A lot of people have begun taking advantage of going on cruises. You can go just about anywhere in the world through a cruise line. They have special adventures for people of all ages. Some ships specialize specifically in making an adventure of a lifetime for children.

People of all ages vacation this way. You can choose the sites and things you want to do and see by researching the cruise line. There are a lot of off season discounts and special promotions that can save you hundreds of dollars on your next departure.

January through March is generally the busiest time of year for cruise lines. About 35% of their annual sales are made in these three months. They offer special promotions and discounts during this time to fill up their vessels.

You can call the cruise line directly and ask them a lot of questions. Let them know if you are a first time traveler, if you will be traveling in a group, etc. You might qualify for special discounts this way. Use the rate they quote you as your starting price point.

Check the Sunday papers. Sometimes you can find amazing deals in the paper of the city from which the vessel departs out of. You can do this by purchasing a short subscription to their newspaper, or go to the library and research their local papers to find out about special bargains.

Check cruise booking websites. Some of the large online companies offer the biggest discounts you can find anywhere. You can also save a substantial amount of money by booking a last minute vacation this way.

Call a travel agent. Be up front about your plans so that you don\’t waste their time. Let them know that you are comparison shopping and tell them exactly what you are looking for. Be advised, some agents charge a consulting fee. But, when you book the trip with them, it can be applied towards the cost of the trip.

Don\’t be afraid to negotiate. Once you have comparison shopped and figured out the lowest fare possible, see if you can find additional ways to save even more. Sometimes there are hidden fees and costs that can be waived.

Taking a cruise as a vacation is a great idea because a lot of the costs for the trip are rolled into one package deal. Be aware however, that unless stated otherwise, you still have to pay for the traveling costs to and from the port. This is important to remember, because most likely, unless you live in the state you will be departing from, you will be responsible for airfare costs to get to the ship.

Through careful planning, you can find cheaper rates for cruises. There are many different lines to choose from. Do some research and decide if this vacation will be a romantic affair, family affair, or some other purpose. Choose a ship that is tailored to your needs and what you are looking for. With the right timing and planning, you can travel for almost half off regular published rates.

Author Bio: Toronto cruises are perfect for business party.