Cruise Away – It's Safe and Here's How to Save

“Cruise Ship Makes Uneventful Voyage – Passengers Have Great Time.” It’s a headline you will likely never see. Yet, it happens all the time. In other words, “the poop cruise” as the widely publicized Carnival Triumph is now known, is the exception – not the rule.

Put your negative thoughts and fears away. Cruising is safe, it is clean, and it can be reasonably priced.

People Are Cruising

Time Magazine reported recently that cruising has been, in Time’s words, “cruising along” for more than a decade. Travelers from Asia have tripled their cruising vacations. The growing number of boomer retirees in the U.S. is driving up demand. And, younger families are increasingly coming on board to enjoy what has traditionally been thought of as “vacations for old people.”

One Price Fits All?

One of the most attractive selling points about cruising is the notion that – with some exceptions related to gambling, drinking, and off ship excursions – when traveling by boat, you “pay one price for everything.”

In other words, the main costs of a cruise, lodging, food, and entertainment are included in the price you pay upfront. While it’s true that most travelers rack up substantial tabs on those afore-mentioned extras, a little prudence can save you a considerable amount of money.

Here are some travel tips from Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com:

Don’t Worry: By that, Brown means don’t try to figure out which ship is going to crash or break down next. The likelihood that any cruise ship will have a major malfunction is tiny. Despite news reports, accidents and mishaps are rare and random.

Choose a Cruise That Fits: Read up, including customer reviews, on all major cruise lines that go where you want to go. Each has its own personality. Some are known for their nightlife, others for quiet time, others for family fun.

Check Out Extras: All cruises include transportation, lodging, food, and entertainment as part of the base price. Most charge for alcohol and side trips. In between are a whole host of “activities” – some included, depending on the brand – and some not. Read brochures and information carefully and make note of activities in which you and your family are interested. Look for cruise lines that offer those amenities free or at a better price.

Don’t Be a Cheapsake: While shopping for bargains, don’t let price be your only guide. For example, the least expensive cabin will be an interior location with no windows. If you plan to do nothing but sleep there that might be fine. If you want a little fresh air from time to time, get an outside cabin.

Book Like a Bookend: Book your cruise as early as possible or at the very last minute. Brown says cruise companies like to fill cabins far in advance, and often offer special deals to cruisers who make plans six months or more ahead of time.

Obviously, the other tactic – not as reliable – is to wait until just before the “All aboard!” sounds. (Not really that late.) If you can find a ship with openings at the last minute, you might be able to get a room (you won’t have many choices) for a discount.

Travel Agents Are Best: Cruise companies compensate agents, so there is usually no cost to you. In addition, travel agents have access to insider information and travel perks that the public does not.

Stifle Yourself: In the inimitable words of Archie Bunker to his wife, Edith, avoid undisciplined spending. Know what is included and what is not. Set a budget and stick to it.

If you know you will want to drink on a regular basis, look into “unlimited beer and wine” plans. For those plans you pay so much a day – often around $50 – and for that amount you can have as much of a limited selection of alcoholic beverages as you want.

Avoid Expensive Airfare: One way to do this is to drive to your port. Consider sailing from a port closer to home to hold down costs. If flying is the only option, Brown suggests booking your own flight – which is often cheaper than using a travel agent or cruise company.

Tips: When planning for your trip, keep in mind that cruise ships often add $10 or more per person, per day, onto your final bill in the form of “gratuities.” By the way, if you feel service was less than desired and a gratuity was added, speak to the Purser when you disembark and pay your bill. It is possible to adjust the amount.

Linda Coffman at CruiseDiva.com has some additional suggestions including avoiding expensive Internet access (which can run $6 to $10 a minute) and on board phones. Many cellular carriers have agreements with cruise lines and if yours does, your cellphone is probably going to be a much better alternative for staying in touch.

Coffman also cautions about checking on medical coverage before you sail. Medicare does not cover you out of the country and many health care plans do not either. Travel insurance is an option to consider and Coffman suggests shopping around to get the best deal.