Cruises: The Cheapest Way to Travel w/ Ilana from Life Well Cruised #776
Jan 17, 2024
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Ilana, a cruising enthusiast and travel blogger, shares why she loves cruising, how to get the best deal during wave season, and the differences between major cruise lines. They also discuss the benefits of taking direct flights, choosing the right cruise based on factors like destination and length, and investing in cruise line stocks. Plus, they cover Wi-Fi packages on cruises and promote various products and podcasts.
Taking advantage of deals and promotions during wave season can significantly save money on cruises.
Choosing the right cabin option and consulting travel agents can help find the best deals and accommodations on a cruise.
Booking excursions ahead of time with the cruise line directly is essential to ensure availability and sometimes benefit from lower prices.
Deep dives
Finding Deals and Promotions on Cruises
One strategy to save money on cruises is to take advantage of deals and promotions offered by cruise lines. This can include discounts on third and fourth passengers, free gratuities, and onboard credits for excursions or drinks. Booking during wave season, which is typically from January to March, can also result in lower prices or additional perks. Travel agents specializing in cruises can provide valuable insights and access to exclusive discounts and promotions.
Choosing the Right Cabin and Saving Money
When booking a cruise, there are different cabin options to consider. Interior cabins are the most affordable, while cabins with balconies or ocean views offer a more luxurious experience. Midship cabins are recommended for those concerned about motion sickness, as they experience less movement. It's also possible to book an interior cabin and bid for an upgrade to a higher-category room. Checking cruise line websites and consulting travel agents can help in finding the best cabin options and deals.
Wi-Fi and Communication on Cruises
Wi-Fi on cruise ships can be expensive, and international phone plans do not typically work on cruises. Passengers can purchase internet packages to access Wi-Fi on board, but they should be mindful of costs. Making phone calls on a cruise can result in high charges, so it's best to avoid relying on mobile phone services. It's important to understand the available options for communication and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected expenses.
Choosing the Right Cruise Destination
When selecting a cruise, it is important to consider the desired destination and the type of experience one is looking for. Some people prefer Caribbean or Bahamas cruises for the hot and sunny weather, while others prefer Mediterranean or river cruises for a more cultural and sightseeing experience. Caribbean cruises are a popular choice due to the abundance of ships and the potential for great deals. It is essential to choose a cruise line that aligns with one's preferences, as each cruise line offers a different atmosphere and caters to different types of travelers.
Booking Excursions and Cruise Line Options
Booking excursions ahead of time is essential, especially for popular activities or destinations. It is advisable to book with the cruise line directly to ensure availability and sometimes benefit from lower prices. Different cruise lines offer various types of experiences and services. For example, Carnival is known for budget-friendly options and family-friendly amenities like water slides, while Celebrity offers a more upscale and adult-oriented atmosphere. It is crucial to select a cruise line and ship that aligns with one's preferences and desired vacation experience.
Over here at How To Money, we’ve experienced a lot of life over the years and typically the way the podcast works is that we share our firsthand account of something personal finance related. Save up 3-6 months of living expenses for an emergency fund? Of course. Investing in real estate and becoming a landlord? We’ve achieved that many times over. Pursuing entrepreneurship by scaling a podcasting sidegig into a full-fledged business? You’re listening to it! But when it comes to going on a cruise, we’re total noobs! Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before, and so we figured it made sense to bring on a pro. We’re joined by Ilana from Life Well Cruised which is a cruise and travel blog, and she also has a YouTube channel where she has around 45 million views, which is incredible! But it shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the helpful content she’s publishing over there. Ilana shares why she loves cruising so much, how to get the best deal during wave season, the difference between some of the major cruise lines, excursions, choosing a room, sea sickness, and plenty more!
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