Cruises are not just for the elderly or rich who have leisure time to spare. Discount cruises can be found through a variety of sources, but on most cruises, not every service is included with the per person fare.
Discount cruises can be found for less than $100 a day. While researching discount cruises, I visited a variety of Web sites that list cruise fare. I found that, when comparing the advertised fares for discounted cruises from different vendors for the same cruise, the fares ranged from a discounted cruise price of $500 to as high as $1500. I also found 7-day discounted cruises for a single person room for $700; if two people were to share a room on discounted cruises, the price would be $500 per person.
Extremely high-end cruises offer all-inclusive deals for absolutely every possible little thing (similar to very upscale hotels). Most other cruises, however, could be considered discount cruises, because some services are included, but you might need to bring along a little extra cash. The flat rate fare on discounted cruises includes all meals and snacks and just about anything with food (although some cruise lines charge for popcorn and snacks for movies). Most beverages (essentially, coffee, tea, hot and iced and most juice) are also included. The Disney cruise line provides free soda during formal meals; the Holland cruise line offers free lemonade and, on some boats, reduced rate coffee drinks in a coffeehouse.
Most discount cruises also offer chocolates at bedtime, and the Disney offers cute towel animals for the children’s amusement. All onboard entertainment, such as Vegas type shows, classes and movies are included. Most discounted cruises offer some kind of sporting services or work out center (although some classes may charge a slight fee).
Not included on discount cruises are most soda and bottled water beverages, all alcoholic drinks (except on the very high-end cruises, where drinks are included), any purchases (such as photos, gifts and shore excursions), and all spa treatments. Also, tips are not included. The individual cruise line monitors tips but on the Holland cruise line, tips are not required.
Many people prefer discount cruises because it is easier to keep track of how much money is spent and most services are included. The Disney cruise line is more expensive, but more services are offered, and the cruise stops at Disney’s private island. Also not included in any of the discount cruises prices is the airplane fare to a major port – most cruises depart out of Florida.
Most discount cruises are offered during the winter months, when people want to escape the cold and go to a warm, tropical location. Discount cruises are not difficult to find if booked well in advance either through an online cruise planner or through the cruise line’s Web site.
Thus, while it may not be difficult to find a discount cruise trip, one needs to keep track of how much money is spent while on the cruise.
By Virginia Zignego