How to find CHEAP Cruises in 2024!

[@tenaocean4713]

I'm entering a time in life when I'll have more time to travel solo. Thank you for this informative video!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Enjoy your next trip, Tena! 😁 Thank you for watching!

[@strigoviro5785]

This was GREAT info and clarification. Hope you enjoyed Prague and that you're back home safely.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I'm so glad this information was helpful, Strigo! I enjoyed Prague very much and I just returned from ANOTHER trip, videos coming soon 😁

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I use Vacations to go.. then book Direct. the cheapest cruise I got was a 5 day cruise going M to F. I booked it on SATURDAY. 50 dollars.

[@lightwarrior432]

So you can get a cheaper price if you book it direct? Do they have to price match or something? I’m a Newbie ☺️

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

@@lightwarrior432 Vacations to go just lists all the cruises in one place and makes it easier to find the date and other details. otherwise you would have to search thru each cruiselines site to find what you want.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Wow! That’s a great deal, Annie. What is the itinerary? Caribbean?

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

@@TravelWithBen121 Mexico

[@Yomel123]

Direct from the cruise lines website? Do you find that the cheapest?

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

I look at Vacations to Go fairly often. I just discovered Cruise Plum, but not sure how I feel about that one yet. I found a 15-night cruise (Panama Canal) next February for $800. I knew I would have to pay the supplement, but I was okay with $1,600 for 15 nights. If I can get around $100/night, I'm happy. Well, there was a solo cabin offer for 1,300...even better! I did not do a drinks package or wifi. After port charges, taxes, and gratuities, it is $2,400. Yikes! I went ahead and put down the deposit but will be looking for better options. February is very wet and dreary where I live and after this year being extra wet, I had to make a plan for next year. Thanks for the good info, Ben. Happy travels!

[@TravelWithBen121]

VTG is a great tool, Matthew! Cruise Plum is also a great resource but I don't think the website is that easy to navigate. 15 night Panama Canal cruise sounds amazing! Getting some sun in February is a great idea. Thanks for the supports, Matthew! Enjoy your cruise!

[@sherimosley3095]

Ok … mister English man talking bad about Scotland…😂

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@sherimosley3095 HAHAHA It's not my fault that it's cold there, Sheri! 🤣

[@CUTravel1st]

Cruise Plum doesn’t sell anything like vacation to go. That’s the difference. They have a 90 day sale and discounts as well to search. Yes it is harder but they have every cruise line available

[@CUTravel1st]

A good Travel agent can help you know what to expect and what country you’re going to on restrictions and other things like that, Plus help with excursions. Some charge for this some don’t. Both ways direct or TA get commissions regardless. Hope that clears things up

[@sarahj.5970]

Your enthusiasm is what people need if they just have a little xtra you can often often find someplace you can get to fit your flight budget and cruise budget. Air makes it tougher but I still think one can have 5 to 7 days with hotel before and after round trip air and cabin with all reqiurements to pay for 2300 all in (sometimes even with drink packages and emergency health evacuation insurance which is my minimum ins suggestion) and often that is a room with at minimum some daylight. Something I now prefer.

[@TravelWithBen121]

It always helps to be flexible, Sarah! Some people can’t be but that’s okay, they are just limited and will find it hard to get good deals. It’s definitely possible today to get a great deal on a cruise!

[@sarahj.5970]

@@TravelWithBen121 Thanks for reply Ben...agreed. Right now I think Royal is often too spendy. But even more planned ahead and being more cabin flexible and better times of year...good deals are there. You enjoyed an amazing deal....good for you.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@sarahj.5970 I always reply, Sarah 😁 I agree about Royal, their prices are always very high!

[@sarahj.5970]

@@TravelWithBen121 Thank you!

[@ywueeee]

pro tip - select and sort by price per night for better to find deals

[@Zhiperser]

This is very useful. I've never done a cruise, but there's a few places I want to go where cruising seems to be a good way to see some stuff, but it's expensive and hard to know how it works. A ton of overwhelming choice. I'm definitely willing to wait and see some last minute deals. I can't travel during summer so that helps too. I have this year planned up, but here's hoping for 2025.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Cruising is a great way to see a few places in a few days so I think it's a great option! I know what you mean Heather, there's a lot of choice but you can always talk to a travel agent to use a website like this. Good luck 😁

[@ceeabee]

Used VtG many times in the past but over the last few weeks there have been only a fraction of the usual amount of Cruises. Sailings from Southampton [2 days ago] were showing only 1 Cruise. Lots leaving from America but once you factor in the Airfare the the discount is nullified. I think it's all down to the massive advertising campaign that Cruise Companies have been hitting us all with over the last 12 months. The new Ships all resemble theme parks to attract Families with younger kids ... and it works, Tried booking something just a few hrs ago [solo traveller] but gave up after a couple of hours. Booked 2 weeks in Spain instead [at less than half the cost of a discounted Cruise] so It's a Beach break for me, probably wont bother searching again until after the School Summer Hols.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Great advice, John. There is definitely a lot of luck involved with funding the best deal for you! Good luck and enjoy the beach 😁

[@monikaliebold4225]

Thanks for your video. I'm solo cruiser and long year loyal to Norwegian. You named studios not quite correct. They are called Solo Studios - situated within studio area (inside) and only solo travellers have access to and are only designed for 1 passenger. They are only offered on bigger ships, for example Bliss or Viva. All other solo cabins offered (no matter which category) are originally designed at least for 2 guests. Information might be helpful for newbies. Regarding VTG, you did not mention, that shown prices do not include state tax and fees. Only cruise port expenses are included. I often use VTG for getting information about deals. But then book directly with cruiseline's PVP. So, I got an amazing deal for my 9 day Alaska cruise in October. Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Monika 😊

[@deejae8295]

Very interesting video. Thanks for all the tips. About six months of the year I live in Florida. So I have access to three cruise terminals, Port Canaveral, Port Tampa and Port of Miami which I really don’t like to go out of Miami. But some great tips though. I will be looking for some cruises in the near future

[@TravelWithBen121]

You're welcome, Dee! You should definitely take advantage of the ports nearby!

[@dianeleveton7247]

Great information. I travel solo so your info on VTG filter was good. Also I qualify for 55+ discount.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Enjoy your next cruise, Diane! 😁

[@petercua6158]

Great way to enjoy...and within budget 👍😄

[@TravelWithBen121]

Of course, Peter! Cheers 😁

[@travelmanMN]

@@TravelWithBen121 with thee port stops you really don't get much time away from the ship do you? Some i see are 7 hours.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@travelmanMN some are 7 hours and some are 48 hours!

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Thanks Ben !! In the US, nobody says New York City. It is just New York !! :)

[@TravelWithBen121]

Everyone assumes NYC when someone says New York 😂

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

@@TravelWithBen121 I love language. In the US , we have different sayings by region !! Only 10% say NYC for New York. People here say Upstate for outside of New York. Central and South American do not like that we say America for the US but it is our tradition. Thanks for the great posts. Please post more about solo cabins on other lines. All the best.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@angelofamillionyears4599 cheers!

[@carolleiter6027]

Good information. Good site to know. I like to gamble so I get some good deals that way.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Me too, Carol! Live life on the edge 😁

[@2ndChanceCrafting]

I see 4 that were over 230,000 at bottom page you showed!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Crazy prices!

[@jenniferperkins4529]

Excellent video!!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you for watching, Jennifer! :)

[@verabozinovski2827]

There is a couple on KZbin that bought a cabin for 15 years on a cruise ship, and they paid $120 thousand U.S, dollars. I believe it’s on the Odyssey .

[@TravelWithBen121]

Sounds fun, Vera! 😊

[@sheronda2140]

Thank you, awesome video, GOD bless! I just subscribed🎉

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Sheronda! 😁

[@siobhanair2659]

This was a good video 😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you, Siobhan 😊

[@CherylMcGee-fx3id]

How do you find cheap flights to get to embarkation spots

[@TravelWithBen121]

Great question Cheryl, I will make a video about flights soon!

[@suzettecalleja3122]

2 questions 1. Does your excursions cost extra which adds to the cost. 2. Are gratuities included in the price? Thank you😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

Yes Suzette, all excursions will cost you extra. Gratuities can be whatever you want :) You're welcome!

[@yenphung8809]

Good tips

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thanks, Yen!

[@jennekern2473]

You may be using a room designed for 2 but you’re only eating for 1.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I dunno Jenne, I eat a lot of cake 😂

[@Amira-ir6sb]

Thank you for sharing The thing is we still have to pay for flight and hotel

[@TravelWithBen121]

You’re welcome, Amira 😊

[@lindakowalski8687]

What don’t you like about Scotland? Are you from there?

[@TravelWithBen121]

It's too cold for me, Linda :) I am not from there.

[@ticketyboo6435]

I was going to subscribe but feel insulted. Yes I’m Scottish 🤣

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@ticketyboo6435 HAHAHA

[@sherimosley3095]

No… he is English… lol

[@vaindioux]

I m French American. Scotland is French people favorite UK country. In the States they are more Ireland which i know is not in the UK. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤

[@ticketyboo6435]

I’m Confused now after watching. So NCL was the same price as VTG.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Why is that confusing?

[@realestatebykemi]

I think he means because VTG shows 2 price columns, the first being way higher, which is supposedly the cruise line’s price.

[@florinachuy7092]

Do you have tips on back-to-back cruises and side-to-side cruises?

[@TravelWithBen121]

I have never done a back-to-back cruise before, Florina! I would love to 😁

[@kevinogorman8406]

Thank You for this video. I subscribed to NCL and called their agent but he told me that the cruises from Southampton do not have studio, single cabins and was suggesting I fly to various departure destinations to use ships with the studio cabins. Is this right?

[@TravelWithBen121]

Kevin, NCL has 18 ships and only 5 of them have studio cabins. Maybe none of them are cruising out of Southampton right now. You can go on the NCL website and filter 1 guest and it will show you the rates for 1 person. Good luck 🤞

[@travelmanMN]

So I've been to Cancun once and stayed at an AI. This seems similar. If I don't have anything like an excusion booked how hard is it to get from the port say in the Bahamas to go shopping somewhere else? say at all mall, busy area etc.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Well the Bahamas is extremely touristy, so there will be places to shop as soon as you get off the ship, walking distance. If you want to go to a local mall then a taxi is waiting to take you there, I’m not sure how far away it is. Good luck!

[@leehawkey8178]

Hello, great video. With booking the cruise, is there extra fees do you know? Looking at booking a 7 day cruise for July 2024. Thank you and keep up the great work mate

[@TravelWithBen121]

Price we paid is all in, Lee 👍 good luck!

[@leehawkey8178]

@@TravelWithBen121 Was the tax fee added on top to push the price up much? thanks, Ben

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@leehawkey8178 No mate, this price is with the tax and all fees already added.

[@stevengoomba6490]

I’ve never been on a cruise but I work for an airline so those last minute deals seem like a good choice for me. If I can fly to a port city somewhere spontaneously then it should I work out.

[@TravelWithBen121]

It definitely should, Steven! Try it out 😊

[@jlawrence0181]

My experience has been different. When I have tried to book the single cabins on Norwegian, they have not been significantly different from booking a regular cabin for one person. On the other hand, Princess has some cruises with only a 40% premium for singles.

[@TravelWithBen121]

A lot of luck is involved :)

[@jsundberg5542]

hi Ben. enjoyed ur video for the first time the other day on ur single journey traveling in a studio cabin I believe from UK to New York on norwegian i believe. I can't seem to find it. can u provide more info or link for website. I would appreciate it.

[@lightwarrior432]

@Travel with Ben Question 👆🏽 😉👍🏽😊

[@TravelWithBen121]

Hello 👋 do you mean a link to my videos from the cruise? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIaQpqqYj8yZo9Usi=il04qYQDAOTjusDb If you mean a link to the same cruise with the same price, it’s finished! The cruise was in October.

[@jsundberg5542]

a link to the website where you booked the cruise!!! thanks

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@jsundberg5542 I booked directly with Norwegian Cruise Line on their website 👍

[@JayaLove]

What tips do you have for people who don’t drink on cruises? I’m nervous it’s just going to be a bunch of drunk idiots. I’ve ruled out Carnival for that reason. Looking for family friendly.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I don't drink and I had a great time, Jaya. It totally depends on the itinerary, ship and time of year. If you go during spring break, it will be full of people getting drunk. Nothing wrong with Carnival as a whole, just depends on itinerary. Good luck!

[@999shaznay]

UK based cruiser here. Can you request with NCL for gratuities or the daily service charge to be removed from your onboard account??

[@TravelWithBen121]

Yes, Shaznay 😊

[@999shaznay]

@@TravelWithBen121 - thanks for that!

[@azaleasalter794]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been tracking cruises on VTG for a graduation celebration cruise. I'm confused about the purpose of using the VTG website if you didn't book with them. Did the cruise line website honor the VTG discounted prices? Your only purpose of using the VTG site is to look at dates and availability?? Not understanding how the VTG site is helpful when trying to book a discounted rate. Can you please help clarify. Thanks!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Right Azalea, I didn't book through VTG! It's useful because you can search many cruise lines in the same place, instead of looking through each cruise line website individually. I look at VTG, find a cruise I like then look at the same cruise on the cruise line website. Sometimes the price changes on the cruise line website before VTG so it might be cheaper. That's how I found this cruise. I don't really care which cruise line I go with, as long as it's a good itinerary, dates, price, then I'm happy to book any cruise line. Good luck! 😁

[@azaleasalter794]

Awesome! So the cruise lines prices eventually drop low enuough to match the VTG prices?? Or do you ask for price matching?

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@azaleasalter794 They won't price mach, it's confusing sometimes because the VTG price is lower but sometimes the cruise line website price is lower. I would say yes VTG as a search tool to find dates and then check the official cruise line website to book.

[@azaleasalter794]

​@@TravelWithBen121thanks!!

[@jenkayla2492]

Ben, Do you get any perks for using vacations to go or should you use it travel agent?

[@TravelWithBen121]

They are just a travel agent, Jeanne. So maybe they can get some perks for you but I really don't know. I've never booked with Vacations to Go, I just use it as a tool to search :)

[@jenkayla2492]

​@TravelWithBen121 thanks.. Yes it is a helpful site, And thanks to you I now know about it.

[@nicki1287]

Your transatlantic cruise sounds a good deal - but did it include the price of the flight to England? That will almost double the cost. And make it not a deal.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I live in England Nicki, so I don't need a flight to England :)

[@nicki1287]

@@TravelWithBen121 or a flight back from New York.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@nicki1287 I didn't fly back from New York :)

[@rflowers511]

How did you get back Ben curious?

[@Ilovemesomemj1]

So does Norwegian Cruise line honor those prices?

[@TravelWithBen121]

Great question, Melanie! The price I saw on this site was the same as what I paid on the Norwegian site when I booked.

[@gerrygibeault]

I like VTG as well except that their prices don't include taxes, port charges and gratuities. That's why I prefer the Cruise Plum website, which gives you more inclusive pricing.

[@Ilovemesomemj1]

I tried that website, but it's not easy to navigate. And you can't pay for the cruise there. Please help

[@TravelWithBen121]

I have checked out Cruise Plum too Gerry, but I don't find the website that easy to navigate!

[@Jon-yo4wj]

I use cruiseplum and find it as one of the best as well in terms of finding the real pricing. The only thing they don't include is the gratuity which is not very hard to include anyways.

[@lesasheridan8903]

@gerrygibeault VTG DOES include port charges. It says so on the cruise pricing/itinerary page of a particular cruise. Same paragraph where it says pricing is per person.

[@jenkayla2492]

Cruise plum was too hard for me

[@MrGlendale111]

I leave tomorrow on my very first cruise. The Norwegian Getaway from NYC to Europe. I'm hoping it will be smooth sailing across the Atlantic.

[@TravelWithBen121]

That's great! You should have better weather than I had my my transatlantic cruise HAHA Enjoy your cruise! Make sure you watch Million Dollar Quartet.

[@MrGlendale111]

@@TravelWithBen121 Thanks Ben. I do plan to watch that Quartet.

[@MrGlendale111]

The seas are so rough I can barely walk around on this Getaway ship from NYC to Europe.. It is very cold and windy and the outside decks are closed. Everyone is stuck inside. This ship is very crowded, it must be a sellout cruise. Still its nice and I enjoy it but I will be glad to reach ports. We are now in day 2 of the at sea days. 3 more at sea days before reaching ireland.

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@MrGlendale111 Enjoy as much as you can!

[@rowanmulvey8632]

I wish that vacations to go had an option to show prices with port fees taxes and gratuities like cruise plum does.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I wish the Cruise Plum website was as easy to navigate as the Vacations to Go website :)

[@jenkayla2492]

C P is too complicated for me

[@EKA201-j7f]

Well, with the new law, they might now.

[@pedrozatravel]

Good tips, unfortunately the cost of cruising is really going up.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I think it will continue to rise!

[@jaiengore2908]

Viking is ridiculous on their prices. I called inquiring about a 3 day cruise for November, I got quoted a price of $12,000. True it included the drink package, gratitude, air fare (from Atlanta to Miami and back) and an aft room. Thank you for sharing this! Now I know how to compare the prices! Oh my inquiry was on 4-24-24

[@TravelWithBen121]

12K for a 3 day cruise?! That's crazy, Jaien! Viking definitely seem to be a premium, make sure you compare! You're welcome :)

[@jaiengore2908]

@@TravelWithBen121 Yeap, that’s what I was quoted (I even took notes on what it covered). I’m so thankful that I found your video today! Until I saw this video, I never heard of VTG. But now I know the true trick! When considering booking a cruise, this video WILL BE my step by step manual! Thank you!

[@TravelWithBen121]

@@jaiengore2908 I’m so happy this video will help you in the future, Jaien 😁 enjoy your next cruise!

[@pamelahaskin9738]

Such great tips! Thanks so much for sharing how you do this. We are very interested in a repositioning cruise.

[@TravelWithBen121]

You’re welcome, Pamela! Repositioning cruises are great, usually longer and the atmosphere is more relaxed!

[@debbiefisher8596]

Problem with truly last minute cruises is that you’ll get killed on airfare. Great video

[@TravelWithBen121]

You’re right, Debbie! Give it a week or two 😁

[@rflowers511]

Unless you live close to the port which I believe Ben did. Correct

[@jeffstrasser2281]

Thank You for the Vacations to Go resource. I will use this site for pricing in the near future, but like you I typically book through the Cruise Line BUT I then transfer it to my TA. Having a travel agent gives me an extra set of eyes on my cruise (Requirements, Changes, Prices) and typically gives me a bit of on-board credit. My Cheapest Price Per Day for 2 is $50.77 USD on a 12-night New Zealand Cruise in February 2024. Thanks for the Video… I have now subscribed and I love your enthusiasm.

[@TravelWithBen121]

$50 a day for a 12 night cruise is amazing, Jeff! That's a great tip, book directly then pass it onto your TA can be beneficial! Thanks for watching and subscribing! :)

[@deannamarsh6917]

Which cruise line in New Zealand was that please? We’re trying to plan one now.

[@efkay93]

5:30 - 5:80 : My thoughts why the double charge is unfair (1) The same linens used regardless of 1 or 2 occupancy, (2) Probably less towels are used, including pool towels, (3) a single person won't eat twice the amount of food, (4) half the bathroom water is used, (5) cabin steward still has to clean the room regardless of numbers using it and (6) if neither individual took the drinks or wifi packages, there is no argument that the cruise company is losing out to the second paying customer, even by gratuities.

[@TravelWithBen121]

I agree 😂 but I guess they assume that one person isn’t going to spend as much on drinks or merchandise as 2 people so they’re losing money.

[@AllAboardWithJoe]

Great tips. Thank you! (new subscriber here)

[@TravelWithBen121]

Cheers, Joe! Good luck with your channel, keep up the videos! I subscribed to you too 👍

[@maureen5531]

Quite informative, simple and detailed oriented. Love you man ❤. Blunt . Trying to hit a like on all your videos now.

[@TravelWithBen121]

Thank you for watching, Maureen! 😀

[@adriannealvord9023]

I searched for the carnival cruise that I already booked for September and the vacations to go website had it listed for a higher price not lower. The listed brochure price was also not correct because it said 3,000$ when the website for carnival is 650$ So I’m not sure if all the cruises give a great deal or just some ???

[@TravelWithBen121]

Good point, Adrianne. I know new cruises get added to VTG everyday but I’m not sure how often it gets updated with new prices so maybe it’s just not updated. VTG is just a travel agent, so always go with the official website for the most up to date prices and information 😊

[@Ilovemesomemj1]

Hey Ben. I haven't been keeping up with you lately. I hope all is well

[@TravelWithBen121]

Everything is great, Melanie 😁 I hope you're doing well too!

[@Ilovemesomemj1]

@@TravelWithBen121 #YEZZZZZZZZ, I retired last month after 35 years of working, now I just want to cruise, cruise, cruise.

[@realestatebykemi]

Hi Melanie, me too. Looking for a cruise buddy.

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

Thank you

[@TravelWithBen121]

👍👍