YOUR CRUISE BUDGET

The choice of a cruise depends mainly on the state of your finances and your budget.  From the shortest and simplest to the more sophisticated, there's an infinite variety of prices.  You can find cruises for as low as $389 but also there are some at $12,000!  So, no matter what your budget, you can find a cruise that fits it.

Just as in hotels, there are a variety of possible prices, according to the category chosen.  But on cruises, prices are not just related to ship category. On the very same ship prices can once, twice or three times as high, depending on several factors.  Take for example a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean on a luxury ship, where prices (in 1999) might vary from $2,649 to $3,569 per person in similar cabins (double occupancy), but on different decks.

How to decrease the price?

First of all, each of the above prices are "list." In addition to list prices, all companies offer "Early Booking" prices.  So, for the cruise in the above example, "Early Booking" prices varied from $1,379 to $2,069, a saving of nearly 50%.  Each company has fixed periods during which these discounts are available but in general, the best are offered 9 to 12 months before departure. Due to stiff competition between companies however, these deadlines are often shortened. So if you make your reservations very early, you can benefit from a substantial reduction in the fixed price.

Why pay higher prices?

Secondly, it is important to understand that there is no difference between an inside (or outside) cabin on the first, second or third decks.  All these cabins have the same amount of space, the same layouts, the same facilities and the same bathrooms. On the ship you'll receive the same services, the same meals, the same benefits, the same activities, whether you're on the first, the second or the third deck.  Obviously a deck suite will not have the same space, layout and furniture as a standard cabin, but you'll get the same services, the same personal attention from your steward or the crew, no matter where your cabin is located. So, why pay more?  Be careful however, in order to get the cabin of your choice and therefore a better price, it's best to decide early.  Plus, when you reserve early you can take advantage of additional savings.

		The price of airfare (if required) to get to and from the cruise's starting point. Some companies offer special prices for these flights, including transfers to and from the ship.
		One or more hotel nights at the cruise's departure and arrival points if schedules do not coincide.
		Harbor fees. They are included with the price cited by the company.
		Insurance. Varies according to the duration of stay and your age.
		Bar expenses.  These will vary according to your tastes.
		Visits and excursions.  Typical prices are provided by the company.  You should allow for about 10 to 12 dollars per day of visit.

Tips.  They vary according to the cruise, but count on approximately 8 to 10 dollars per day per person.  Certain companies even suggest the amount to give. (Example, per day and per person:  $3,00 to $3,50 for cabin steward, and the same for the dining room waiter;  $1,50 to $2,00 for the bus person).  Other companies go so far as providing you with marked envelopes beforehand!