Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and editor of the Alaska Cruise Advisor, which provides information on all aspects of Alaska cruise vacations including details on NCL Alaskan cruises, Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises, and all other Alaska cruise lines.
Are you looking to plan a cheap cruise? It's still possible to save big money on most cruises if you plan carefully and choose the right room for your particular budget.
With rapidly rising fuel costs, the price of going on a cruise has been on the upswing lately, so its more important than ever for anyone on a budget to research cruise fares and find a reasonably priced sailing that won't break the bank.
Generally, if you are looking to book a specific type of room, you are best off booking your cruise very early in order to ensure that you get the best possible fare. Room categories can sell out -- often months before the sail date -- and by booking up to a year and a half in advance, you can take advantage of often substantial early booking discounts while still getting that balcony room or suite that your heart is set on.
Of course if you want to save even more money, you need to be more flexible with the type of room you are willing to book. Inside rooms -- the rooms in the interior of the ship -- are often as much as one third less than balcony rooms or suites. This can represent a tremendous savings for the economy-minded traveler.
On most cruises, there is simply so much to see and do, from shows to pools to dining, that many passengers end up spending very little time in their rooms. Therefore, it is often worth considering booking an inside cabin, since you will still have access to all the same great meals, entertainment, and activities as passengers paying far more than you.
Of course, one drawback to inside rooms is the lack of windows, so if you have issues with claustrophobia, and inside room might not be for you. But there is another great low-cost option on many ships that can cost little more than inside rooms. This second option is an obstructed view outside cabin.
The views in these cabins tend to be obstructed by lifeboats, poles, or other elements of the ship's design. While the view might be partially or even full obstructed, you still have a window and thus usually will get some sunlight at the very least. Therefore, obstructed view rooms can be a great option for anyone who really needs a window in their cabin yet who still wants to save some serious cash.
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