Booking a summer cruise is an exciting experience. Whether it is a couple’s getaway or a family vacation a cruise can be a memorable event. In order to get the best deal, travelers should be aware of the following items before they book a summer cruise.

Early Saver Specials

Book early and save. Cruise lines offer great deals on summer cruises if you book months in advance. Carnival Cruise Line offers great deals on late summer cruises booked in May. To take advantage of early saver specials you can contact the cruise lines directly or go through a travel agent. Travel agents and travel companies sometimes have better early saver specials on summer cruises.

Past Guest Specials

Past guest specials are a fabulous way to save. All of the major cruise lines offer discounts to past guests. These can be substantial and they can be combined with other discounts such as early saver specials and last minute getaways. In addition, special cruises are offered to past guests that are not available to the general public. Past guest specials on summer cruises can exceed $100.00.

Onboard Credits

An onboard credit is a credit issued toward onboard purchases made while on a cruise. Some cruise specials offer onboard credits when you purchase certain specials or if you book through a travel website such as Travelocity.com. To be eligible for onboard credits, conditions such as payment in full must be met.

Cruise and Hotel Specials

Additional savings on cruises can be achieved by booking a cruise and land package. Cruise and land packages are when you cruise to a specific destination and then vacation on land. This type of summer cruise vacation offers great savings for travelers. Websites such as Travelocity can put together land and cruise packages at terrific savings. Prime summer destinations fill up quickly so book early.

Upgrades

When booking a summer cruise, be sure to inquire about free upgrades. This is especially important when you are a past guest on the cruise line or if you have booked early. Cruise lines may allow you to trade your onboard credits for a room upgrade. Others will offer you a free upgrade if the cruise is under booked.

Last Minute Booking Fees

When you decide to take a cruise and you want to leave within a week there may be last minute booking fees to pay. These fees can add significantly to the cost of the cruise. Some of the fees will include expedited travel documents, and increased travel agent fees. Last minute booking fees can be avoided if you want to travel at a moments notice. In order to avoid last minute booking fees, you will have to call the cruise lines directly and avoid the middle man. Flexibility is the key to getting great last minute deals. In order to avoid last minute booking fees you should have a valid passport and take a last minute summer cruise in your home country.

Other Discounts

The major cruise lines offer discounts to senior citizens, military personnel, law enforcement, and union members. Check with the cruise line to see if you qualify for any of these benefits. They can save you up to 10% or more off of published rates for any summer cruise. Ask when you book your cruise if there are special discounts available.

Asking for discounts, booking early, and using a favorite cruise line will save you money on your summer cruise. Checking online resources and travel discount websites can save you hundreds. Compare pricing in multiple venues before booking. Following these tips when booking a summer cruise will save you time and money.

Author Bio: Save even more on travel with Travel Savings from CouponShack.com

Category: Travel
Keywords: cruise,summer vacation,vacation