Finding The Best
Deal
Regardless of the purchase you make, there is satisfaction in
knowing you received the best deal possible! Vacations are no exception. Planning a vacation is great fun!
There can also be some confusion and frustration. Rates are sometimes advertised that aren’t available, language
is used that’s not familiar. There are seat sales, last minute clubs, and wholesale companies. It is disappointing
to find out the guy you’re sitting next to bought the same trip and paid a whole lot less! First you must identify
your ‘vacation lifestyle’, and then go about finding the right
cruise for you. Compare price vs. value when you are considering
a cruise. Regardless of the ‘great deal’ you got on a seven night Caribbean cruise,
there is no value to being on a ship that doesn’t meet your
expectations. Unlike a land based holiday where you can move to
a different hotel if you’re not happy – you can’t change ships in the middle of the ocean. For
many of us, holidays are few and far between. This is your time
to relax and enjoy – and your Merit Cruise Consultant will help
you make the most of it. Be a savvy consumer. The following information will help educate
you and assist you in making your cruise purchase.
The Canadian Connection
Many cruise lines are quickly forming alliances with Canadian
agencies who are proactively booking cruise vacations. Most cruise lines have established pricing in
Canadian dollars, which makes it easier for the Canadian
consumer to know what their vacation is really costing them.
However, sometimes it’s advantageous for consumers to
buy their cruise vacation at US dollar rates. When making a reservation your cruise consultant should check
the pricing in both currencies, when possible, and offer you the most favourable rate. Your Cruise Consultant will
work for you to ensure you are paying the best fare for your vacation.
When to Travel
The season you choose to travel can affect the cost of your
cruise.
A general rule of thumb is, if kids are out of school, it’s peak
season for cruise lines, and the rates are at a premium. This includes: Winter Break from Christmas until the second week of January; any sailing that incorporates
either Christmas or New Years is a premium; mid-
March until Easter; and mid-summer is also high for Alaska and
Europe.
If you have some flexibility and are looking for a great value,
try to avoid these peak times.
The off-peak seasons are sometimes called ‘shoulder seasons’.
This is when you can expect to get the best seasonal value.
Shoulder seasons for popular cruise destinations are:
•
Caribbean
– September until just prior to Christmas (Keep in mind Hurricane Season is from June until November)
•
Alaska – May and September
•
Europe – April, May, September and October
•
Bermuda Cruises – May and September
Book your cruise with a Cruise professional. Book your cruise
with confidence through someone who has committed themselves to
the cruise industry and
works primarily within that field. These specialists have a
solid understanding of the differences in cruise lines and ships
and will be able to guide you in making the best
selection for your holiday.
A professional Merit Cruise Consultant has access to the best
rates, promotions and group inventory that are updated each day
by the cruise lines. This is as important
after you book your cruise, as it is before you book. At Merit
Vacations we offer PRICE PROTECTION on most cruise vacations. If
a promotion you are eligible for is
offered on a ship and sailing date that you have already booked
at a higher rate, your Merit Cruise Consultant will have your
rate re-fared at the promotional rate, or offer
you the comparable upgrade. This service will offer you peace of
mind in knowing that someone is taking care of your best
interest.
Book early
If you are planning for a special event such as an anniversary
cruise, a reunion cruise, or any special occasion, plan your
holiday early. If you have a particular
cabin or category in mind, especially if you are looking for a
balcony stateroom – book early. Often promotions are ‘capacity
controlled’. This means, once the ship
reaches a certain capacity, the promotion is withdrawn and the
balance of the ship will be sold at a higher rate.
Last Minute Bookings
Are you flexible with your bags half packed, and can you travel
at the drop of a hat? Then you should be a member of Merit’s
‘Quick Sail Club’. Often, when cruise lines are
inside of 60 days to departure with still a number of cabins to
be sold, they will contact agencies they know can move the
inventory and offer exclusive rates that cannot
be advertised! It is the Cruise Consultant’s job to contact the
clients and let them know of these deals. If you would like to
take advantage of these travel opportunities, contact
a Merit Travel office near you, and ask to join the ‘Quick Sail
Club’. There is no cost to join, but incredible value to the
membership. |
