When planning your cruise vacations, remember not to take the first offer.  There are plenty of discounts and offer that you can receive, it’s all about finding and shopping for the right ones.  Just like car dealerships, you will always get a better fare then the first one that is quoted.  Utilize a cruise agent to find the best deals and to try and get a discount on your cabin or even better, an upgrade.  All it will take from you is the knowledge and persistence to get the best deal available.   

If you are an advanced cruiser, then you might not want to book through a cruise agent.  There are many cheap websites such as cruise direct online (one word) that provide specific deals and prices.  These websites can give you competitive prices and have quotes for you in a matter of minutes.  However, these internet sites are not as flexible as travel agents and what you see is what you get.  Don’t expect any upgrades from these websites.  Also, if you have traveled before and are planning on using the same cruise line; make sure to ask your cruise agent whether or not you can get a cabin upgrade.  Some cruise lines reward returning customers and may accommodate upgrade requests depending on cabin availability.

Two for one deal are usually a better value than regular packages.  If there are bargain rates, make sure to get all rates in writing.  Remember, bargain rates usually have specific blackout dates and restrictions.  Many times these, rates are more than a rate of a last minute destination.  If you plan on having more than 2 people, cruise lines tends to offer discounts to the third and fourth person as long as they stay within the same cabin.  Remember that cabins are tiny and it might be cramped quarters, but you will save a lot of money if you double bunk.  Did you know that if you have more than 16 people in your party, you could possibly cruise for free?  If you are a single cruiser and do not mind a sub-par room, you can probably get a discount if you book last minute as a single passenger.  Also, you can try to book a double cabin with another single and if that person doesn’t show up, you will get the room to yourself.  The share a cabin program to single cruisers is a great way to meet someone as well as cut down on costs.  Otherwise, single passengers might have to pay a supplemental fee to book a double cabin.  However, this program is only for the adventurous as you might not find someone that is compatible with you and will be stuck with them for the duration of the trip.  Ask your travel agent on how to get a free cruise for parties of 16 or more.   Repositioned cruise ships offer deep discount.  Repositioning is when a cruise ship is moved, or repositioned from one area of the world to another. 

Another way to get a great deal is to do a back to back cruise.  You can combine one cruise with another to get the best rate.  That way you can take a really long cruise and save on airfare.  Some cruise lines also offer better deals if you book this kind of trip.  Back to back cruises offer great prices but you might not get the same cabin as you did on the first voyage. Your travel agent can work with you to get the best deal if you have the time and money to do a back to back cruising.  Remember to do your homework to get the best price and discount cruise vacations.