Traveling on a cruise is a must-do experience; however, a cruise trip can be expensive. For seniors, especially those over 55, paying a huge amount to explore the seas isn’t financially viable. This is why cruise deals sometimes offer significant discounts, reaching as high as 75% off for seniors aged 55 and 65. While the exact discounts may vary, the key is knowing how to access these deals and save on every trip.
Always look for the senior fare
Those over 65 should always look out for seniors’ fares from cruises. There are usually senior deals online that individuals can explore on the cruise line’s website or a third-party booking website. Alternatively, they can always ask a travel agent or the cruise’s customer service team to inquire about discounted trips specifically for them.
Check for AARP and AMAC ties ups
Some cruises may even partner with AARP to offer reduced-fare sailings. Seniors can get a good deal, sometimes up to 75% off, if they have an AARP membership. Furthermore, the Association of Mature American Citizens sometimes partners with cruise lines to offer benefits to members. These include no booking fees for cruise fares, shore excursion discounts, and free-spending credit aboard the ship.
Combine travel discounts
Several travel service providers, such as hotels, airlines, and car rental agencies, offer special deals to seniors. So, when planning a journey to a particular port city, seniors can consider clubbing these discounts into a single package. Suppose they do not come across any senior packages online; they can always call travel agents and customer services of popular travel websites to ask for them. What’s more, they might even receive additional perks, such as complimentary upgrades, making the cruise more budget-friendly.
Look into local memberships
Seniors over 55 may be eligible for local memberships and discounts that can get them substantial savings. When planning a cruise, they should schedule their shopping to align with special deals for seniors. For example, certain brands designate days for senior discounts and issue reward cards to senior members, often including significant savings on regularly priced items.
Be flexible with the travel dates
If seniors have a lot of time to spare for travel, they should use this to their advantage. They should book a cruise during off-seasons, as this is when a cruise may offer the lowest fare. The lull period for travel will differ based on the destination. For example, if seniors book cruises to Mexico during the fall, they will likely see better prices. Even cruises to New England and Canada may have reduced fares in late October. However, they need to consider the weather in these regions to ensure they are comfortable traveling during extreme conditions.
Book early or last-minute
Booking a cruise early on can help seniors save a lot of money. Here’s why: most ticketing sites, including those for cruises, offer the lowest prices when the listing first goes live. As for booking last minute, seniors might get a better deal, as cruise lines may lower prices to fill any remaining cabins before departure.
Plan a group cruise
Seniors of all ages can save significant money by taking a group cruise with friends or family. They often receive better discounts when boarding the ship as part of a group. Additionally, seniors can enjoy reduced travel-related expenses, such as transportation to the airport, offshore excursions, and hotel accommodations. Not only that but cruise packages may also include various activities, offering both group events and personal space. This allows seniors to spend time with others while still pursuing their interests.
Exclude paid excursions
A cruise may market paid excursions in a way that audiences find hard to resist. But if seniors want to save, it is best to exclude them from their itinerary and consider exploring ports independently. In addition to saving money, engaging in activities independently can prove to be a more enriching experience.
Get travel insurance
While this method may not reduce the cost of the trip, getting travel insurance can prove to be prudent, especially if an individual feels unwell when aboard the ship. Before setting off on a journey, it is essential to review the insurance coverage. Some plans can include offshore insurance, but travel insurance often provides a more comprehensive solution for managing expenses. Look for plans specifically covering care received abroad, as this could save seniors thousands of dollars.
Book an interior cabin
Budget-friendly rooms on a cruise are usually the interior cabins. While seniors will gain access to the same restaurants, pools, activities, and shows as others, they will pay less for their total travel. The only thing that might be missing in the cabin is a window and some extra floor space. However, this is the ideal setup for seniors who want to spend more time exploring all decks and use the room only to relax, sleep, and recharge.
Look for an older ship
New ships come equipped with the latest technology and amenities. However, cruise companies may also operate older ships. While these older vessels may lack some modern features, they still provide essential amenities and are often available at a much lower price. Besides that, older cruise ships are typically refurbished every few years, so it is unlikely that they will look old and unkempt.