With a bit of savvy and patience, last minute cruise auctions could help you book a world-class vacation at a sizable discount. Just think, one day you’re searching for a holiday deal; next, you’re preparing to set sail on a luxury voyage. It all begins with a bid.
A luxury cruise ship sets sail.
The Cruise Experience
It’s little wonder why cruises remain so popular with travelers, both seasoned and new. With a single ticket, a cruise takes care of everything: Where to stay, where to go, and how to get there. Best described as a floating resort, cruises offer all the amenities of a four-star hotel and add to it an ever-changing view that’s peerless.
The Price
Naturally, the price of such a luxurious vacation is considerable. Starting prices could be as high as $4,000. Though everything is included with your boarding pass, the cost can still give you pause. Fortunately, last minute cruise auctions and deals can get you on board for far less.
Bargains: Last Minute Cruise Auctions
In travel terms, “last-minute” cruises are sailings that are two to three months away. The reason being, ships have a cut-off date for cancellations before penalties are applied. Thus, by this deadline, they have a good idea of how many staterooms and suites are available. These are the cabins that go on sale and some go on auction.
Where to Go
To take advantage of last-minute cruise auctions, you need to be persistent, checking websites daily for the latest deals. Most auctions last 14 days and you’ll want to compare and contrast packages within that time. Factors that may influence your bid include destination, return port, and date of departure. For starters, see what's available at the providers below. While travel sites like Travelocity and Expedia also offer a number of cruise discounts , you won't find any auctions. To place a bid and compete, consider:
1. SkyAuction.com: In 1999, SkyAuction.com entered the travel-auction marketplace and has had over 850,000 auction winners since. Its cruise deals are constantly changing, with minimum bids that fall within most everyone’s price range.
2. eBay: Known the world over for its auctions, eBay categorizes its cruise packages by destination, departure port, cruise line, and length of cruise. At any given time, find over 100 cruises ready for bids.
3. Luxury Link: Specializing in ultra-luxury travel, Luxury Link allows you to bid for your dream vacation. Check available cruises by destination.
Tips Before You Bid
A gorgeous view from the deck.
If you’re ready to get away, then a last-minute cruise may just be the answer. Typically, you’ll have a few months to prepare and then, you’re off to a beautiful locale on board an all-inclusive liner. To help you get there, keep in mind these tips when talking last minute:
* Compare and contrast: Budget gurus advise us to not grocery-shop when we’re hungry. The same for travelers eager to go on holiday – "everything looks good!" While deals are certainly available when it comes to auctions, you’ll still want to exercise a bit of patience and savvy when placing your bids. Compare and contrast the deals out there; read the fine print; then make your move.
* The fine print: Auctions are great, but they also have inherent limits. Unlike when you book a cruise directly, you won’t be able to make any special requests. Thus, you’ll need to read the fine print and know exactly what you’re getting before you commit.
* Factor in airfare: Unless you live near a port of departure, you'll need to book a flight. While plane tickets are reasonable these days, they still contribute to the overall cost of the cruise -- especially if you need to fly back from a different port.
* Finally, if you can wait, be flexible: If you’re looking for a bargain, then there’s no better time than off-peak season. With a slight adjustment to your calendar, you could be sailing in luxury (at a discount) in no time. After all, fewer crowds simply mean more room for you!
