It's true that for a long time, cruises have been thought of as just for the wealthy, those celebrating a special anniversary or those seeking a 'once in a lifestyle adventure'. But whilst cruises still have this appeal, they are also starting to cater for those on a tighter budget who are looking to book their annual holiday.
It wouldn't be correct to say that luxury liners no longer exist. Of course, many still splash out on those ships where dining with the captain and shopping in designer on-board boutiques all add the first-class cruise experience. But as the world becomes smaller and more people want to holiday further away, cruise operators are starting to cater for this demand by creating new lower-budget cruises whilst existing ones reduce prices through this creation of healthy competition.
Firstly, on paper even the cheaper cruise operators' prices can look expensive. But it is worth remembering that this price usually includes all accommodation, flights, food, excursions and some activities which, when compared the price of an average holiday, probably costs the same as an all-inclusive resort vacation. This also means that there is little day-to-day expenditure which reduces the urge to impulse buy.
Secondly, where you decide to take a cruise will also have an effect on your budget. Of course, choosing to cruise to far away destinations like the Caribbean and Asia are going to cost more than more local destinations like the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. But the time of year you travel can mean finding some great deals too, with Christmas, the New Year and school holidays generally costing more than any other time (peak and off-peak prices will, however, vary from place to place, so do some research first).
Finally, another way to book a cheap cruise is to book early. Although there has been an increase in last-minute holiday bookings, with cruises the cheaper or most in-demand rooms get booked up first, so booking 6-12months in advance could save a lot of money and ensure availability.
It wouldn't be correct to say that luxury liners no longer exist. Of course, many still splash out on those ships where dining with the captain and shopping in designer on-board boutiques all add the first-class cruise experience. But as the world becomes smaller and more people want to holiday further away, cruise operators are starting to cater for this demand by creating new lower-budget cruises whilst existing ones reduce prices through this creation of healthy competition.
Firstly, on paper even the cheaper cruise operators' prices can look expensive. But it is worth remembering that this price usually includes all accommodation, flights, food, excursions and some activities which, when compared the price of an average holiday, probably costs the same as an all-inclusive resort vacation. This also means that there is little day-to-day expenditure which reduces the urge to impulse buy.
Secondly, where you decide to take a cruise will also have an effect on your budget. Of course, choosing to cruise to far away destinations like the Caribbean and Asia are going to cost more than more local destinations like the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. But the time of year you travel can mean finding some great deals too, with Christmas, the New Year and school holidays generally costing more than any other time (peak and off-peak prices will, however, vary from place to place, so do some research first).
Finally, another way to book a cheap cruise is to book early. Although there has been an increase in last-minute holiday bookings, with cruises the cheaper or most in-demand rooms get booked up first, so booking 6-12months in advance could save a lot of money and ensure availability.
