Greetings!
With so many cruise specials being offered
this year and in 2010 the main question we
receive most is, "Are these cruise deals to
good to be true?"
Well these cruise deals are real, but you
must include all port fees and taxes to get
the true cruise price as the advertised price
almost never include these reasonable but
mandatory add ons.
Most prices you will see advertised are
called Base prices. The cruise line makes up
for the low starting price of the cruise by
selling the basic product cheap and making
their profit on the extra add ons (not to be
confused with mandatory add ons).
Mandatory extras are not pocketed by the
cruise lines and include tipping as well as
port/immigration fees, which are collected by
the various port and government agencies.
The "extra" add ons you can avoid to keep
that super discounted cruise a true value
include: gourmet dining "fee" based
reservations; merchandise at the ship's
boutique; alcohol; casinos; photographs; and
finally shore excursions.
Remember for maximum choice and flexibility
book early and take advantage of "early bird"
discounts.
To attain the lowest prices wait for "last
minute" discounts that typically appear 4 - 6
weeks prior to sailing.
Hope this helps to clarify some of the
misconceptions relating to cruising!
