Beat the Recession Blues with a Last Minute Cruise!

I didn’t feel so enthusiastic about 2009. Like so many Americans, my 2008 had been less than stellar. The wacky nature of the economy had really gotten me down. With all the gloomy forecasts about the recession I wondered what there was to look forward to. I was suffering from a winter-recession blues. One night on the internet I began googling away just imagining what it would be like to hit the warm high seas. Thank you for looking the Drafting Chairs guide. Belize. Mexico. The Caribbean. The possibilities in that dreamy little moment seemed endless. I typed in three keywords: last minute cruise. And it was those three key words that launched me into a brilliant 2009. I’d gotten online at ten-thirty. By midnight, I’d booked myself on a Caribbean cruise–for $500.00. Oh, and by the way, the flight was included.

There are tons of last minute cruises out there just waiting to be discovered. Yet in a lean economy like this, only extreme dreamers think about taking vacations. But it’s those dreamers who are the ones filling cruise cabins. Prices are being slashed to accommodate people just like you and me.

Wherever you dream of cruising, whether it’s the Caribbean, Mexico or even an Alaska, there is a great destination to be experienced–and at a great price. But like anything that appears too good to be true, any savvy deal hunter should consider the pros and cons. If you are hunting for a great last minute cruise, here are some things you should consider:

Consider the best times for a last minute cruise.
The beat deals are had 60-90 days before departure. This is the window for travelers to cancel reservations without it costing them.

Take advantage of travel before the Holidays.
Focus on booking a last minute cruise during the first two weeks of December and the first few weeks of January.

Take some time. Make sure to investigate. Search for perks.
Sometimes a cruise may be priced extremely low but by paying a little more you get perks, like a free bottle of wine, flowers or upgrades.

Scrutinize value
Is a last minute cruise deal really a great deal if you have to spend twice the money on the airfare? Make sure to measure your costs before you book.

Be sure to read the fine print
Be certain the price you’re looking at is clear. Is it for two people or per person? Is it a single or double occupancy? Consider any port charges, taxes or service fees not included in the price.

Be sure to check out
Cruise.com, an online agency that is known for its great fares. Travelocity, Expedia and Cruise Club of American are also economical. View what others are saying about various kinds of Drafting Chair. And if you’re in the market for a luxury cruise, Luxurylink.com is an auction network good for online travel.

You never know, a late night peruse of the internet just might score you that vacation that lifts you right out of the recession doldrums! Get ready for the sun and seas at a discount! They’re closer than you might imagine.