Using discount codes to save money on cruises

 Have you ever booked a cruise only to find out later on that a fellow passenger paid much less than what you did for the same cruise and even the same category and cabin type?

 There are several myths among cruise fanatics regarding how to save money on a cruise. The most common one is to wait until the last possible minute to get a great deal on a cruise, based on the idea that cruises will lower the price of unsold cabins as the embarkation date approaches. This might have been true in the past, but as cruises have become more and more popular and security measurements increased greatly post 9-11, the reality is that those last minute special have almost disappeared completely.  

 What many people don’t realize is that every cruise line provides travel agents with specials codes that allows them to get additional discounts for their clients. If you have an honest TA, he/she will use those codes to save you money. On the other hand, if your TA is more interested in a big commission rather than getting you a cheaper cruise, you are out of luck.

 Booking codes usually translate into big savings. For example, sometimes Costa Cruise has kids free special cruises, where up to 2 children can cruise for free when accompanied by two paying adults (except for port fees and taxes) But unless your TA enters the code KIDS when doing the booking, chances are you won’t benefit from the offer. Other times, there are special codes for past guests or military personnel and their families.

 The following table gives you a list of current discount codes for the most popular cruise lines.

Here are several things you MUST KNOW before you use the codes:

1.  Some cruise lines would allow you to enter the code directly into their reservation website, while with others you would have to call the cruise line directly and ask the reservation agent to use the code.
2. Some codes apply only to certain category or cabins type (for example interior guarantee only). Make sure you ask your TA or cruise line reservation agent if the codes applies to the specific cabin you want to book.
3. Some codes can only be used if you qualify for it. For example military personal, senior citizens, or residents of a particular State. The cruise line has the right to ask for ID that proves your military status or State of residence and if you cannot provide it, they might charge you full price for the cruise.
4. Some of these codes apply only to certain travel dates and some have specific expiration date (although many are open to the year 2009 and beyond)
5. Some of these codes are for non-refundable bookings, so be careful. The cruise will be cheaper, but if something happens you cannot get your money back.
6. Some of these codes apply on cruise only. In other words, if you are booking cruise and flight together, the code might not work.
7. Some of these codes cannot be combined with other discounts.
8. These codes are provided by the cruise line, so your T.A. should have access to them. If they tell you they don’t, maybe you should look for another T.A.
9. It is OK to ask you travel agent to enter these codes on their systems and see if it makes any difference in the price.

 Hopefully you can save some money on your next cruise with these codes: