If a cruise holiday seems beyond your budget, we’ve got great news: you can game the system to get the lowest cruise prices, and get the best bang for your buck! In this quick guide we share the top tips to help you do just that…
Cruise lines often reward early bookers with exclusive promotions and discounts. These may include reduced fares, onboard credits, complimentary drink packages and/or discounted shore excursions. By booking early, you maximise your chances of enjoying these enticing perks that add significant value to your cruise experience.
A great example of this is Norwegian Cruise Line’s current flash sale of 35% off all cruises booked by 18 July 2024. You can sail anywhere in the world on this special offer, including Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, Cape Town to Lisbon and the Mediterranean. The offer includes the option to purchase Five Free at Sea upgrade starting from $99 per person, which gives you access to Free Speciality Dining; Free Premium Beverages; Free WiFi; Discounted Excursions; Free 3rd & 4th Guests (on select sailings).
Early bookers also have the luxury of time to plan and customise their cruise experience. This includes securing reservations for popular dining venues, scheduling spa treatments and reserving spots on sought-after shore excursions.
Another major benefit of booking your cruise early is gaining access to a broader selection of cabins. This ensures you have the opportunity to secure the specific cabin category, location and features that align with your preferences, including coveted options like suites or cabins with balconies.
While booking far in advance can score you great deals and added benefits, booking last-minute deals can lead to even more substantial savings. This is because cruise lines typically offer very low prices for unsold cabins closer to the cruise’s departure date. Like Norwegian Cruise Line’s current last-minute flash sale of 35% off all cruises booked by 18 July 2024. You can sail anywhere in the world on this special offer, including Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, Cape Town to Lisbon and the Mediterranean.
Last-minute bookings may also offer opportunities for cabin upgrades if higher-category cabins are still available. Additionally, cruise lines often provide attractive upgrade offers or throw in extras such as onboard credits and specialty dining to entice travellers to book unsold cabins. For example, NCL is offering travellers who book a cruise by 18 July 2024 the option to purchase a Five Free at Sea upgrade starting from $99 per person, which gives you access to Free Speciality Dining; Free Premium Beverages; Free WiFi; Discounted Excursions; Free 3rd & 4th Guests (on select sailings).
Late bookings are not for everyone, though. You need to be flexible and enjoy the thrill of spontaneity! If that sounds like you, last minute bookings can snag some seriously great cruise deals.
Cruise lines entice both early bird and last-minute bookers with packages that include onboard and onshore benefits, which can radically reduce the cost of extras on a cruise holiday.
These include onboard experiences such as spa treatments, and onshore experiences such as free city tours. A good example of this is NCL’s current flash sale, which not only offers 35% off all cruises booked by 18 July 2024, but also throws in the option to upgrade to Five Free at Sea Benefits from $99 per person. The Five Free at Sea Benefits include: Free Speciality Dining; Free Premium Beverages; Free WiFi; Discounted Excursions; Free 3rd & 4th Guests (on select sailings).
Taking advantage of these perks not only adds value to your onboard cruise experience but also allows you to explore destinations in ports of call for less.
Experienced travel agents have access to exclusive promotions and deals offered by cruise lines. This allows them to access perks and discounts that are not readily available to the public, thereby providing you with a competitive advantage in securing the best price for your cruise holiday.
In addition, a good travel agent can provide personalised recommendations based on your preferences and budget. Their expertise allows them to match you with the cruise line, itinerary and cabin category that best suits your needs, ensuring you get the most value for your investment. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to get the best inside cruise deals.
Securing the best price for your cruise holiday is a blend of strategic planning, flexibility and leveraging the right resources. Whether you opt for the advantages of booking early, the potential savings of last-minute deals, the expertise of travel agents and/or the cost-saving benefits of free extras, each approach is sure to make cruising more affordable.
Ultimately, the key is to align your booking strategy with your preferences, budget and the type of cruise experience you seek. By navigating the seas of cruise pricing with these tips and tricks, you're poised to embark on a memorable journey with the best value for your cruise holiday.
Sure Travel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering a 35% discount for all cruises booked by 18 July 2024. The offer includes the option to upgrade to Five Free at Sea Benefits from $99 pp. The Five Free at Sea benefits include: Free Speciality Dining; Free Premium Beverages; Free WiFi; Discounted Excursions; Free 3rd & 4th Guests (on select sailings). There are plenty cruises to choose from, but these are our top three picks:
12 Night South Africa and Indian Ocean Cruise onboard Norwegian Sky, priced from R28,029 pps. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
18 Night Cape Town to Lisbon Cruise onboard Norwegian Dawn, priced from R58,761 pps. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
9 Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Norwegian Viva, priced from R40,732 pps. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to book these or any other NCL cruises before 18 July 2024. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
