It is easy to be confused about how cruises are priced and why there is so much difference between agencies for the same ship and same sailing. Shoppers are shocked when they see a cruise advertised at a very low price and suddenly find that it cost much more. The important thing to remember is that price contains several components. The first three are what people are often confused by. Price is made up of; 1. Cruise fare 2. Port charges and 3. Taxes and Government fees. Other charges that may apply are 4. Ground transfers (included with some cruise lines, a separate charge with others) 5. Airfare (if you asked for it) 6. Airport taxes and fees and, 7. Trip insurance (optional.)
Price is determined by the type of stateroom you choose and the dates you are traveling. Pricing starts on the inside of a ship at the lowest passenger deck. The important thing to know about these cabins is that the very lowest inside cabins may be bunk beds, or an upper and lower berth. That's not bad if you're two single travelers on a budget, but probably not very good if you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary.
The next level up is an inside cabin with two lower berths that can be put together as a queen sized bed. These are generally very popular for budget conscious travelers and work fine. The cabins are essentially the same as an outside cabin minus a window. If you aren't going to be in your cabin very much this may be perfect for you. As you go up each deck level, the price of the stateroom normally increases whether it is inside or outside.
As indicated before, inside cabins and oceanview cabins are essentially the same on most ships. Oceanview cabins start with porthole windows and may be priced only slightly higher than inside cabins. These are at the very front of the ship and you may experience more motion there. The next type of cabin would be one that has a large picture window. Oceanview cabins are very pleasant and people often spend much more time in a stateroom than they might think. Ocean view cabins are particularly nice when you are going in and out of ports or on an Alaskan cruise. Occasionally, you will be treated to the sight of dolphins or whales jumping alongside the ship or an incredible sunrise or sunset.
The next step up is a stateroom with a private verandah. These are obviously more expensive but if you like the privacy of breakfast on your own private balcony it may be well worth the additional cost. Mini suites, Family suites, Penthouse and Owners Suites are the more expensive accommodations on cruise ships. The amenities increase with each category you move up, as does the cost.
Staterooms can be booked with a specific cabin assignment or on what is called a “guarantee”. A specific cabin assignment is best if you have a particular need or preference. An example would be that if you were highly prone to motion discomfort you would want to be as close to the middle of the ship and as low down as possible where there is the least motion. Booking on a guarantee which simply means you book the lowest category inside or outside cabin and by giving the cruise line flexibility in meeting other passenger request in cabin assignments, the cruise line will automatically upgrade you to the best available cabin (generally inside to inside, outside to outside) at time of sailing. Quite often, you will get much more than you actually paid for and save a little money in the process. There are also a variety of special promotions going at any given time that could save you money. State and regional residency, senior specials and run of ship promotions are all things to check.
Price is determined by the type of stateroom you choose and the dates you are traveling. Pricing starts on the inside of a ship at the lowest passenger deck. The important thing to know about these cabins is that the very lowest inside cabins may be bunk beds, or an upper and lower berth. That's not bad if you're two single travelers on a budget, but probably not very good if you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary.
The next level up is an inside cabin with two lower berths that can be put together as a queen sized bed. These are generally very popular for budget conscious travelers and work fine. The cabins are essentially the same as an outside cabin minus a window. If you aren't going to be in your cabin very much this may be perfect for you. As you go up each deck level, the price of the stateroom normally increases whether it is inside or outside.
As indicated before, inside cabins and oceanview cabins are essentially the same on most ships. Oceanview cabins start with porthole windows and may be priced only slightly higher than inside cabins. These are at the very front of the ship and you may experience more motion there. The next type of cabin would be one that has a large picture window. Oceanview cabins are very pleasant and people often spend much more time in a stateroom than they might think. Ocean view cabins are particularly nice when you are going in and out of ports or on an Alaskan cruise. Occasionally, you will be treated to the sight of dolphins or whales jumping alongside the ship or an incredible sunrise or sunset.
The next step up is a stateroom with a private verandah. These are obviously more expensive but if you like the privacy of breakfast on your own private balcony it may be well worth the additional cost. Mini suites, Family suites, Penthouse and Owners Suites are the more expensive accommodations on cruise ships. The amenities increase with each category you move up, as does the cost.
Staterooms can be booked with a specific cabin assignment or on what is called a “guarantee”. A specific cabin assignment is best if you have a particular need or preference. An example would be that if you were highly prone to motion discomfort you would want to be as close to the middle of the ship and as low down as possible where there is the least motion. Booking on a guarantee which simply means you book the lowest category inside or outside cabin and by giving the cruise line flexibility in meeting other passenger request in cabin assignments, the cruise line will automatically upgrade you to the best available cabin (generally inside to inside, outside to outside) at time of sailing. Quite often, you will get much more than you actually paid for and save a little money in the process. There are also a variety of special promotions going at any given time that could save you money. State and regional residency, senior specials and run of ship promotions are all things to check.