The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: August twenty-third, checking out cut rate cruises.

Fall is usually a good time to find bargains on Caribbean cruises. It's that period between summer's spate of travelers and winter's migration of sun seekers. Cruising weather tends to be good, except for the occasional hurricane, but ships usually alter their itineraries to avoid big storms. But this year, there's a bumper crop of bargains.

Defying fallout from troubled economies, the number of new cabins far exceeds the eight percent annual increase of passengers. Last year, 13 new cruise liners entered North American service. This year will see 16 more, and another 50 by 2005. Many are mega-ships.

Deep discounts are being dangled to lure travelers on Fall cruises. Some seven day Caribbean sailings are as low as $500 per person, and prices may fall further as embarkation dates approach. In addition to cruise lines, numerous travel agencies, traditional and on-line, can help you make a choice. Smart shoppers find the cruise they want, research rates, book a cabin and then watch prices. If better deals come along, you may be able to get the difference refunded.

Since rates reach rock bottom 30 to 45 days before departure, the best bargains often go to patient travelers who are flexible about where and when they go. While last minute bookers must take cabins no one else wanted and flight options get more limited the longer you wait, savings on room and meals can be huge. It's true that once they have you on their ship, cruise lines try to increase revenues with enticing extras from drinks and shore excursions to gambling. Though often expensive, those offerings are also entirely optional.

Good deals on cruises are one feature in this issue of the magazine, National Geographic Traveler, a supporter of our program.

Back to August 2003 Main

Look through the list of fascinating places and off-beat features we’ve covered. Search text versions of past episodes and articles in our archives.