Family Trip Deals

A cruise ship provides a great one price vacation. One of the main attractions in booking a cruise is that just about everything is included in the price. When many people think about a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus. However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most thrilling – a cruise.

Budget Friendly Accommodations, and the Food

In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, everyday. In addition, cruise lines often employ some of the best chefs in the world. What’s not to love about quality food, expertly prepared and included in the total price of your vacation?

Traveling Off-season

Of course, it’s possible to save even more money by traveling in the off-season. If this fits your schedule this can often be a great plan. For instance, in the middle of the winter, most people are not thinking about vacations. However, it’s warm and tempting in many tropical cruise ship destinations. Before you pack your sunscreen, check out the local weather, you’ll want to make sure you’re avoiding the rainy season in the destination you’re considering. Hurricanes, tropical downpours and other weather problems will no doubt ruin the most luxurious and budget friendly vacation.

Cabin Fever

If you have never cruised before, it’s a good idea to talk some folks with a bit of cruise experience under their belts. They can give valuable insight on the best balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise ship experience. And you may see that faraway look in their eyes that means they’re reliving some great memories and ready to go again. Cabin location is another important consideration when booking a cruise. The interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the higher, larger cabins with ocean views and balconies are the most expensive.

Discounts and Cheap Cruise Deals

Of course it’s not always necessary to shop early. Cruise lines have been known to offer some fantastic last minute discounts in order to move unsold cabins and avoid leaving with a less than full passenger load. Check online for last minute travel newsletters that provide details on these type of deals. These last minute travel deals are a big hit with retirees and others with the time to see the world.

Food and Fitness

After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and most cruise ships also include unlimited use of the gym in the cost. Some ships also offer sports options, like golf, basketball, and multiple swimming pools. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise vacation it is generally included. If spa services are available you will have to pay extra for them.

Shipboard Entertainment

The cost of a cruise also includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options of a cruise vacation are often one of the best parts of the experience. You can choose from movie nights, theatres, nightclubs, discos, casinos (bring extra cash for this), Broadway type shows and even guest talent shows. These are a hoot! And if you decide to take part in a talent show and sing off key, remember the chances of you seeing these people again are slim and none. Some of the classes offered range from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these options are included in the cost.

Not Included

Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise vacation are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. If you’re traveling to the Caribbean, alcohol prices are dirt cheap. But please ask about custom restrictions before you stock up for your home bar. Since 911 many rules have changed about what you can bring back. As for shore excursions, you can check these out online before you set sail. This way you won’t be blindsided by the cost of the excursion or any extra rentals fees associated with them. One way to save money on shore excursions is by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going through the cruise line. Just be sure, however that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time.

I hope those are enough reasons for you to at least taking the family on a cruise vacation. It really can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy a week or two week at sea, at one low price is one more reason to love cruising. Check out the links below for their deals and to sign up for their newsletters.

www.CruisesOnly.com/Last-minute
www.lastminutecruises.com
VacationsToGo.com