Whats the best way to compare cruise prices?

Answer

When you�re comparing cruise prices, be sure you�re talking about the exact same cruise line, ship and cabin type. Sometimes a cruise just a day or two later, or a similar cabin on the same ship, can cost twice as much. If you�re not familiar with all the nuances, get a Travel Agent who is. Travel Agents who specialize in cruises can negeotiate volume discounts that are far below any special fare an individual could get. Sometimes a simple change, like departing on a Thursday instead of Monday, will reduce the price by 25% or more!

Be sure when you�re comparing prices that you�re including insurance, taxes, transfers, port charges and handling fees or delivery. Also, if airfare is included, make sure it�s comparable. Be careful. Some mega-sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz include fees in their quote, others do not. Trip insurance will add to the cost but it�s a must for expensive vacations. Taxes can increase the price by 10-15% or more. Transfers are the transportation costs you pay to get from the airport to the ship. Some companies include them, and some do not. Depending on the city, transfers can add another $60 per person to your fare. Port charges, like airport fees, are not optional. Finally, some websites charge you for handling or delivery of your tickets. If you�re leaving in a few days, it may be worth paying the Fed Ex fee, but you should at least know what it is up front.

Their is another very simple way if you live in the UK. Visit a cruise price comparison site. The only one that I know of is http://www. cruisepricescompared.com

I have added the link below in related links. As hundreds of cruise agents load their cruise offers into that site, you can compare the prices of the same cruise offered by different agents. Simple.

First answer by Joni. Last edit by Helenrf. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 74 [recommend question]