New cruise planner dilemmas!

bhf108 · #1 (**permalink**) April 28th, 2008, 12:20 AM

Hi all,

I'm a first-time cruise planner who, like those who have gone before me, feel a bit overtaxed and reaching the boiling point. I'm trying to find good deals for my family (1 senior, 3 adults, 1 child) for August 2008 out of NYC. I have been through no less than 20 different websites offering cruise deals, and the more options one is given, the more headache it causes.

I came across CruiseCompete.com, which I have heard good things about, but wonder if the website keeps tabs on the integrity of their TAs? I received a quote from eCruiseStore.com for a 9 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises out of NYC for $4,830 - when every other quote I received was in the $7000s. Is this deal too good to be true? For a first-timer, I am very skeptical, but also quite gullible. I'll appreciate any and all input.

- Katie

richstacy · #2 (**permalink**) April 28th, 2008, 09:26 PM

The price for the same cruise can vary quite a bit depending on lots of things including what sort of stateroom you are looking at. Inside? Ocean view? Balcony? Suite? (Starting form the cheapest and going to the more expensive.) go to the individual cruise line website and check out the deck plan of the ship and see what you are getting. (get a balcony if you can possibly afford it. and remember that the prices are quoted double occupancy, per person.

Dannyboy · #3 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2008, 11:00 AM

BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FIRST PRINCESS CRUISE, HAVE A PAST GUST REFER YOU FROM THE CAPTAINS CLUB, YOU WILL GET AN ADDITION DISCOUNT.
IT'S THE PRINCESS CAPTAINS CIRCLE PROGRAM.
JUST ASK ME.

Paul Motter · #4 (**permalink**) September 9th, 2008, 10:37 PM

Be VERY careful if a quote is substanially lower than everyone else. make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Cruise Compete does NOT fully monitor every quote - they can't. It is up to the buyer to make sure their offer is legitimate.

I would ask your agent who he/she works for, and if you can talk to a higher up. If not, ask if she is in CLIA, has an IATA number and if your payment will be processed by the cruise line.

Here is an article on how to "vet" cruise agencies.

http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/howtobuy/