Finding bargain cruises out of NYC

Old Oct 14th, 2014, 09:47 AM
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Finding bargain cruises out of NYC

Hello,
Just starting to research cruises for our family of 2 adults and an 11 year old leaving from NYC. We live in MA, so much cheaper for us to drive to NYC than fly to FL.
Wondering where to look for low cost cruises to Bahamas or Caribbean, 7-9 days. Is it best to go directly to the cruise line websites last minute, or is there a better way to find deals? Any suggested websites or forums to follow?
Thank you!
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Old Oct 14th, 2014, 11:57 AM
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As to forums, check out cruisecritic.com it's the cruise bible.

As to last minute deals, many are "guarantees" meaning your cabin is assigned last minute and you may end up under an area that is noisy early morning, like the kitchen or late at night like a club.

I find it's best to use a consolidator like cruisevacationoutlet.com or similar, they generally discount the cruise line price. Also moments-notice.com is good for last minute deals. Priceline.com is another you might want to consider. Good Luck.
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Old Oct 15th, 2014, 01:36 AM
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Vacations To Go is another that has good prices for many of the cruise lines. You register for their newsletter, then receive weekly updates on offers,and general cruising advice. Their call centre staff. Are very helpful. We didn't end up booking through them, but know others who did and we're quite satisfied. Di
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Old Oct 15th, 2014, 01:58 AM
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I heartily recommend cruise critic also along with
vacations to go. I have booked NCL's GEM 3x thru them
with total satisfaction.
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Old Oct 15th, 2014, 05:26 AM
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What dates are you looking to cruise? Bargain cruises to Caribbean depend upon your dates. I have been looking for a Jan. or Feb. cruise for my DH and myself (we are from MA also) and the winter months are the most expensive. We did a cruise 1st week in April but drove to FLL so did save money on air. However, if you average it out, hotels, gas, food, etc. you would probably spend the same as to fly and get there the same day. We are retired so have the luxury of taking our time.

Remember that if you are doing a winter cruise from NYC it will be colder until you get to the Caribbean. Sitting on decks, pools, etc. would be much cooler and maybe not an option. If you are going in warmer weather, then do check out NYC getaways.

I have used some of the above-suggested sites for cruise prices. I find that it varies according to what the cruise lines are offering for discounts, perks, etc. I have also successfully booked several cruises thru the www.cruisecompete.com website. Cruise agencies will "bid" on your cruise date with prices. Sometimes, the prices are no different than booking directly with the cruise line. Sometimes, we have received OBC (on board credits).

We have also booked guarantee cabins and it is the luck of the draw as to what kind of cabin you will get. We have had good locations and not so good. We prefer mid-ship to aft. Good luck. Give us more info.
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Old Oct 15th, 2014, 05:44 AM
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Thanks for the info, will look into these sites. Thinking in April or even next summer, late June or early July. Daughter is in school so it limits our options to school vacation dates, which are always more expensive. A summer cruise could be fun, maybe even head North rather than South if we do that.
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Old Oct 15th, 2014, 05:17 PM
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Cruise out of NYC is probably one of the toughest to find bargain, for a number of reasons. The ship's port charges is high so you get a discount in fare but pay high port charges. Parking at the pier is expensive so what you save in fare ended up paying for parking. Should try to compare the whole package rather than just cruise fare. Also long sea days to get south to the Caribbean from NYC meaning less port hours down south.
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Old Oct 16th, 2014, 10:25 AM
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There are cruise buses who leave from the Boston and Rhode Island area that go directly to the cruise ships.
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Old Oct 18th, 2014, 02:26 PM
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Caribbean can be pretty warm any time, but especially so in Summer.

If your cruise is from NYC, days at beginning and end can be really cold as late as April, so you miss two days of nice weather for your Vacay. We decided we got more vacation for the money by departing from Florida or San Juan.

You have many more choices of cruises, itineraries and ships, from Florida and San Juan, and in winter, or Spring, more nice days to enjoy. They are also often cheaper.

Look at vacationstogo 90 day sticker for ideas and prices and info on ships and itineraries. Plug in your own dates then for cruises specific to your time frame, or if you like a particular ship, you can even pull up that ship and see all the itineraries for the next year or so. If there are specific ports you wish to visit, plug those in and it will show you which ships and itineraries stop there. It comprehensive and easy to use.

I have booked three times with VTG and had no problems, but I do a lot of research first, so I know what I want. I have also booked with the cruise lines.

Cruisecritic.com is a fantastic website for reviews of ships, cruises, etc. and to join the roll call for your cruise to join others for excursions, etc. You can ask questions about ships, entertainment, ports, how to do excursions, etc. Hundreds of people with lots of experience post there. Educational and fun.
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Old Oct 30th, 2014, 02:13 AM
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I agree, cruise critic is great. I always look at what’s posted there, and you can ask questions about specific itineraries or ships. I tend to go from Florida and I know it is harder to find ships leaving from NYC but seek and you shall find – look for various dates and routes, and you should be able to get something to suit you. Make sure that you take out trip cancellation insurance so you don’t have to worry about parts of your trip that are non-refundable. This way, if you have a problem and you have to cancel the trip you don’t run the risk of losing your money.
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