Booking a cruise on line
 

We're thinking about booking a cruise online for a December cruise. What websites offer the best prices? Are there any to avoid?
Carol

I got a great deal through cruise planners. Just do a search for "Cruises" and compare prices. If you go with a "cruise only" company you usually get a better deal because they buy in blocks and usually get better prices than TA's. When I found the best deal I called the cruise line and asked if they were familiar with cruise planners (they were) and if they've ever had any problems with them (they haven't). My TA couldn't come close to the price, so I booked on-line.

A lot depends upon what cruiseline you're choosing but if you're considering one of the mass-marketed cruiselines (Carnival, HAL, Princess, NCL, RCCI) I've had the least expensive/best quotes from www.cruisequick.com. If you're considering one of the luxury lines such as Radisson, Silverseas, Seabourn I've received better prices from private TA's who do lots of bookings for these lines.

Do you have an AmEx Platinum card? They also offer $150. per person shipboard credit on certain lines (Radisson I know for sure). What cruiseline are you considering?? With this maybe we can be more helpful.

I've found the best price on the Mariner with Cruise Vacation Center. Anyone dealt with them?
Carol

They're a good company, Farm Mom.

You might also try CruiseCompete.com. Select the ship & sailing, enter the price you're trying to beat, and see if anyone has a better offer.

As CVC is generally very low, I doubt you'll see a better price by much, but you never know...

Good luck!