At one time (and not too long ago )taking a cruise was something only the wealthy could consider as the cost was just too much for a working class family to ever afford one.


Nowadays however the cruise sector of the travel industry is growing like never before because, put simply, cruising can be cheap and cruising can be expensive. There is a cruise ship out there that will suit almost every individual’s needs whether it be on price or on facilities and quality.

The majority of those who take a cruise will cruise again and again and again. Why? Well, a cruise holiday is the ultimate kind of holiday when it comes to relieving stress, enjoying great food and entertainment and visiting a different country or island every day. There are also many other factors such as luxury amenities and great weather to name but two.

Now, if i can go back to the first paragraph. Price!

Prices for a cruise can vary enormously; in fact they can vary by as much as 75%! Why? You may ask.

Well cruise prices, like most goods we buy, have one controlling factor, numbers sold. Consider this. A modern cruise ship can cost about £500 million to build and usually most, if not all, of this will be financed and will probably incur interest charges. Therefore it is important that the cruise line makes profit on each cruise as otherwise there’s no more cruise company.

So when a brochure is launched there are normally some great early bird offers for those looking to secure their cruise holiday early. These ‘early birders’ will get the best choice of cabin. Once the early bird booking date has passed then, depending on numbers sold, the price will change. Could be up or down but one thing is for sure, the choice of cabin will not be so great.
As the cruise departure date approaches if the cruise has sold really well and is in profit then the prices will generally be high but if there is still lots of cabin space then the prices will come down and most remaining cabins will often be sold on what is called a ‘guarantee’ basis. This means that you can get a discounted cruise at probably up to 75% off the original brochure price and the guarantee is that if, for example, you book an ocean view cabin grade ‘F’ this is the minimum grade that you will get. You won’t get an inside and you won’t get a balcony but you might get a free upgrade to an ocean view on a better deck or one that is superior to the one you booked. This can be seen as a benefit but you cannot discuss cabin number or grade as this is the chance you take when booking a cabin on a guarantee basis..

Let’s face it, it’s no different to shopping on the high street. You might buy an outfit and it costs you £150 and you’re happy with your purchase. A few weeks later it’s in the end of season sale for £40, almost 75% off the price you paid for it but that’s how it is.

So the top and bottom is, if you are particular in what grade of cabin you want and you want the best choice,  book early. If however you’re not too fussy about what and where the cabin is and you are working to a budget go to our website at http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/ and look at some of the cruise deals available and whilst you’re there click on register to receive our regular email offers and download our quarterly cruisin magazine.