Alaska Cruise Discount Tricks…Know Before You Buy

Are other companies lying to you or just trying to lure you in? Most likely, it’s the latter. And here’s how they do it. The cruise companies list a price called “tariff" or “brochure fare." It’s the same as a car’s “sticker price"—the price something would be if there was no competition. But of course there’s lots of competition, and the ships still want to fill up their cabins. So no one pays “tariff" because the lines discount their rates.

This is where things get complicated.

When you see, say, 75% off, always ask "75% off of what?" The answer is usually the tariff. Tariff is convenient because cruise lines can offer discounts off that inflated number, so they’re not lying when they say 75% off—it's just not any better than Alaska cruise deals offered by most resellers.

You may also see the following "cruise specials": Early Booking Discount (EBD), Early Savings (ES), or Love Boat Savings (LBS) fares. Cruise lines will publish these rates right next to the tariff, noting that if you book by a certain date, you'll receive a significant discount. These are discounts which are issued by the cruiselines and, generally speaking, all cruise resellers pass them on to the customer. So if one so-called "discounter" is offering it, you'll find most other resellers are, too. That’s certainly of our fulfillment partners—they always pass it on.

Tip #1:  Keep in mind: that “deeply discounted" Alaska cruise price is the same price you'll pay from us every day. We just tell you up front what the cost is.

Another way cruise pricing is marketed is through different cabin categories and different seasons. Sorting this out is no easy task: there can be up to 25 categories of cabin and 8 different seasons. Ack!

So look carefully at the different categories. Some cabins can be very similar in style and almost next door to each other, but have a large difference in price. Why? There may be a little extra space. There may be a veranda. And the price that some agencies list may be for a well-located cabin but one without certain amenities—like a view—that you may require.

Adding to the confusion is that ships offer many different seasons as well. No longer is there just high season, low season, and shoulder season—the seasons (and prices) practically vary by week. So when agencies list a “high season" rate, it may be merely the least expensive of four high-season rates.

Begin with an aerial overview of Misty Fjords National Monument and those granite cliffs. Just beyond is a series of small, remote mountain lakes that would be next to impossible to reach on foot. Your pilot picks out one of the lakes, lands the floatplane, and turns off the engine. You can step out on the pontoon, breathe in the fresh air and listen to the silence.

Tip #2:  Look carefully at the ship layout and cabin categories and amenities, and think about how much time you’ll really want to spend in your cabin. And try to be flexible with your dates—because there are so many different seasons, one week could mean a large difference in price. Our partners will always work with you to find you the best deal AND make sure you’re satisfied.

Always ask about these fees:

• Port charges
• Non-discountable amounts
• Non-commissionable fares

While no one markets a price that includes taxes, some agencies will promote a price that does not include these fees. And because the fees can be significant, it will appear that the price is much cheaper if they're not included.

Tip #3:  Our partners never hide any fees from you. If they're not included in the price, they're disclosed up front.

Here’s another common strategy to draw you in—to publish the lowest-price category first. After all, what’s more attractive: a 7-day Alaska cruise for $700 or one for $2,000. Of course, the $700 price is for the lowest level of cabin—usually an inside cabin with no window. And especially in Alaska, you may want to have a veranda to appreciate the gorgeous scenery whenever you want—and in privacy.

Tip #4:  Yes, we publish our lowest price in large type just like everyone else. But we also show you the full range. And we're ALWAYS up front about it.

Some cruise promotions may include extra treats such as pre-cruise hotel packages and/or cabin upgrades. Some lines may even give you a shipboard credit for onboard purchases (i.e. you’ll start your cruise with a balance you can spend). In some cases, you may even see an offer of free airfare.

Tip #5:  We always let you know exactly what's included in the price of your Alaska cruise.

So.what should you do to be sure you're getting the best rate?

• Find out what the price—the real price—is. That means ignoring the “discounted rate" you’ll see in bold letters and big type and consulting a travel professional.
• Make sure the port charges and other charges are clearly stated as being included. If they’re not, the cruise can seem much cheaper…but you’ll end up paying much more.
• Consider value-added amenities that are not reflected in the price: shipboard credits, stateroom/suite upgrades, amenities such as wine, or shore excursions.
• Look closely at the price breaks when you compare categories of cabin. There may be a huge cost in booking, say, a cabin with a veranda—so assess whether you really want one.
• Look for repositioning cruises. When cruise lines have to move their ships from a winter market like Florida to a summer market like Alaska, they may offer great deals.
• Compare different weeks. Just a little bit of flexibility could save you hundreds of dollars.

Don't book your cruise without checking first with us. We know Alaskan cruises better than anyone, and we'll work with you closely to make the cruise of your dreams come true.

Call us at 888-252-7528 today!