Cruises can offer cost-efficient, all-inclusive getaways

Think cruising is only for the rich and famous? Think again. Add up the cost of a typical landlubber’s vacation, and you’ll find that the combined expense of accommodations, food and entertainment may match or exceed the cost of cruising.
   
Why? Because the price of your cruise passage covers virtually everything — cabin, meals, snacks, movies, live entertainment, activities for all ages and levels of mobility, pampering and much more.  
   
What isn’t included? Planned shore excursions or activities, some spa services, some room service items, soft drinks and gratuities.
   
How inexpensively can cruises be purchased? In some instances, less than $200 per person.  
   
Airfare to and from the port city may be bought as part of a cruise package, or you may find that you can buy airfare on your own at a better bargain. Port parking fees vary from free to around $10 a day, depending on the provisions of the individual cruise lines. 
   
In addition to airfare, cruise packages including transfer to and from the cruise terminal, hotel accommodations and pre- and post-city tours are offered. 
   
Though there are some good buys on these more elaborate getaways, a good rule of thumb is that the more you’re willing to handle yourself, the more opportunities you have to trim your expenses.
   
Knowing the high (busiest and most expensive) and low (slowest and most economical) seasons for the area you want to cruise can also save you a bundle. For example, choosing early May or late September to head for Alaska means getting in on the best deals. No, you probably won’t experience the higher temperatures of summertime, but the weather is generally quite comfortable.
   
For warmer climate cruise destinations such as Cancun, Mexico, low season is the end of August to mid-December, except for the week of Thanksgiving, which is categorized as holiday season along with the weeks spanning Christmas and New Year’s.
   
The variety is endless for warmer destinations. From as close to home as the Bahamas to as far away as Europe and Hawaii, cruises cover the globe and range in price and duration from inexpensive two- or three-nighters to extravagant months-long voyages. Hawaii-bound sailings typically depart from the West Coast. 
   
Booking as early as possible has one major benefit — free upgrades. If you purchase your cruise well in advance, you stand a good chance of being bumped up from a standard inside stateroom to a deluxe or even outside stateroom. As more passengers book the lower-priced cabins, these are oversold, meaning that the first passengers to purchase them are upgraded to cushier accommodations.   
   
On the flip side, as a sail date draws nearer, many cruise lines begin to extend lower and lower offers to fill their unbooked cabins. At this point, 2-for-1 sales are common, and 4-for-1 sales are sometimes available. If you don’t mind last-minute planning, these leftover spaces are often spectacular bargains.
   
The Internet is the place for the best cruise buys, but your local Sunday newspaper’s travel section is often a source for great deals. And don’t shy away from travel agents, particularly those associated with organizations such as AAA, AARP and even Sam’s Club — these professionals may offer a number of dollar-stretching itineraries.
   
Hundreds of Web sites promise the very best deals on cruises, so the best way to find the true bargains is to do plenty of surfing.  
   
Popular sites include www.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com, www.travelocity.com and www.hotwire.com. Two auction sites offer cruises: www.ebay.com and www.skyauction.com.
   
While eBay auctions are offered by individual sellers who are responsible for delivering goods as promised, SkyAuction is a single entity offering a variety of travel auctions. Bidding starts at $1, and each auction goes to the highest bidder, regardless of price. Your bid price is per person, and you can specify the number of passenger spaces you want to bid on. As long as you read all the details, there are no hidden charges or surprises. Each auction lists ship description, itinerary, quantities on hand, taxes and port charges and the availability of upgrades and specific sailing dates.
   
“Resort casual” is the standard for most cruises — outfits that are attractive but, more importantly, comfortable for your activities. Shorts are generally limited to day wear. One or more formal nights are scheduled, but multiple dining options eliminate the need to participate if you’re one who’d rather pack only the basics.
   
If you’re going outside the United States, make sure you take along your passport and a second photo ID such as your driver’s license. Good walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are musts. Before you decide on proper clothing, check www.weather.com, where forecasts for every spot on the globe can be viewed.
   
If you’re concerned about seasickness, check with your physician or pharmacist, as there are a number of recommended preventatives and remedies.