10 Ways to Save on a Cruise without being a cheapskate

(credit to Chris Owen, Gadfly)
edited by Vacationwired.com

There are good ways to save on a cruise vacation and not-so-good ways to save. Simply clicking after the lowest price may seem like a good idea. On the surface, the variables are limited to ship, sailing date and cabin category. Three variables. That's probably fewer variables than we consider when clicking to book an airline ticket. That should work. For many, that strategy does work but that's only part of the story. Great savings can be had both on booking the cruise and what we spend on-board by considering a few guidelines.

None of these 10 ways to save include stiffing the crew to avoid tipping, smuggling booze on to save on the bar bill or otherwise trying to outsmart the system which pretty much makes you a cheapskate.

1.       Be realistic- Often we get all caught up in the price of the cruise, what we pay for the cruise fare, that we don't pay near enough attention to the other expenses that go along with it. Yes, a cruise vacation does offer a lot for the money. But some cruises are far from all-inclusive as some want to believe. That's nothing to be scared of, just something to investigate and consider first. Consider a luxury cruise that is all-inclusive on lines such as Regent Seven Seas or Silversea Cruises.

2.       Shop for travel insurance- As unexpected chaos from weather or politically-related sources continues to play a bigger role in travel plans, travel insurance of some sort is becoming more of a smart move than in the past. Vacationwired.com offers very affordable travel insurance for any trips you take, even if you purchased them elsewhere, to protect your hard earned travel dollars and give you peace of mind.   

3.       Beverage packages- do the math. Most lines offer soda packages that can be a good value. It all depends on how much you will drink though. The idea of "unlimited" sodas for one set price may be appealing but you may need to drink far more than you might anticipate for it to pay out.

4.       Shore excursions- These too may or may not be a good value. Packages that include the word "beach" in them are often more expensive than grabbing a cab and heading to the beach on your own. Almost anything the cruise line offers you can do on your own. Should you? Maybe if it’s a simple trip to the beach. If your interests take you far from the ship and are more complex, maybe not, especially if it is a port you have never been to before. Check out these sailings that offer free shore excursions. Also, check out other sightseeing options independent of those promoted by the cruise lines themselves. You could save a considerable amount and have a better time at your ports of call.

5.       Tipping- It's not required but most cruise lines make it easy by automatically adding it on to your shipboard account each day. The easy way out is to accept that and be done with it. Greater value can be gained by opting out of the automatic tips and taking care of that, in cash, with each individual personally IF you let them know that at the beginning of your voyage. Vacationwired.com has exclusive member specials that include pre-paid gratuities, which can be a value of up to $350.

6.       “Bribe” people- Some call this “pre-tipping" and it involves slipping your cabin steward and headwaiter or Maitre’d $20 on the very first day saying the words "Take good care of us and we will take good care of you". You're banking on the fact that most other guests on the ship do not do this so you will stand out from the crowd and get better service. Better service = a better overall experience and that means value.

7.       Watch pricing- Most people consider the day they put down a deposit the day they have locked in to a price. That's true but other opportunities may come along down the road that will get you the exact same cruise for less money or the same money but you get more with it. Again, "value" rather than "lowest price" is king here. VacationWired.com watches for those opportunities to get you more value.

8.       Budget on-board purchases- Simply making a budget and sticking to it works wonders. Casino freaks often bring along an envelope for each day of the cruise, each with the amount of cash they will have to gamble with each day. Once that is gone, that is that. No more gambling until tomorrow. Winnings are often not considered for the most successful gamblers, placing those elsewhere or having win money applied to their on-board account.

9.       Try to use a Cruise Travel Agent. Vacationwired.com specializes in cruise vacations and can save you time, money and make for an overall better experience.  This is a must-do for first-timers.

10.   Pick the right line in the first place. Visit our Cruise Mall to view cruise lines, brochures, videos and additional savings available to our members.  You can have a good time, whatever that may mean to you, on any cruise line. Booking with a cruise line with a standard experience that will let you have your good time without having to spend extra to make that happen is the key. A friend who knows you and has cruised a number of lines can help with that as can a good Cruise Travel Agent.

As an member of Vacationwired.com, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts on all types of leisure travel; cruises, hotels, vacation packages, tours. You can register at Vacationwired.com for special member savings and exclusive member discounts. Register today and see how much you can save! Any questions, call one of our experienced sales agents at 866-GO-WIRED.

Saturday, April 9th is Passport Day

As Gadling reported last week, Saturday, April 9 is Passport Day, meaning that all 24 regional passport offices and participating passport acceptance facilities will be open to the public.

An important thing to remember if you're getting your passport for the first time? As of Friday, April 1, the U.S. Department of State now requires the full names of the applicant's parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information are no longer acceptable as evidence of citizenship.

We can already see this causing problems for some travelers. Remember, if you can't present the fully-completed birth certificate, you can submit a combination of "Early Public Records," which include the following:

• Baptismal certificate
• Hospital birth certificate
• Census record
• Early school record
• Family bible record
• Doctor's record of post-natal care

Early Public Records are not acceptable when presented alone.

Who needs a birth certificate? The Department of State requires that all first-time passport applicants, anyone who has lost their passport and anyone under the age of 16 use a birth certificate to obtain a passport.

Want to know the full procedure? Visit the State Department's website, here.

Hawaii

Hawaii was untouched physically by the Tsunami, but is suffering from the resulting disappearance of Japanese vacationers that flock to our American Paradise. Lucky for anyone looking for a vacation this year, hotels have responded by drastically reducing prices and airlines have followed suit. Support our newest state by going to Hawaii this year! You won’t be disappointed!

It’s hard to believe that a destination so remote, so exotic and so magnificent could be part of the United States. But Hawaii is all of that, and so much more. When you picture a perfect paradise in your imagination, chances are it looks a lot like Hawaii. Its waters so blue, they seem other-worldly. Its beaches pristine, you feel as if you could be the first human who ever stepped foot onto the smooth glimmering sand. Its forests so lush, they shine like newly cut emerald. It’s sunsets so brilliant, the sky seems ablaze with fire. Its volcanoes so imposing, you can only stand back and stare in awe at the wonders nature.

Any vacation to Hawai'i is a special vacation due to the nature of the destination. It's rare that in such close proximity you're able to visit six different islands with six unique experiences. There are a few things that you can find across each island such as history, culture and natural beauty, however the most important similarity is the Aloha Spirit. This welcoming, friendly feel you're surrounded with lays the groundwork for building your vacation dream and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

You'll notice many hotels offer room categories with breakfast included, which is an upgrade everyone should take advantage of! Plus, many hotels have other amazing values included in the price such as reduced rates, free nights, room upgrade and car rental. Even though you may not plan to spend all of your time in your room, it's an experience like no other to wake up or go to bed in the evening and see the ocean from your lanai. Are you really experiencing Hawaii the way you dreamed of if you're booking a room without an ocean view? Check out just a few of many hotel specials available.

There's no better time than now to book your Hawaii vacation!  With Vacationwired.com you'll find exclusive offers saving you money on room upgrades to enhance your experience, car rentals to get you around the island, a complimentary lei greeting and more! Vacationwired.com also offers a wide variety of activities on all of the islands. You don’t even need to do all of the research yourself — trust the expert advice of a travel agent for a truly unforgettable vacation experience.

As a member of Vacationwired.com, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts on all types of leisure travel; cruises, hotels, vacation packages, tours. You can register at Vacationwired.com for special member savings and exclusive corporate discounts. Register today and see how much you can save! If you are already a member, don’t forget to log-in to receive member preferred pricing!

Consider a Luxury Cruise

The modern day concept of cruises, thanks in large part to Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and other family and budget friendly lines, is usually focused on casual fun and family, and a relatively low impact vacation. Many people can attest to the crowds of children and families frequently found on these lines. However, there are still cruise lines that harken back to the more stately and luxurious origins of cruises. While there is nothing wrong with the family fun cruises, a pampered luxury cruise may be just what the harried modern day vacationer is looking for.

Luxury cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea , focus heavily on guest service and high class accommodations. You can typically expect a larger room size cabin, especially if you opt for a suit-style room, and a more high-class welcome. Typically these lines also have a skilled and competent concierge service to help you with all of your needs both on and off the ship.

The entertainment on many luxury cruise ships has a heavier leaning towards the arts, with on board theater, art galleries, and small orchestras. The lounges are also generally top notch and may include champagne tasting, fine cigar bars, and other refinements.

The aesthetics of a luxury liner are also far above more commercial crafts. The attention to detail should leave nothing to be desired, making each experience a unique and memorable one.

You may think that luxury cruises have a significantly higher price than more commercial trips, but with Vacationwired.com’s Exclusive Member fares and additional amenities, like pre-paid gratuities or bonus shipboard credit, you get a great value and superior quality. A cruise, especially one with a significant amount of time at sea, on one of these ships is not to be forgotten.  A luxury cruise is a great place to start when planning a vacation. Visit our cruise mall to view all the luxury cruise lines and their specials.

As a member of Vacationwired.com, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts on all types of leisure travel; cruises, hotels, vacation packages, tours. You can register at Vacationwired.com for special member savings and exclusive corporate discounts. Register today and see how much you can save! If you are already a member, don’t forget to log-in to receive member preferred pricing!

TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2011

Travel Trends for 2011

“RIVER cruises, trips with grandparents and culinary expeditions are just some of the anticipated travel trends for this year.

Getting off the beaten track and visiting Europe's smaller villages by river boat is predicted to be immensely popular in 2011, especially during spring.

River cruising allows people to see Europe's countryside at their own pace, with the added benefit of not having to pack and unpack bags every time you visit a new country.

Not surprisingly, educational travel is expected to continue booming. It's unlikely holidayers will ever stop seeking out fun things to do during their trips, from cooking classes to archaeological digs or sports adventures.

Slightly more offbeat is the idea of "multigenerational" travel, a trend expected to take off this year. Grandma's got cash and two sturdy legs? Then bring her along on your trip! Depending on grandma's age, I'm not sure how this would work on many trips, like say to Thailand's party islands or the Himalayas, but it's an idea all the same. A family stay at a luxury villa or cruise is a great option.

The latest Twilight and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo films are expected to draw diehard fans to Louisiana and Stockholm respectively, with the natural landscape featuring heavily in both blockbusters.

Following the success of the World Cup in Johannesburg, travellers are expected to return in droves to Africa for a safari adventure in either Kenya, South Africa or Tanzania and New Zealand is expecting a boom in visitors this year as it plays host to the Rugby World Cup.

Other hotspots for 2011 include Machu Picchu in Peru, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary since rediscovery, and China, which will mark a century since the fall of its last emperor.

Berlin is also set for a surge in visitors this year as the hip city marks 50 years since the construction of the Berlin Wall, and the beginning of the Cold War.

The only remaining trend for 2011 is an anticipated jump in the number of people using travel agents to book their holidays.

As a member of Vacationwired.com, you are eligible to receive exclusive discounts on all types of leisure travel; cruises, hotels, vacation packages, tours. You can register at Vacationwired.com for special member savings and exclusive corporate discounts. Register today and see how much you can save!

Plan Your 2011 Golf Vacation

A golf vacation is the perfect getaway for a links fanatic.  Resorts cater to the specific needs of golfers of all experience levels. When seeking out a vacation, it’s important to look at the courses available but also to think about the other options, as there are only so many hours you can devote to improving your swing. Also consider those in your family or group where golf may not be their forte and seek a resort that offers other relaxing options. Consider these two luxury resorts for your 2011 golf vacation:

  Secluded on 300 tropical acres, this stunning Mediterranean-style resort begins a new era in luxury travel following a $100 million transformation. Retreat to this gorgeous oasis where you’ll find the essence of elegance and indulgence with 392 stunning guest rooms and suites, two 18-hole Raymond Floyd-designed championship golf courses, the exclusive award winning Willow Stream Spa and fitness center, a tennis facility with four clay HydroCourts, three pools including a new lagoon-style pool featuring a waterslide, lazy river, private cabanas and poolside dining, a private Ocean Club right on the Atlantic. The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club is a member of ‘Leading Hotels of the World.’

  With tea and tee times, our British colonial island offers the ideal setting for golf and relaxation. Stay at our newly refurbished intimate luxury resort and enjoy all the unique amenities we have to offer. The 98 guestrooms and suites are situated in secluded cottages dotted throughout 50 acres of lush gardens. The cuisine comes with a real sense of heritage. Within the gardens there is a pool and tennis courts; from the private beach they arrange diving and watersports. A concierge will also be pleased to book your preferred diversion, from tours of the colonial past to horseback riding on the beach. As befits the first hotel to open on the island's South Shore almost a century ago, they have been leading the way in fine dining ever since. With tee times at the picturesque Port Royal Golf Course, home of the 2010 PGA Grand Slam, and Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club’s exclusive course, Elbow Beach offers the perfect escape for the golf and luxury lover. 

Featured Destination: JAMAICA

There is not a single dull time in Jamaica. It is popular as the place bursting of wood and water, where the motto “No Problem Man” resides because it is truly an excellent choice to be in. Jamaica is situated in northwestern Caribbean area and it is near North America.

Jamaica has two chief international airports, making the island incredibly reachable to plenty of folks. Once you get to roam around Jamaica, you will see that something great is in store for everyone. This little country is known as the best holiday spots all over the world because of the hard work put in of the Jamaica Tourist Board which promotes right trade.

There are a lot of beaches in Jamaica because of the 635 miles or approximately 1, 022 kms coastlines. It also includes one hundred twenty rivers which show the way to some of the supreme waterfalls in the entire region. If you happen to love kayaking or river tubing, Jamaica is the perfect vacation spot for you.

The Jamaican island is alive with of mountains, containing fifty percent of its land that drifts three hundred feet beyond sea level. If you are an exploratory mountaineer, you will have a great time taking a hike on the great mountains that shows the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Aside from water spots, there are twelve golf courses in the island, which causes Jamaica a great golf vacation also. Resorts such as Round Hill and Half Moon offer fabulous golf packages and all inclusive meal plans. These can actually entertain professional and even amateur golfers. You will surely like golfing in Jamaica, with a glass of red stripe beer in hand and a cool breeze arriving from the Caribbean Sea.

A lot of other activities can be done in Jamaica while on a Jamaican vacation. One is interaction with sea creatures such as the dolphins, which is a wonderful treat for the whole family. Another one is snorkeling which can be a wonderful experience for each member of the family. You can also attempt horseback riding and cliff diving which can provide all the fun you can get. Or simply, just lie down in the sun and enjoy the view.

Jamaica is also where Port Antonio can be found which is filled with biodiversity and the home of the Blue Mountains which stands 7, 400 feet. It is absolutely beautiful and alive with green grounds.

If you have been to the Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio and still you don’t enjoy it, then you can visit the south coast side of Jamaica. It is as stunning as all other areas in Jamaica. Nevertheless, Jamaica has stayed to be a well-known vacation place because of its chaste state.

So why not turn Jamaica as your next vacation? Enjoy what Jamaica has to offer with all inclusive Jamaica vacations.

There is no doubt that you will fall in love with Jamaica because of its ever striking sun, reggae music all around, beautiful mountains views and valleys, virgin beaches, marvelous waterfalls, and the most delicious food that you can only be aware of if you visit Jamaica yourself.