Same cruise prices across the board?

I'm about to take my very first cruise on January 7th (a great ship for a first timer to get introduced to the fabulous world of Cruising), but I'm already planning my January 2017 trip, and I'm aiming for the all too popular Western Caribbean.

The unique thing about me is that I cruise Solo. To put it blunt, i'm in that age group where all my friends are too poor/busy to go with me and i'm not yet in the age group where I can afford to tag multiple family with me (like parents, brother, etc). So Han Solo is the way to go for now.

One other thing is I much, much prefer to plan every detail of my cruise by myself, rather than having a travel agent do it for me, even though they can achieve deals I can't.

Short story long, I've been browsing multiple different cruise booking sites, from Expedia to Cruise.com and have found one thing in common. All the prices are virtually the same. The only real difference I see are small extras, such as "free" travel insurance or extra onboard credit, etc.

Are there any secret squirrel sites you folks visit that edge out the rest of the pack in general in terms of value?

As it stands, Norwegian cannot be beat for me with those solo cabins, as the supplement discount is pretty decent.

Thank you!

Sorry, Cruise Critic guidelines prohibit discussing travel agents.

That said, most cruise lines do not allow a TA to discount the fares. Princess is one of the few that allow it, and they only allow it if you call the TA and ask for a quote. They can't advertise a lower price.

...most unfortunate. I'll have to ask on another forum.

Welcome aboard.

Just an FYI - it's against board rules to mention TA's by name.

But to answer your question I think most cruise lines don't allow TA's to discount prices - although there may be some exceptions. I always do our bookings myself so not sure on that. Some TA's do add their own perks to attract business - I think that usually comes out of their commission.

Have a great time and prepare to be hooked.

They only way to find cheap fares is to bascially check fares on a constant basis. You can keep track of pricing and follow price drops or increases. Book only when you find a price that YOU are willing to pay and then stop looking. :D

You might look at some comparison websites there's one with a fish in its name or kayak but it is all really up to you do the legwork.

I'm about to take my very first cruise on January 7th (a great ship for a first timer to get introduced to the fabulous world of Cruising), but I'm already planning my January 2017 trip, and I'm aiming for the all too popular Western Caribbean.

 

 

 

The unique thing about me is that I cruise Solo. To put it blunt, i'm in that age group where all my friends are too poor/busy to go with me and i'm not yet in the age group where I can afford to tag multiple family with me (like parents, brother, etc). So Han Solo is the way to go for now.

 

 

 

One other thing is I much, much prefer to plan every detail of my cruise by myself, rather than having a travel agent do it for me, even though they can achieve deals I can't.

 

 

 

Short story long, I've been browsing multiple different cruise booking sites, from Expedia to Cruise.com and have found one thing in common. All the prices are virtually the same. The only real difference I see are small extras, such as "free" travel insurance or extra onboard credit, etc.

 

 

 

Are there any secret squirrel sites you folks visit that edge out the rest of the pack in general in terms of value?

 

 

 

As it stands, Norwegian cannot be beat for me with those solo cabins, as the supplement discount is pretty decent.

 

 

 

Thank you!

You don't want to use a TA but you want a website (other than the cruise line's) to do the booking. The websites are TAs. So, admit it and start looking for the right TA. You can still do research on your own regarding which line(s), itineraries, etc.

Where I consider CC to be particularly helpful is in determining the profile and/or "culture" of a particular cruise line's passenger base. Spend a few hours reading threads and you'll quickly be able to determine which line(s) meet your personal preferences (non-smoking, kid programs, inclusive pricing, dress requirements, etc.) and which cater to a lot of folks whose behavior might (or might not) be your "cup of tea."

Armed with some idea of which ship culture appeals most to you (or in its absence, some history of the types of accommodations and clientele you seek in a land based hotel or resort), hunt down a good TA. Check past "best of ..." lists at Conde Nast Traveler as well as the Travel Sections of major newspapers for TAs named often in cruise stories. Likewise, check your college alumni association for contact info for TAs they use for any travel they sponsor. Asking friends sometimes helps but lots of folks are not the most knowledgeable consumers of travel services. Once you've got somewhat of a short list, interview them. Ultimately, you want a cruise specialist who is a top producer for the line(s) in which you may be interested. The best TAs will interview you as well and help you narrow choices while getting great deals and going to bat for you if any problems arise.

As aforementioned, actual cabin prices vary little. It's often the perks that make a difference and all perks can be reduced to a dollar value that alters your "net daily rate" for the trip. This is one important item related to TA choice. Top agents for a line may earn higher commissions or perk allowances that translate to a better deal for you. And should a problem arise, the phone call of someone who does millions in business with the line will be answered/addressed immediately.

Princess and Cunard are 2 that allow TA to discount their rates upfront .

However no TA's can advertise their discounted rate so you must contact them

for the actual rate .

Merely comparing their advertised rates on their internet sites you won't see their best deals .

And again , mentioning TA's on this CC site run by a couple Agencies , is certainly and rightfully , not permitted.

Do an online search for Discounted solo and singles cruises. Also Hosted singles cruises. 2 or 3 agencies regularly offer them on many lines. Great fun too. I have read maybe 1-2% of cruisers are solo.