Finding A Cheap Cruise (Scroll down for an article on this topic) Looking for a cheap cruise?  Individually, the two words are compelling, together; they are irresistible.  But how do you get yourself and your luggage onto a big boat without having to save up for more than a year in advance?  It is possible to book a cheap cruise without having to sacrifice all the goodies that come with ocean travel.  You need to be clever, flexible and stay on the lookout for the perfect opportunity.   1. Competition is fierce The tourism industry has always been highly competitive and now there are more tourist possibilities than ever before.  Cruising is one of the most popular vacation choices in the world and more and more ships are added each year.  With so many cabins to fill, and serious fluctuations brought on by such unfortunate elements as terrorism and climate change, it can be a battle to attract passengers and stand out from the other companies.  That means good fortune for you, the traveller looking for a cheap cruise.   2. Travel off peak Unless you really have to travel at a particular time of year, be flexible about your dates.  The most popular cruise times are naturally in the spring, summer and early autumn, depending on the itinerary.  But even in the dead of winter at home, the atmosphere on a cheap cruise can be a world away from the snow and slush.  Take advantage of this timing aspect and save big bucks.   3. Be in the know Make yourself aware of the different cruise lines and when they offer special rates and discounted fares.  Visit their websites and sign up for their newsletters and eventually, you’ll see a pattern evolving.  When a cheap cruise comes up that fits your lifestyle when you’re able to travel, you’ll be one of the first to know.   4. Be your own travel agent While travel agents certainly serve a valuable purpose, it can be just as easy to book your own vacation arrangements, especially when you’re looking for a cheap cruise.  Since a cruise is travel, destination and accommodation all rolled into one, it’s fairly simple to organize.  Booking online usually means heavy discounts because there is no middleman involved.  Talking to an operator over the phone means wages but over the Internet, you do it all yourself.   5. Last minute bookings There are websites that offer huge discounts for last minute bookings for hotels, and now even for cruises.  No cruise company wants to depart from port with empty cabins because it simply isn’t profitable.  They would rather sell the space at greatly reduced rates than not sell it at all.  That’s great if a cheap cruise is your only consideration but you should be prepared with passports, visas, time and vaccinations before booking.   6. Negotiate Do your best to negotiate pricing down when shopping around for a cheap cruise.  Try to compare apples with apples and play one company against another.  As mentioned earlier, competition is fierce and you may score a fantastic deal just for the asking.   7. Group discounts Travelling in a group can be a great way to book a cheap cruise.  Discounts are often offered for parties of ten or more passengers so ask around and see which of your friends would be interested in sailing the high seas with you.   8. Loyalty discounts If you’re a frequent cruiser who patronizes the same company for every trip, see about securing a discount. You spend a lot of money with them.  Most companies would be happy to offer a cheap cruise to someone whose invaluable word of mouth does some of their marketing for them.   9. Destinations Depending on where you want to travel, the cost of cruising will be proportionate to the destination.  Choose where you want to go but be prepared to change your mind in the interests of a cheap cruise.  If you really want to go somewhere in particular, then follow the above points to save money.   10. Cheaper cruise lines As with any industry, there are elite players and bargain basement choices.  Some companies offer a range of pricing from a cheap cruise to the ultimate in unbridled luxury.  Others specialize in the more economical end of the market.  It may mean fewer facilities or slightly inferior amenities but do your homework before booking and know what you’re getting.   Above all, remember that a cheap cruise isn’t necessarily a sub-standard cruise.  The more you know what you’re doing, the better your chances of setting sail in accommodations that cost other people much more, to destinations you never thought you could afford.