Finding the Lowest Prices on the High Seas

Here’s how the experts recommend you find the best deals and protect your vacation investment:

* Sooner is usually better. Prices have already begun to rebound slightly from the lows of last fall. For example, a three-day Baja Mexico cruise on Carnival was advertised recently for $329 but was touted just after Sept. 11 for $249. Furthermore, some of the recent advertised prices are good only until Feb. 14.

* Keep an eye on fares after you book. Ask your travel agent if the line you’re booking on has price protection guarantees in case the fare drops. Call your agent a month before you cruise to see if you are owed a refund.

* Check for gateway-specific promotions. Sometimes a line will offer a special deal from certain markets to bolster travel from that area.

* If you have taken a cruise before, ask about promotions for repeat customers. Sometimes returnees are offered two-for-one fares, a discount on regular fares and other inducements.

* Early bookings and deposits can earn on-board credit. I earned a $75-per-person credit for making a deposit on a trip on the QE2. It’s scheduled for May, but I booked last month. Such rewards can vary from $50 to $200, experts say.

* Check into premium and luxury lines that often do not emphasize pricing in their advertising. You may be able to cruise on a ship with better amenities for the price of one of the less upscale lines.

* Be flexible. If you have some give on travel dates and the destination you are interested in, you might find a better deal. You may find that trips in “shoulder season” or on repositioning cruises offer more bang for your sailing buck.

* Gather information online. The more knowledge you have going in, the better decision you will make. The major cruise lines have Web sites, and you will find specialty sites such as www.cruises.com.

Check the reviews section. I found a $399 fare for a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norway, which has been in service since 1961. The average review (out of 61 done by passengers) was three stars (out of five).

Is it worth it? Only you can decide, but at least you can make an informed decision about whether the bargain outweighs other factors.

* Use a travel agent. Commissions remain high for cruises, motivating agents to work hard for your business. They also may know about deals that you cannot access. And many can use their clout to get you upgrades or other perks.

-- James Gilden