Cruise promotions can be found all across the web, TV, and even in postal mail, but not every offer lives up to its promises.
There’s no harm in seeking a bargain on a cruise. We all desire to economize, and landing a truly remarkable deal can be both a money-saving victory and a delightful vacation rolled into one.
The issue arises when deals appear attractive on the surface but turn out to be problematic in reality. They could be fraudulent, or they might set you up for disappointment. In either scenario, you’ll be disappointed and wish you had made a different choice.
If you chance upon an amazing cruise deal that seems too good to be true, bear these insights in mind.
Mailers for complimentary cruises
The adage “nothing in life is free” also rings accurate for booking cruises.
Naturally, if you have legitimately earned a free cruise through a casino or if you have attained Pinnacle Club status with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, then you are indeed receiving what you’ve earned.
What I’m alluding to here are offers for a free cruise in exchange for something, such as attending a seminar or enrolling in a vacation club.
These usually come in the form of unsolicited postcards offering a free cruise in the mail. They are typically anonymous and lack a return address.
These are notorious for high-pressure sales tactics that entice you with the allure of a “free cruise” to persuade you into purchasing a timeshare or other investment. To put it bluntly, these are a terrible idea due to the problems linked with deceit and getting roped into significant expenses. There are numerous accounts of individuals who sought a free cruise but ended up with unwanted timeshares and travel clubs.
Another form of free cruise often seen are giveaways, either online or via postal mail.
While Royal Caribbean occasionally runs free cruise giveaways, they are quite scarce, and what you’re likely encountering is a scam. This is especially prevalent on platforms like Facebook, where you might encounter a post claiming that by liking a post or joining a group, you’ll qualify for a free cruise.
Then there are the old-fashioned free cruise promotions you might have come across at a pizzeria or other eatery, where you fill out a card and drop it into a box for a chance to win. Instead of winning a free cruise, you’re essentially signing up for a lifetime of unsolicited calls.
Should you encounter an offer for a complimentary cruise, approach it with extreme skepticism. My recommendation is to simply ignore it, but if you’re curious, ensure you ask questions and research the company or opportunity online to ascertain its legitimacy. Never commit to attending a timeshare presentation or joining a travel club in the hopes of receiving a free cruise.
An exceptional price on an aged vessel
I have received numerous messages from acquaintances informing me about the outstanding deal they secured on a family cruise with Royal Caribbean, largely due to booking an older, smaller ship.
Let me be clear: there’s nothing inherently wrong with Royal Caribbean’s older ships. They offer traditional cruise experiences, which many individuals enjoy. However, they may not be the ideal cruise experience for you.
Discover more: Why you shouldn’t overlook older and smaller cruise ships
While it’s accurate that some of the lowest cruise prices are often found on Vision or Radiance Class ships, you should be well-informed about what to expect from these ships, as well as what to anticipate missing out on.
Older ships lack the state-of-the-art amenities present on Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels. If you’ve recently watched a Royal Caribbean television commercial, nearly all the exciting features showcased therein are absent on these ships.
This can be especially challenging for families anticipating water slides and a plethora of top deck activities to keep their children (and sometimes parents) entertained.
Discover more: 15 complimentary activities to try on your upcoming cruise
Regardless of the Royal Caribbean ship you select, make sure to research its features and amenities to have a clear understanding of what to expect onboard.
Not all Royal Caribbean ships boast a Broadway show, water slides, laser tag, or bumper cars. If there’s a specific activity that you absolutely desire on the ship, double-check that the ship offers it before finalizing your reservation. Don’t base your cruise selection solely on price.
Cabin upgrades on cruise ships
Royal Caribbean provides passengers with the option to bid for a stateroom upgrade, with the promise of potentially paying considerably less to switch to a larger cabin.
While the bid prices might be enticing, it’s essential to consider a few factors before proceeding.
When you bid for an upgrade, you’re essentially informing the cruise line that if there’s an unsold cabin, you’re willing to purchase it at that bid amount. However, just because you can place a bid doesn’t guarantee the availability of an upgraded cabin.
Furthermore, with the upgrade, you might have to forego certain preferences that could prove undesirable later on. For instance, you might end up with a cabin situated at the front of the ship, which could be troublesome if you’re prone to motion sickness. Alternatively, your cabin could be beneath a noisy public venue. If you’re traveling with companions and wish to be in close proximity to them, the RoyalUp option may not allow for that.
An additional reason to contemplate before bidding on a cabin upgrade is the added cost involved, beyond your initial booking price. If your vacation budget is constrained, it might be prudent to forgo the upgrade and reserve those funds for shore excursions, dining experiences, or onboard beverages.
Discover more: 17 methods in which individuals waste funds on ships
An incredibly low advertised cruise fare
Upon commencing your quest for a cruise, finding a competitively priced rate advertised is simple. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that numerous additional costs await you down the line.
Websites retailing cruises typically highlight the base fare, which might appear to be an excellent price. The reality, however, is far from the initial rate.
These prices frequently exclude taxes, port charges, and travel insurance. When you progress to the booking phase, you’ll observe that the final amount has increased significantly beyond the initial figure.
As an example, our staff secured a $99 cruise fare. While each individual paid $99, the total cost amounted to $486.50, or $234.25 per person.
Discover more: 11 surcharges associated with cruises that you should be aware of before booking
The positive news is that this practice might be phased out. Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have announced that, owing to new legislation, they will be incorporating port fees and taxes into their advertised prices.
This change is set to be implemented in July 2024; however, it doesn’t necessarily mean that third-party websites will follow suit.
When assessing the pricing of any cruise, be sure to factor in these supplemental costs that you’ll be required to cover.
