Cruise advisers highlight fare tracking and pre-sailing planning
Experts recommend monitoring prices after booking, using cruise line apps early and reviewing onboard and shore-side requirements.
Cruise fares may continue to fall after a reservation is made, according to Eric King, founder of fare-tracking service CruiseCaptain. King said continued price monitoring saved him about $2,000 on an upcoming Disney cruise with his family.
Multiple cruise experts advise passengers to download their cruise line’s app well before departure and determine when reservations open for their preferred experiences. Steve Griswold, owner of Pixie Vacations, noted that reservations are now required for some cruise shows.
Travel adviser Brian Rooney said familiarizing himself with a ship’s layout early helps him avoid repeatedly checking deck maps. Maritime attorney Jason R. Margulies, a partner at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., also advised travelers to recognize that a ship’s all-aboard deadline is earlier than its scheduled departure time.
For port activities, Margulies recommended checking shore-excursion descriptions and any listed restrictions. Shannon Kendro, an Adventure Life trip planner specializing in river cruises, encouraged passengers to spend time outside on deck, including during weather they might not otherwise choose.