When you're on the hunt for Cruise West Deals, it's important to consider timing of your vacation, along with your budget. Cruise West specializes in small ship cruises and high-quality, interactive itineraries. Ships in the fleet sail all over, from Antarctica and Alaska to the Panama Canal and Galapagos. Since the ships are smaller, the number of passengers on board is limited, gaining you access to more sightseeing and excursions on a more intimate level. If Cruise West sounds like the company for you, do your research on great fare deals, whether you're booking last minute or a year ahead of time.
Booking your trip
It is no secret that you'll pay more for your cruise fare in season vs. off season. But that doesn't mean bargains can't be snagged. You just have to take the time to research. Sometimes, you don't even have to look that far to stumble on a deal, even if your desired sail date is a few weeks away. That being said, Cruise West doesn't generally offer discounted tickets at the last minute. It does boast super savings on early bookings, and offers a best price guarantee. If you find a better fare elsewhere, the company will honor it by giving you a Cruise West travel certificate representing the value of the difference. By booking early, you can enjoy savings of $100 to $300 off by making a deposit on your ticket by a certain date or $200 to $600 by paying in full well ahead of time.
If you're looking for last minute Cruise West deals, check your travel agent or discounted Internet travel websites. You're sure to find some great bargains on cruise tickets to suit your schedule.
Seasonal choices
Because Cruise West sails to so many different destinations all over the globe, there is no right time to cruise in general. It all depends on your destination and route. Be sure to research the weather, climate, and season before you book. For example, the best time to cruise Antarctica is between November and March, when the sun is shining and more amazing wildlife is visible along the route. While you'll typically pay more for in season travel than off, you may be able to scoop up some deals. But if you don't mind traveling in colder weather or during vacation weeks, you'll pay a bit less and enjoy the savings in your wallet.
Flexibility counts
Cruise West boasts a Special Offers section dedicated solely to highlighted sales. Check back often to find sales under the Stowaway Program. You can get 25 percent off the regular price, a whopping savings off base fare. The catch? You can't specify the exact dates of travel. You select your itinerary, along with cabin category and a 30-day travel window; Cruise West chooses the dates for you, but will give you a 30-day notice of the chosen date. This means that on a fare of roughly $8,000 for a Grand Asia cruise, for example, you would pay only about $6,200. Flexibility is key here, so if your schedule allows for it, take advantage of these types of deals.