How cheap can I go?

[dustanltye]

My gf and I just returned off of the Carnival Fantasy for a 5 night cruise and absolutely loved it! We have been toying with the idea of going on another cruise sometime in late October/early December she works full time and is a full time student so her funds are limited so I think I may surprise her with another cruise. My mission is to be as frugal as possible and see just how cheap we can cruise...this could get interesting folks! I will keep you updated in the next few weeks once I get my vacation schedule at work figured out and decided which cruise to settle on.

 

Thanks Guys.

[getfuzzy]

We cruised once for just the priced the cruise. We bought nothing onboard. It can be done. Lol! It was an experiment and we had no less fun than normal.

[Biffer1997]

Seems like early Dec is usually a pretty cheap time to go....after Thanksginving and before Christmas peak times....

[ward6226]

Oct/Jan/Feb have some off peak times as well.

[larkz]

My cruising mantra is "frugal." The only thing I buy is a soda card. No alcohol, no jewelry or watches, no Bingo, no casino, no photos, no pay restaurants, no gift shop junk, nothing on the ship at all. I usually come up with my own excursions, or on rare occasion will book a Carnival one if it is modestly priced. You have a cabin and all the food you want in a floating hotel, what more does anyone need?

[Hurricane Girl]

We went on a 4 day in January for less than $500 total.

[momto2kids]

We just booked a 6 day cruise leaving Miami on the 21st of October for $850 for both of us (Key West, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay)

[kathy884]

My cruising mantra is "frugal." The only thing I buy is a soda card. No alcohol, no jewelry or watches, no Bingo, no casino, no photos, no pay restaurants, no gift shop junk, nothing on the ship at all. I usually come up with my own excursions, or on rare occasion will book a Carnival one if it is modestly priced. You have a cabin and all the food you want in a floating hotel, what more does anyone need?

 

You sound just like us. Our one splurge, though, is a midship balcony room.

[dustanltye]

I booked with a travel agent the last cruise...I kinda want to try this one myself, What agengcy/site do you all use?

[sexybackfool]

Right now i am going on sept 3 on the miracle for 500 a person it was a steal for a 8 day cruise

[mikel24m]

I booked with a travel agent the last cruise...I kinda want to try this one myself, What agengcy/site do you all use?

 

I think that its cheaper booking through a travel site ,unless you can do pack and go rate

 

I would google 90 day ticker if you only care about price

[KenMo]

I booked with a travel agent the last cruise...I kinda want to try this one myself, What agengcy/site do you all use?

 

I always book directly with Carnival using a PVP.

[pinkmaija]

Good luck, and let us all know how you do! :D

[dustanltye]

Good luck, and let us all know how you do! :D

 

Will keep you posted.

[wrigley80]

We are going on a back-to-back in December on the Ecstasy and Sensation. The Ecstasy is a 5 day cruise. We are in porthole room and I got the rate for $224.00 per person. You cant get much cheaper than that :) :p keep us all posted as to what you find.

The smaller ships (Fantasy, Elation, Ecstasy, Sensation, Imagination, Inspiration, Fascination) are gonna be your best bet to find some cheap rates

[mikel24m]

We are going on a back-to-back in December on the Ecstasy and Sensation. The Ecstasy is a 5 day cruise. We are in porthole room and I got the rate for $224.00 per person. You cant get much cheaper than that :) :p keep us all posted as to what you find.

The smaller ships (Fantasy, Elation, Ecstasy, Sensation, Imagination, Inspiration, Fascination) are gonna be your best bet to find some cheap rates

 

did you book direct or online through a TA

[agc291]

I think that its cheaper booking through a travel site ,unless you can do pack and go rate

 

I would google 90 day ticker if you only care about price

 

 

No one can offer cheaper prices than carnival. period. In addition, booking with Carnival directly means you can call them regarding your booking. If you book through a TA or online site they will direct you to call them because they can not help you. TAs also do not have to honor price drops if they do not want to, where as on Carnival you can receive them depending on the rate you book.

[mikel24m]

No one can offer cheaper prices than carnival. period. In addition, booking with Carnival directly means you can call them regarding your booking. If you book through a TA or online site they will direct you to call them because they can not help you. TAs also do not have to honor price drops if they do not want to, where as on Carnival you can receive them depending on the rate you book.

 

your incorrect

 

we arent talking price drops and early saver

[Redsfan]

Seems like early Dec is usually a pretty cheap time to go....after Thanksginving and before Christmas peak times....

 

we have cruised after Gobble Day twice, and along with the first week of December had the cheapest fares for the most part. After Gobble Day I mean a couple of days after..during Gobble Day it is more pricey...

[mikel24m]

No one can offer cheaper prices than carnival. period. In addition, booking with Carnival directly means you can call them regarding your booking. If you book through a TA or online site they will direct you to call them because they can not help you. TAs also do not have to honor price drops if they do not want to, where as on Carnival you can receive them depending on the rate you book.

 

just did a quick look 9/2/12 carnival Freedom $339 per person (6 days)

 

show me cheaper than this

[mikel24m]

6 nights on the Valor 9/9/12 $319 PP

[larkz]

we have cruised after Gobble Day twice, and along with the first week of December had the cheapest fares for the most part. After Gobble Day I mean a couple of days after..during Gobble Day it is more pricey...

 

This year on Victory will be our second week(s)-after-Thanksgiving cruise, for just that reason. Very good prices.

[mikel24m]

This year on Victory will be our second week(s)-after-Thanksgiving cruise, for just that reason. Very good prices.

 

Southern itinerary out of Puerto Rico?

 

Airfare must be expensive

[ronandannette]

We just booked a 6 day cruise leaving Miami on the 21st of October for $850 for both of us (Key West, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay)

 

LOL, hi homegirl...now tell them how much the airfare is going to be!! :D

[larkz]

Southern itinerary out of Puerto Rico?

 

Airfare must be expensive

 

Boss is giving me air miles (Yay!). Actually, flying out Northern Illinois / Southern Wisconsin is ridiculous in most cases. The only bargains to be found in the last two years are the smaller airports where Allegiant Air flies. Otherwise, the flight costs as much as 7 or 8 days at sea. My daughter -- who was given the choice -- picked Puerto Rico. She's fluent in Spanish, and probably wanted more language exposure on the ship.