Busting three myths about cruise costs

Many agents also belong to travel consortiums like Ensemble or Virtuoso that book blocks of cabins and offer deals that are exclusive to the clients of their member travel agencies. Hirleman, the New Jersey cruise specialist, says she often gets clients who are repeat cruisers with a particular cruise line who can “double dip” through her affiliation with Ensemble to get extra savings and perks. “They get a great past-passenger rate plus onboard credits and amenities through the group booking,” Hirleman explains. “You won’t get that online.”

Myth 3: You’re stuck with your fare

The cruise line will never call you if they have lowered the price of your cruise. Therefore, it can really pay off to keep tabs on the price of your cruise after you book. Just ask Scott Larsen of Fairfax, Va.

Last November, Larsen booked a September 2006 cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas. He went for the least expensive option: an inside cabin. In July, Larsen was thinking about upgrading his cabin, so he checked the Internet for the current cabin rates. He discovered that the prices had dropped quite a bit. In fact, an outside cabin was now going for $1 less than the price he booked for his inside cabin.

Larsen called Royal Caribbean to see if he could upgrade to the outside cabin. The cruise line told him the upgrade was possible, but he would need to make arrangements through the travel agency that handled his booking: Travelocity. Larsen then contacted Travelocity and the changes were made. Larsen notes that had he chosen to keep the inside cabin, Royal Caribbean would have refunded him $200. He says, “I really prefer the upgrade and I am really happy with the outcome.”

It’s time to debunk these three cruise myths. With a little detective work, you could end up with a cabin with a view — and more money in your pocket.

Bon voyage!

Anita Dunham-Potter is a Pittsburgh-based travel journalist specializing in cruise travel. Anita's columns have appeared in major newspapers and many Internet outlets, and she is a contributor to Fodor's "Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises 2006."E-mail Anita or visit her Web site anitavacation.com.

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