When Lisa Anciaux booked a big cruise trip for a group of Puget Sound-based submarine crews a few years ago, she knew this was the time of year to do it. Industry insiders even have name for it: Wave Season.
The first few months of the year is when all the major lines offer their most aggressive deal packages. And one cruise line in particular has a great deal going for troops and veterans.
"All of the cruise lines are trying to fill 75 percent of their bed spaces by March," says Anciaux, now a top travel expert for AAA's Washington state headquarters in Seattle. "They're trying to make waves for the year, so this is when the best deals come out."
But exactly what makes a good deal can be confusing. You can't just judge by the lowest fares, she says.
For some, she says, it may be worth paying a little more for a room with a sweeping view of the ocean – or even your own balcony – rather than bunking in the cheaper inboard cabins.
Plus, you have to factor in shipboard credits, those deal-sweeteners offered by many cruise lines, as well as discounts on in-port excursions.
To help navigate the deal-hunting waters, AAA is offering a series of free "Go Show" cruise expos throughout the Pacific Northwest in the coming weeks. Reps from the major cruise lines will be on hand for overviews on their various offerings, along with tips and trends from travel experts. Check out www.aaawa.com for the details.
"One of the best deals for military travelers right now is with Princess," says Anciaux. The line is offering up to $250 in onboard credit for all current service members and veterans.
This offer is "eligible on any cruise, any time of the year and can be used to purchase a wide variety of amenities and experiences including Lotus Spa treatments; dining in our specialty restaurants; gifts, jewelry and clothing in our onboard boutiques; and Princess Cruises shore excursions," according to the Princess website.
The longer the cruise, the more you get. For cruises six days or less, each qualified passenger gets $50 worth of ship's currency; for trips up to 13 days, it's a $100 credit, and trips 14 days or more cap out at $250.
Even better, you can combine the deal with other offers.
