Finding The Best Alaskan Cruise Deal

Cruises are probably the best way to spend a vacation – you get great rooms, fine food from the best chefs around, and top notch service.  An Alaskan Cruise adds great scenery and a unique, exciting destination to that list, making it one of the most popular North American cruise experiences.

It can take some time and research to find the best deals on Alaskan Cruises .  It is worth taking a little time to shop around before purchasing a cabin – you could save up to 50% on the total price of your cruise if you look in the right places at the right time, which is no small amount considering an Alaskan cruise can typically cost $1000 per person.  The money saved can be used for souvenirs, shore excursions, or, put towards next years cruise.

Book Early if You Can

The first tip for getting the best deals on Alaskan cruises is to book your cabin early.  Many of the cabins that are the best value, such as standard cabins with balconies, sell out quickly leaving the less desirable rooms for the late comers.  Booking early can also ensure that your cabin is closer to the entertainment venues, pools, and restaurants, as many cruise ships are very large and individuals with cabins towards the bottom and ends of the ship can find themselves with quite a long hike to get to the food and entertainment on board.

Compare Prices

This may seem obvious, but be sure to compare prices.  There are lots of companies that offer regular Alaskan cruises, and the prices can vary quite widely depending on the facilities on the ship, and the ports that the ship uses.  You may find that by changing your departure port, or by looking at ships that don't stop at as many of the more popular destinations in Alaska, you can save several hundred dollars.  If you aren't specifically interested in certain facilities or destinations, then you may feel that you are making the savings for little or no sacrifice on your part.

If you have your heart set on a certain ship or destination, then check other booking companies to see if they offer a better deal.  Sometimes a travel agent with a quota to fill, or a discount travel site, will offer the same cruise for a much cheaper price than a regular agency.   Compare quotes from lots of different sources to get the best deal.

You Can Still Get a Deal at The Last Minute

If you were unable to book early then don't worry, you can still get a good deal if you are flexible. Cruise ships typically slash their prices during the last week or so before the ship sets sail.  The travel companies feel that it is better to cut their losses by filling the cabin at a deeply discounted rate than it is to sail with an empty cabin.  Check last minute travel sites online to see if you can find a good deal for a cruise at the last minute – you can save as much as 50% on the going rate for a cabin if you are flexible and able to book at the last moment.