we don't eat any kind of meat ! )

we are also planning to take some break !

[thekwak]

Try going to different lines' sites and signing up for special deals. We received an e-mail thru Princess Lines this way and got 4 tickets for the price of two. Also, when you make your reservations tell them you're willing to wait for cabin assignments. Our last cruise we all received upgrades to outside delux cabins for free by doing this. I have traveled on four different lines and all of them have had vegetarian meals available. Disney isn't the only line that has great kids programs. We took our 5 year old granddaughter twice. There were so many activities for her she was busy over half the time. Princess has great kids facilities, and Holland America has a great kids program.

[eldo]

The best, most comprehensive site is [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]

Their home page features the latest "hot" specials. Their site also has a great search feature. For example, you can search for cruises by departure port, sailing date, price, cruise line, or specific ship. Great if you have a date in mind and want to know where you can sail at that time, or want to know which cruises depart from a specific port.

Happy cruising!

[reford]

Eldo, thanks for the icruise link! They do have a great site; I'd never checked them out before. Found some good specials on them for Carnival. Looks like they must book group space on some sailings; I found that in one category of oceanview cabin you could save about 50% by waiting a week to cruise.

Chiku, if you notify the cruise line in advance they'll make accomodations for special diets; not a problem. I sailed both on Carnival and Norwegian and both had similar amenities: spas with basic workout equipment and whirlpools, beauty salons, shops, a disco, multiple pools, formal dining and casual alternatives, a pizzaria, free 24 hr. room service, casino, Las Vegas style shows, midnight buffets, themed nights, free in-room movies (mostly cable or maybe pay per view type movies), bingo, game shows, comedians, magicians, art auctions, aerobics, golf pros, etc. Norwegian also had internet access (pricey but still cheaper than a phone call home) and a basketball court.

Carnival's staterooms were bigger but Norwegian's had better storage so it was probably a wash. Carnival had nicer TVs. Carnival's food was much better IMO, but it was never really superb, just more exotic (in the dining room) than I imagine the average person usually eats. On the Carnival ship, smoking was allowed in all of the staterooms, on Norwegian, only one side of the ship allows smoking (not that that stopped the jerks in the room next to us, but what can ya do?). On both ships we had the occasional problem with toilets not flushing but maintenance was always prompt.

Two big things to think about when you're figuring out how much the cruise will cost is that alcohol and carbonated beverages cost extra, and so do the organized off-ship excursions. You can't bring your own alcohol on the ship but we had no problems bringing our own cokes. As for the excursions, sometimes you can get their itinerary and just go on your own and save a lot of money. The ship's excursion desk is always helpful in giving you ideas of off-the-beaten-path destinations on shore.

Well, that was probably more info than you wanted to know, but... hope that helped answer some of your questions! I love cruising and think everybody should try it at least once!

[jodifenner]

I would love to go on a cruise...the disney one because of the 3 munchkins !! When you guys talk about kid activities.. how does that work? Do you leave the child with the people running the activities? or do you go to them with the child. Also I am sure tyhe disney cruise has a lot of little kids.. but I have 8 month old twins...Is everything baby friendly? Any info would help, Thanks !!

[Julco1]

Hi! I run a travel business and can possibly help you with your cruise! Just email me at [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] and give me your info; how many adults, how many children, possible destinations, dates of travel, number of days, departure city, and cost range I might be able to find something for you. Thanks!

Jules