Busting three myths about cruise costs

By Anita Dunham-Potter

updated 6:49 p.m. ET Aug. 23, 2006

People new to cruising often have mistaken ideas about the experience. They have their holiday-at-sea mixed up with “The Love Boat,” or “Titanic” or maybe “Pirates of the Caribbean.” But even experienced cruisers can fall for a cruise myth — sometimes before they have even stepped aboard the ship. In fact, myths about cruise fares and the booking process are among the most common, and falling for them can be an expensive mistake.

Here are three myths about cruise fares that deserve a second look.

Myth 1: Balcony cabins are too expensive

Many people book inside cabins believing they are the cheapest; they won’t even look at the balcony cabins, thinking the price will be too high. Not true. On a recent Caribbean cruise search, I was surprised to discover that the cheapest cabin on several cruise lines wasn’t an inside or outside cabin but a balcony cabin.

“Sometimes it’s less for a balcony cabin,” confirms luxury cruise specialist Lucy Hirleman, president of Berkshire Travel in Newfoundland, N.J. She notes that if you book far enough in advance, or take advantage of special promotions for past passengers, you will frequently find that a balcony cabin costs less than an ocean-view. You can even score a mini-suite.

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What’s going on? Several different things. First, the supply of balcony cabins has increased as newer ships have come online with a higher percentage of balcony cabins. Second, a glut of cruises, particularly in the Caribbean, has opened up some great deals. Third, balcony cabins are often offered as “sweeteners” in promotions aimed at return passengers, whose loyalty to the cruise line will pay off in the long run.

So, always scan the rates for all cabin categories. You may end up with a pleasant surprise.

Myth 2: The Internet has the best fares

“Unfortunately the public has the mistaken opinion that everything bought on the Internet is cheaper,” says Ben Catalina of Cruises Inc. in San Antonio. While the Internet is a good place to go to get a general idea of the cost a cruise, it doesn’t necessarily offer the best deals. Catalina says people will often come to him with an Internet quote on a cruise and be surprised when they compare it with the fare his agency is able to get. “In nearly all cases, our price is equal or better than any Internet or direct cruise-line price,” he says.

The reason the agencies can undercut the Internet sites is that they are so well connected. They have many pricing options available to them through their computer reservations systems and through the cruise lines themselves. Many specialty agents receive daily faxes and e-mails from cruise lines and tour operators touting deals that you cannot find online.

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