Once you board, there are various activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy, including kids’ clubs, live entertainment and a wide variety of food options. Because everything is on the same ship, parents aren’t left to painstakingly plan every detail of the trip beforehand. To sweeten the deal further, certain cruise lines seem to cater directly to families with kid-friendly programming and eye-catching promotions, like “kids sail free.” But actually getting the best deal may not be as simple as clicking on an advertised rate.
With taxes, gratuities and onboard spending to consider—not to mention that pesky fine print that seems to caveat the best-sounding deals—understanding how to get the lowest price is important. Also crucial for securing the best cruise vacation for your family is weighing the difference between low price and high value—and some cruise lines consistently offer strong value for families. Some cruise lines are known for being notably budget-friendly for families, like Carnival and MSC.
Certain midrange options, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, and even premium brands, like Disney, often run promotions that make them a great value to families, even if the total cost isn’t the absolute cheapest cruise booking available. For example, even if you aren’t getting the cheapest fare on the Internet, perks like included excursions, Wi-Fi packages and room upgrades may meaningfully lower your overall trip cost while also elevating your vacation experience. Deciding which cruise best suits your family and your wallet is a matter of personal choice.
Ultimately, it’s best to have all of the information so you can make the most informed selection. Plenty of cruise lines have shockingly low fares, but before you celebrate winning the cruise lottery, make sure to consider the price of a specific itinerary for your whole party—and don’t forget to estimate those onboard extras. For instance, many base fares exclude taxes, port fees and gratuity, which can total to hundreds of dollars per person.
Multiply those hundreds of dollars by the number of people in your family, and the bill adds up quickly. Then, consider the money you may spend during your trip beyond your booking, especially if you don’t buy extras like a Wi-Fi package, drink package or excursions with your initial booking. Some cruises bundle a number of these benefits (in addition to things like room upgrades and onboard credits) as part of booking.
In this case, those fares may not be the cheapest but may save you money on your overall trip. Those offers can really pay off in the long run, and help to save on the cost of your final bill." Some cruise lines offer promotions where kids sail for free, which sounds like a great money-saver—and it certainly can be. However, as is true with any promotion, it’s important to understand the fine print.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
