New Resource for Answers to cruise questions: ExpertTravelAnswers.com
There's a new web site called ExpertTravelAnswers.com where you can get answers to all of your cruise questions--direct from qualified experts.
Plenty of web sites can answer your travel questions, but not a lot of attention has been paid to the quality of those answers. Maybe "Carribean007" does know where to find the best spa in Milan, but are you really willing to bet your vacation on it? And how do you know that the fantastic review of the resort you're considering wasn't written by the resort company itself?
Every answer on Expert Travel Answers (ETA) is written by a qualified expert. That expert's name--along with a summary of their qualifications--is right there on every answer. You know who you're taking advice from, and why they're qualified to give it.
So just type your travel-related question into ETA, and get answers you can trust to help make your next trip fantastic. You can even turn on an e-mail alert to notify you when new answers are posted. You can also search previously-answered questions and browse information by category.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Look for Last-Minute Cruise Deals at your Local Cruise Port
A last-minute cruise special isn't much of a bargain if you have to pay a fortune in last-minute airfare to get there. So--for those of you who live within driving distance to a cruise port--it's a good idea to keep up with sailings departing nearby.
Start with this list of cruise departure ports from AllThingsCruise.com. You can see what's nearby and find information about how to get there, parking, etc.
Each page also has a link to information on cruises departing from that port. Bookmark that page and check it frequently for cruise specials that you can drive to. If you can leave on short notice, your bound to find so great deals on your last-minute cruise vacation.
Start with this list of cruise departure ports from AllThingsCruise.com. You can see what's nearby and find information about how to get there, parking, etc.
Each page also has a link to information on cruises departing from that port. Bookmark that page and check it frequently for cruise specials that you can drive to. If you can leave on short notice, your bound to find so great deals on your last-minute cruise vacation.
Cruise Video: When to book cruises last minute
Here's cruise video about when to book your cruise: early or last minute?
Video discusses when it's best to book early, and when you should wait for the last minute to book.
Video discusses when it's best to book early, and when you should wait for the last minute to book.
Oasis of the Seas still has holiday availability
As recently as the last week of October, Royal Caribbean's mega-ship Oasis of the Seas still has significant availability for holiday sailings.
Despite the high demand for holiday sailings and all of the buzz surrounding the largest cruise ship ever to sail the sea, many categories of balconies remain for the Decebmer 19th sailing over the Christmas holiday.
The New Year's cruise sailing (departing December 26th) still had junior suites and all lower cabin categories available.
Overall, the most expensive staterooms and suites on Oasis are selling well. But there is still significant inventory otherwise.
Source: Cruise Week
Related links:
Oasis of the Seas Cruise Specials
Christmas Cruises
New Year's Cruises
Despite the high demand for holiday sailings and all of the buzz surrounding the largest cruise ship ever to sail the sea, many categories of balconies remain for the Decebmer 19th sailing over the Christmas holiday.
The New Year's cruise sailing (departing December 26th) still had junior suites and all lower cabin categories available.
Overall, the most expensive staterooms and suites on Oasis are selling well. But there is still significant inventory otherwise.
Source: Cruise Week
Related links:
Oasis of the Seas Cruise Specials
Christmas Cruises
New Year's Cruises
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Where to find last minute cruises
Here's a site that features last minute cruise specials:
http://www.cruisecompete.com/specials/deals/last_minute_cruises/1
This is part of CruiseCompete.com where you select your cruise and multiple, competing quotes from independent travel agents.
Note that the last-minute cruise deals section only gets you one quote one your request. If you want to get competing quotes, you'll need to put in a general CruiseCompete request for the same ship and sail date.
http://www.cruisecompete.com/specials/deals/last_minute_cruises/1
This is part of CruiseCompete.com where you select your cruise and multiple, competing quotes from independent travel agents.
Note that the last-minute cruise deals section only gets you one quote one your request. If you want to get competing quotes, you'll need to put in a general CruiseCompete request for the same ship and sail date.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Should your cruise early or at the last minute?
When booking a cruise, should you look for early bird cruise specials, or book a last-minute cruise instead?
Is it best to book your cruise early to get first choice of cabins and lock in a low rate, or should you wait until the last-minute to grab a deal? As it turns out, there are benefits to both booking a cruise well in advance and waiting until the last minute. Cruise rates fluctuate and are often hard to predict. Some times the best deals can be had as long as 12-18 months in advance, and other times prices are slashed during the last 3-6 weeks before sailing. So this shouldn't dictate when you decide to book.
You should book your cruise early-ideally, as soon as the itinerary you want is announced--if you need something specific that's in limited supply. For example, you should book early if you need to cruise on very specific dates like a particular holidays or school breaks, or if you need availability for a group of travelers for a wedding, family reunion, or corporate meeting. You should also book early if you're worried about getting flights. Flights using frequent flyer miles, for example, often need to be booked well in advance. Certain specific cabins or cabin types tend to sell. High-end suites, adjoining cabins or cabins that accommodate three or more guests or handicapped cabins may not be available closer to sailing, so it makes sense to grab these right away. You should also consider booking early if you want an unusual itinerary. This would include sailing on a ship's inaugural cruise or cruises to with only a few sail dates--such as cruises to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands or world cruises. In these cases, you'll want to take advantage of special early booking savings. Note that if you can book early can still cancel or change their plans within a certain timeframe and receive a full refund.
On the other hand, there are some reasons to book last-minute, by which I mean about three to six weeks in advance of the sailing. For example, you should look for last-minute deals if your circumstances allow you to take off on short notice. It also helps if airfare isn't a factor because you can easily drive or take a short commuter flight to the departure port. Booking late, you'll need to be flexible about your cabin type and formal dining times, but you can often find some great last-minute deals. Finally, I know that we all want to save money. But don't put saving the last dime ahead of getting the cruise vacation that's right for you.
Is it best to book your cruise early to get first choice of cabins and lock in a low rate, or should you wait until the last-minute to grab a deal? As it turns out, there are benefits to both booking a cruise well in advance and waiting until the last minute. Cruise rates fluctuate and are often hard to predict. Some times the best deals can be had as long as 12-18 months in advance, and other times prices are slashed during the last 3-6 weeks before sailing. So this shouldn't dictate when you decide to book.
You should book your cruise early-ideally, as soon as the itinerary you want is announced--if you need something specific that's in limited supply. For example, you should book early if you need to cruise on very specific dates like a particular holidays or school breaks, or if you need availability for a group of travelers for a wedding, family reunion, or corporate meeting. You should also book early if you're worried about getting flights. Flights using frequent flyer miles, for example, often need to be booked well in advance. Certain specific cabins or cabin types tend to sell. High-end suites, adjoining cabins or cabins that accommodate three or more guests or handicapped cabins may not be available closer to sailing, so it makes sense to grab these right away. You should also consider booking early if you want an unusual itinerary. This would include sailing on a ship's inaugural cruise or cruises to with only a few sail dates--such as cruises to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands or world cruises. In these cases, you'll want to take advantage of special early booking savings. Note that if you can book early can still cancel or change their plans within a certain timeframe and receive a full refund.
On the other hand, there are some reasons to book last-minute, by which I mean about three to six weeks in advance of the sailing. For example, you should look for last-minute deals if your circumstances allow you to take off on short notice. It also helps if airfare isn't a factor because you can easily drive or take a short commuter flight to the departure port. Booking late, you'll need to be flexible about your cabin type and formal dining times, but you can often find some great last-minute deals. Finally, I know that we all want to save money. But don't put saving the last dime ahead of getting the cruise vacation that's right for you.
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